Ruth Haines
Collecting cargo from the airport involves several steps and careful planning to ensure the cargo is delivered safely and securely. Cargo handling is a critical aspect of the supply chain, encompassing the processes from delivery at the origin airport to loading, unloading at the destination, and handover to the recipient. UPS Air Cargo, for instance, offers airport-to-airport cargo services to numerous airports globally, providing access to key transportation centres. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is another notable example, serving as a trade gateway between Asia and North America and offering connections to various destinations. Understanding the specific procedures, such as those outlined in the IATA Cargo Handling Manual, is essential for efficient cargo collection from airports.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cargo collection process | Cargo is collected by a freight forwarding truck from the carrier's domain and then transferred to the freight forwarder hub where it is unloaded and checked. |
| Cargo handling | Cargo handling is the segment of the supply chain that processes goods landside in the cargo facility. It involves many steps that must be closely followed to ensure shipments are delivered safely and securely. |
| Cargo handling regulations | The IATA Cargo Handling Manual outlines the rules and regulations that cargo and ground handling personnel must comply with. |
| Cargo services | UPS Air Cargo provides airport-to-airport cargo service to over 90 U.S. airports and over 120 international airports. |
| Cargo hub location | The location of the cargo hub can impact its market catchment area and flight times to other cargo hubs. For example, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) serves as a gateway for cargo between Asia and North America. |
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What You'll Learn
Cargo handling processes
Cargo handling is a critical component of the supply chain, encompassing the processes that occur from the delivery of goods at the airport of origin to their unloading at the destination airport. This intricate process involves numerous steps to ensure the secure and timely delivery of shipments.
The cargo handling process begins with the arrival of the freight forwarding truck at the carrier's domain. The truck driver informs the Cargo Handling Agent of their arrival, and the carrier domain receives the goods. Prior to this, the carrier domain should have received relevant information about the shipment, which is why electronic filing is recommended. Once the truck arrives, an unloading slot and position are assigned based on the nature of the goods, such as dangerous goods, live animals, or healthcare products.
After the goods are unloaded, airport cargo and ground handling personnel must ensure that the shipments are security-cleared and perform a ready-for-carriage check. This involves verifying that the shipment information aligns with the actual contents and ensuring compliance with any embargoes and operational restrictions. These steps are crucial to meet the requirements for shipping goods by air.
Once the goods are cleared for transport, they are loaded onto the aircraft according to a load plan, with special arrangements noted for any special cargo. Any discrepancies between the loaded cargo and the flight manifest must be addressed before departure. The IATA Cargo Handling Manual (ICHM) provides a comprehensive guide to the best practices for airline stakeholders, covering all working instructions from shipper to consignee.
Upon arrival at the destination airport, the cargo is unloaded and transferred to a freight forwarder hub, where it undergoes further checks. The goods are then dispatched via a Forwarder Branch Facility and handed over to the consignee for final delivery to the customer. These steps ensure that cargo is securely transported from the shipper to the intended recipient.
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Cargo facility location
Cargo facilities are an essential part of the airport ecosystem, handling the unloading, checking, and delivery of goods transported by air. These facilities are typically located within close proximity to the airport to facilitate efficient cargo handling and ensure adherence to safety protocols. Here is an overview of the cargo facility locations and their roles:
- Airport Cargo Hubs: These are dedicated areas within the airport premises that serve as central points for cargo operations. They are often located near the cargo aircraft parking areas to facilitate easy loading and unloading of goods. Ground handling personnel operate in these areas, ensuring the safe and efficient transfer of cargo to and from the aircraft.
- Freight Forwarder Hubs: Freight forwarders play a crucial role in the cargo supply chain. Their facilities are located near the airport to receive goods from carriers. These hubs serve as intermediate points where goods are unloaded, checked, and processed before being dispatched to their final destinations.
- Forwarder Branch Facilities: Before reaching the consignee or end customer, cargo often passes through forwarder branch facilities. These facilities are typically located in strategic locations, including major cities or transport hubs, to facilitate the final delivery leg of the journey.
- Specialized Cargo Facilities: Certain types of cargo, such as dangerous goods, live animals, healthcare products, and perishable goods, require specialized handling and storage. Airports often have designated areas or facilities to accommodate these specific cargo types, ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory requirements.
- International Cargo Hubs: Some airports serve as international cargo hubs, catering to the movement of goods between continents. For example, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) acts as a gateway for cargo between Asia and North America, offering daily non-stop services to numerous domestic and international destinations.
- Regional Cargo Facilities: Regional airports often have cargo facilities that cater to the specific needs of their local communities and industries. These facilities may include dedicated spaces for perishables, e-commerce shipments, or unique cargo requirements specific to the region they serve.
The location of cargo facilities is strategically designed to streamline the movement of goods, ensuring timely and secure deliveries. Each facility plays a specific role in the larger cargo supply chain, contributing to the efficient handling and transportation of air cargo.
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Cargo unloading process
The cargo unloading process at an airport involves several steps and a range of ground support equipment. Firstly, it's important to note that cargo handling refers to the segment of the supply chain that processes goods landside in the cargo facility. This involves the delivery at the airport of origin, loading onto the plane, unloading at the destination, and the handover to the consignee/freight forwarder.
