News / Airfreight handlers hit by double-whammy of labour shortages and rising costs

The surge in air cargo volumes in 2017 and 2018 has pushed up yields for airlines, but cargo handlers are struggling with significant cost increases.

In North America, tight warehouse capacity has filled many facilities to the rafters, but double-digit salary hikes for the staff inside are hurting airfreight handlers.

For one large multinational handler, 2018 was a bumper year, with most of its US warehouses full, but the company has experienced pressure on wages, reported a senior executive.

And it’s a predicament ...