Alaska Air Cargo Introduces Simplified All-in Pricing for Customers

SEATTLE, March 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — Alaska Air Cargo today announced a new simplified pricing model designed to provide a straight forward shipping experience from start to finish. With this new structure, two current surcharges will be rolled into Alaska’s base rates and customers will now be only charged by freight weight and a single screening fee. With more predictable pricing throughout the year, customers can easily estimate and manage shipping costs. The simplified pricing structure goes into effect today.

"As the only major US carrier to operate freighters, Alaska Air Cargo plays a critical role in moving freight throughout the country," said Jason Berry, managing director of Alaska Air Cargo. "Simplifying the rate structure has been a top request of our customers and is the next step in the transformation of our cargo business."

Surcharges, fluctuating fuel prices and fees have made calculating the total cost of shipping cargo complex. Offering simplified pricing will make it easier to determine the cost to do business and eliminate the swings and variability created by ever-changing fuel prices. In addition to changes to the pricing structure, several business processes will be automated later in 2016, greatly reducing the time it takes to process a shipment.

The new pricing program is one of a series of changes Alaska Air Cargo has made in the past year, including expanding service to 10 new markets . In early 2017, the carrier expects to take delivery of retrofitted 737-700  passenger aircraft that will be added to its fleet as freighters. The change to an all-freighter cargo fleet will allow Alaska Air Cargo to increase its main deck shipping capacity by 15 percent, better serving the cargo needs of the communities throughout the state of Alaska and lower 48. The -700s are more fuel efficient and can fly more than 1,000 nautical miles beyond the range of a 737-400. A draft schedule is expected to be available later this year.

About Alaska Air Cargo
Alaska Air Cargo transports more than 170 million pounds of cargo annually—including seafood, mail and freight. From Boston to Barrow, Austin to Adak, or Kona to Kodiak, Alaska Air Cargo serves over 85 destinations in North America while providing a variety of reliable shipping services to get cargo where it needs to be safe and on time.

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For more news and information, visit the Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air Newsroom at www.alaskaair.com/newsroom.

SOURCE Alaska Air Group