Demand for LCL services in the logistics industry is growing.This comes as more and more companies are opting to ship via sea freight amidst major changes in consumer behaviour due to the ongoing Covid pandemic. The pressure on the airfreight industry – where capacity has been compromised due to the lack of passenger f lights – has accelerated this.Glyn Hughes, director general of the International Air Cargo Association (Tiaca), told Freight News international passenger numbers were not expected to return to pre-Covid levels for several years and expectations were that air cargo networks would therefore be equally challenged.According to logistics group Dascher, sea freight groupage in particular has developed into a proven and cost-effective alternative to airfreight.The global shortage of containers, lack of vessel space, and high freight rates are also believed to have spiked the demand for LCL.Global forwarders DB Schenker and Dascher have reported significant increases in demand for consolidation of cargo. Shipping lines have also reported an increase in LCL bookings.
