Export capacity remains a challenge in the airfreight sector, along with rates being upsold when it comes to the American services, says Chilton Corrigall, CFR Freight airfreight route developer.This has increased the need for innovative solutions from logistics operators serving the region.According to Megan Ekermans, airfreight rates manager, the cancellation of passenger air travel over the past year has resulted in congestion at air cargo terminals. "The reduction in commercial air capacity dramatically reduced the available capacity to move freight, which is now primarily being moved via freighter or charter service. Terminals are receiving an increase of freight, pushing demand to an all-time high and, combined with labour shortages, we are seeing a two-week delay in the recovery of cargo at airport terminals such as Chicago.”In addition, changes to export screening standards have created backlogs and congestion at terminals, which is exacerbated by lack of warehouse capabilities. The result is that carriers have to screen shipments because some shippers are not partnering with freight forwarders who are able to facilitate the screening of cargo.“The increased screening has negatively impacted the terminal timelines. Where previously they had a 48-hour take-off window for freight, this has now been reduced to a mere 12 hours – and if any problems are encountered during the screening or transportation to the terminal, congestion will follow.”Despite the challenges the outlook for the region from an airfreight perspective is extremely positive. “With a weekly consolidation on offer, we are able to provide a solution to the market, and with our negotiated rates we are able to remain competitive in the constantly changing market,” explained Ekermans.Commenting on trends, Corrigall said the ongoing ocean congestion and lack of equipment were pushing larger shipments to airfreight which was already under pressure and backlogged. “Air capacity remains our biggest challenge. Passenger and widebody aircraft out of the United States is still only at 50% of what it was pre-Covid-19."
