News / Efficient cargo handling now key for forwarders when choosing airlines

Jaromír Chalabala

Forwarders will stop using airlines with poor cargo handling contracts and have blamed carriers for failing to invest sufficiently, adding to congestion problems and delayed import cargo.

While handlers continue to invest in infrastructure – this week Swissport has rented a 36,000 sq ft facility at Heathrow in a 10-year lease – poor airline contracts are failing their customers, especially in congested airports, claim forwarders.

“What’s causing problems for us is ground handling, especially at Heathrow,” said one air freight forwarder.

“The dwell times are long. It’s partly because ...