News / Airport congestion and staff shortages means cargo is not getting picked up

© Jaromír Chalabala

Attempts by air cargo handlers to encourage forwarders to pick up freight at weekends are failing, according to two senior handling sources.

While the congestion at several airports, notably Amsterdam and Chicago O’Hare, has eased, handlers claim one of the biggest issues is lack of freight movements between Friday and Monday.

“We are experiencing cargo not being picked up by forwarders – that’s a sweeping statement, but in general, dwell times are increasing,” said Robert Fordree, head of cargo for Menzies. “Forwarders are ...