Aerodoc offers the flexibility to choose between modular, customizable services or a fully managed solution that centralizes the entire operation.
Among Aerodoc’s wide range of logistics solutions, the pick-and-choose concept surges from the customer’s ability to tailor each operation, choosing only the services needed based on the type of cargo, destination, industry, and regulatory complexity.
Unlike the one-stop-shop approach, where Aerodoc managed the entire logistics operation, the pick-and-choose model allows customers to configure their own solution from Aerodoc’s service portfolio, without paying for unnecessary services. This flexibility is especially valuable for projects with limited resources, pre-established local operators, or particular logistics needs.
Pick-and-Choose: Flexibility as a Service
The pick-and-choose format allows companies to choose specific services according to their needs. This approach is perfect for businesses seeking flexibility. Instead of signing on for a comprehensive logistics solution, they can pick and pay only for the services they truly need—such as international transportation, inventory handling, customs clearance, or temporary storage.
How does pick-and-choose work?
The advantage of pick-and-choose is customization. Companies can build their own “menu” of logistics services from the wide range of options offered by Aerodoc. This involves:
- Modular selection. Customers can choose individual services such as air or ocean freight, customs management, destination warehousing, or even last-mile logistics, among others.
- Cost optimization. Companies can lower operational costs and improve profitability by paying only for what’s needed.
- Control over the supply chain. The ability to pick specific providers and services allows companies to tailor operations to their internal strategies and capabilities.
For instance, a tech company distributing electronic components across different countries might use Aerodoc solely for import and customs clearance, while managing storage and final distribution in-house.
When is pick-and-choose the right fit?
- Specialized projects. When logistics needs are highly specific and require tailor-made solutions.
- Companies with existing infrastructure. Organizations with their own warehouses or internal teams managing specific processes.
- Resource optimization. Ideal for companies operating on tighter budgets.
Advantages and Challenges of Pick-and-Choose
Advantages:
- Total flexibility. Customers can adapt services to the exact needs of their projects.
- Cost savings. Avoiding unnecessary services reduces overall expenses.
- Greater control. Choosing each phase individually allows for tighter control over the supply chain.
Challenges:
- Complex coordination. Working with multiple providers can complicate logistics management.
- Fragmented responsibility. Managing warranties and resolving issues can be more complex with several points of contact.
- System integration. Ensuring compatibility across different providers’ management systems is essential.
One-Stop Shop: A Comprehensive and Efficient Solution
The one-stop-shop model is built around a fully integrated logistics solution, with a single provider managing every aspect of the supply chain, including international transportation, warehousing, regulatory compliance, and final delivery. This approach particularly appeals to companies seeking simplification, efficiency, and risk reduction in logistics operations.
How does the one-stop-shop model work?
With a global presence across all continents, Aerodoc acts as the customer’s single point of contact, managing all logistics processes under centralized coordination. This includes:
- Import and customs. Aerodoc acts as the Importer of Record (IOR), handling all legal and tax responsibilities associated with the import process and ensuring full compliance with local regulations.
- Warehousing and inventory management. Through its Warehouse Managed Services (WMS), Aerodoc offers short- and long-term storage solutions at strategic hubs, with real-time stock control, customized inventory management, picking, packing, repacking, and labeling—fully integrated with e-commerce platforms.
- International and domestic transportation. Aerodoc manages the entire multimodal transportation chain (air, ocean, and ground), from origin to final destination, including freight consolidation, international bookings, insurance, transit time management, and full traceability.
- Last-mile delivery and white glove service. In complex or sensitive destinations, Aerodoc handles last-mile deliveries with security protocols, precise scheduling, and specialized services such as White Glove Delivery, on-site installation, and high-value or fragile cargo handling.
- Compliance, licenses, and pre-clearance documentation. Aerodoc conducts pre-shipment inspections (Physical Inspection) to ensure that documentation, declared values, licenses, and permits comply with local requirements, reducing the risk of delays or penalties.
- End-to-end management of international projects. Aerodoc designs and executes tailored solutions for customers operating simultaneously in multiple countries, with centralized coordination and certified partners in each region. This allows for a “glocal” approach: global vision, local execution.
A real-world example
A professional AV integrator must distribute technical equipment—such as sound consoles, projectors, LED screens, and control systems—for corporate auditorium setups across multiple Latin American countries. Without legal or operational infrastructure in each market, the company opts for Aerodoc’s one-stop-shop service.
Aerodoc handles everything: acting as Importer of Record, managing customs clearance, temporarily storing the cargo in regional hubs, consolidating all project components, and coordinating last-mile delivery with White Glove services—including on-site delivery, at the scheduled time, with the client’s technical teams. Additionally, Aerodoc ensures that all products carry the electrical and telecommunications certifications required in each country.
The result: the customer avoids customs delays, doesn’t need to establish local entities, and meets all installation deadlines without budget or time overruns.
When is a one-stop shop the right choice?
- Complex, multinational operations. This is for companies requiring advanced coordination across multiple services and destinations.
- Time-critical projects. When delivery times and precision are key to success.
- Expanding into new markets. Ideal for businesses entering new international markets without setting up local entities.
Advantages and Challenges of a One-Stop Shop
Advantages:
- Operational simplicity. A single point of contact reduces logistics management complexity.
- Risk reduction. Full-service management ensures compliance and minimizes the risk of penalties and delays.
- Cost and time efficiency. Centralized coordination helps leverage economies of scale and optimize transit times.
Pick-and-Choose vs. One-Stop-Shop: Which to Choose?
The choice between these two approaches depends on several factors:
- Project size and complexity. Large, multinational projects benefit from the one-stop-shop model, while smaller or more specialized projects may find a pick-and-choose the right fit.
- Control and specialization. Companies seeking detailed oversight of specific supply chain elements often prefer a pick-and-choose approach. Those prioritizing simplification and end-to-end efficiency typically opt for a one-stop shop.
- Internal management capabilities. Pick-and-choose may offer more value if a company has a strong in-house logistics team. If not, a one-stop shop simplifies operations.
Q&A
- What does “pick-and-choose” mean in Aerodoc’s logistics model? Pick-and-choose allows companies to select only the spe cific logistics services they need from Aerodoc’s portfolio. Customers can tailor the solution to fit each project, whether it’s customs clearance, Importer of Record (IOR), international shipping, or warehousing.
- What does the one-stop-shop model include? Aerodoc’s one-stop-shop solution is a fully managed logistics service that handles the entire operation. From international transport and import compliance to warehousing, inventory management, and final-mile delivery — Aerodoc oversees every step.
- When should a company choose one model over the other? It depends on the project’s complexity, geography, and internal capabilities. Businesses that need simplicity, full coordination, or are entering multiple markets often benefit from the one-stop-shop model. Those managing part of their logistics internally or with local resources may prefer the flexibility of pick-and-choose. Both models are valid — it’s about what works best for the current operation.
- Are these separate services or part of the same offering? They’re part of the same service ecosystem. Aerodoc provides a full range of logistics solutions; the difference lies in how much of the process the customer wants to outsource. It’s not about two different packages but how the services are combined and deployed to suit each client.
- What’s the real advantage of offering both models? It allows businesses to scale logistics services up or down, adapt quickly to changing needs, and stay compliant without overcommitting resources. Whether you need full support or just help with one step in the process, Aerodoc offers a structure that flexes with your goals.
