News / Air cargo rates take off and freight piles up in China as shippers switch from sea

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In signs reminiscent of the 2009 air freight peak, forwarders in Asia are reporting an air cargo backlog in Hong Kong and Shenzhen, which is showing no signs of easing.

Despite more than 15 air freight charters booked in the last few days space remains tight – and prices are continuing to rise.

“Airlines have been waiting for this since 2009, and they keep increasing the rate on a weekly basis,” said James Gagne, chief operating officer of SEKO Logistics.

“Ocean freight is ...