Air & Ocean Partners

Air and Ocean Partners, also called AOP, is a worldwide network of independent freight forwarders in air and ocean freight, run from Germany by the company Gross + Fuchs.

The network gives its members a framework for their daily business. Companies that join become part of a group of forwarders that work with each other and help each other grow. AOP says it hand-selects its agencies. They cover all five continents, in both major and niche markets. A news post reported 253 member offices covering 112 countries.

AOP lists four main benefits for members. The first is reliability. The second is a shipment obligation among members. The third is an invoice and shipment report. The fourth is networking, which includes the chance to meet other members face to face.

There are two types of membership. Full members appear on the member list and can log in to a members area. There is also an associated membership option. Forwarders that want to join can apply through the website.

The network holds a yearly conference. The 22nd conference took place in Berlin, and the 23rd was planned for Prague. The Prague event was set up with a welcome party, an opening speech and a full day of one-to-one meetings between members. These meetings are the main way members find new partners.

The network is run by Air and Ocean Partners GmbH, with Gross + Fuchs named as the company behind it.

Services

• Freight forwarder network
• Air freight partner network
• Ocean freight partner network
• Member networking conferences
• Associated membership