The unloading process itself begins with the arrival of the freight forwarding truck at the carrier's domain. The truck driver informs the Cargo Handling Agent of their arrival, and the carrier domain receives the goods. The Cargo Handling Agent should have received specific information in advance, which is why electronic filing is recommended. Once the information has been received and the truck has arrived, an unloading slot and position will be assigned to the driver. Different slots are assigned according to the type of goods, such as dangerous goods, live animals, ULDs, or healthcare products.
After the goods are unloaded from the truck, they are typically transferred to a freight forwarder hub, where they are unloaded, checked, and dispatched via a Forwarder Branch Facility before being handed to the Consignee for final delivery to the customer.
In terms of equipment, belt loaders are commonly used for unloading cargo. These are essentially mobile conveyor belts installed on a boom with an adjustable inclination to match the height of the aircraft cargo compartment. The conveyor belt can rotate in both directions for loading and unloading, and it has a rubber bumper to prevent damage to the aircraft. One or two team members unload baggage from baggage carts onto the belt loader manually. An operator inside the aircraft cargo compartment then receives the baggage and organises it accordingly.
Unit Load Devices (ULDs) are also used during the unloading process. These are standardised containers for storing aircraft baggage or cargo, with specific dimensions based on the design of the cargo compartments of compatible aircraft types. Each ULD has a unique code indicating its type, serial number, and owner information. ULDs save time by bundling baggage into fewer handling units that are easier to unload, and they also simplify the organisation of baggage inside cargo compartments.
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Cargo collection times
Cargo Handling Processes:
At the origin airport, cargo handling involves several steps to ensure the safe and secure transportation of goods. These steps are outlined in the Master Operating Plan (MOP), which includes 19 main processes and 78 sub-processes. The processes involve delivering the cargo to the airport, loading it onto the plane, unloading it at the destination airport, and handing it over to the consignee or freight forwarder. Each of these steps can impact the overall cargo collection time.
Airport Size and Capacity:
The size and capacity of the airport facilities also play a role in cargo collection times. Larger airports with multiple runways and efficient handling systems can generally handle higher volumes of cargo and maintain timely operations. On the other hand, smaller one-runway airports may experience capacity limitations during peak periods, leading to potential delays in cargo collection times.
Traffic Conditions:
Traffic congestion is a significant factor affecting cargo collection times. Peak traffic on airport approach roads often coincides with suburban rush hours, making it challenging to forecast journey times during these periods. Delays can occur due to congestion on runways, taxiways, aprons, terminal buildings, parking areas, internal roads, and public transport access points. Therefore, it is essential to consider the potential impact of traffic conditions when planning cargo collections.
Specialized Carriers and Small-Package Cargo:
The nature of the cargo and the type of carrier can also influence collection times. Specialized carriers, such as FedEx, offer door-to-door delivery of small packages, and their cargo terminals operate separately from conventional air-cargo terminals. These packages are typically cleared overnight, and the expedited handling can impact overall collection times.
Overall, the efficiency of cargo collection times relies on effective coordination between various airport facilities, ground handling personnel, freight forwarders, and consignees. Each airport's unique characteristics and operational processes contribute to the variability of cargo collection durations. Therefore, staying informed about the specific procedures and potential challenges at the airport of interest is essential for optimizing collection timings.
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Cargo transportation options
- Air Cargo Services: Companies like UPS Air Cargo offer airport-to-airport cargo services to a wide range of domestic and international airports. They provide reliable and fast transportation for freight shipments, including perishable goods, with a money-back guarantee for on-time arrival. UPS also offers a comprehensive hub-and-spoke network, providing access to key transportation centers across the US and beyond.
- Freight Forwarding: Freight forwarders act as intermediaries between the shipper and the transport provider. They organize the transportation of goods from one place to another, often using a combination of transport modes. Freight forwarders typically have a network of contacts and expertise in logistics, ensuring efficient and cost-effective cargo transportation.
- Cargo Airlines: Some airlines specialize in cargo transportation, offering dedicated cargo flights. These airlines often have wide-body aircraft with large cargo capacities, accommodating various types of cargo, including oversized shipments. They may also provide specialized services for sensitive or hazardous goods.
- Passenger Airlines: In addition to cargo airlines, passenger airlines also carry cargo in the belly hold of their aircraft. This option is suitable for smaller shipments or when speed is not a critical factor. Passenger airlines with wide-body fleets can offer significant belly cargo capacity, connecting major cargo hubs worldwide.
- Road Freight: For the final leg of the journey, cargo is often transported by road from the airport to its final destination. This may involve specialized trucks or vans, depending on the size and nature of the cargo. Ground handling personnel ensure a smooth transition from airport to road transport, adhering to safety protocols and cargo handling procedures.
When choosing a cargo transportation option, it is essential to consider factors such as cost, speed, reliability, and the specific requirements of your cargo, such as temperature control or hazardous material handling. Additionally, working with reputable companies that adhere to industry standards and regulations can ensure the safe and secure delivery of your goods.
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Frequently asked questions
Cargo collection processes vary from airport to airport and depend on the type of cargo. Contact the relevant airport for specific details.
UPS Air Cargo provides airport-to-airport cargo service to over 90 US airports, including Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), which ranks in the top 20 cargo airports in North America.
Cargo handling involves many steps to ensure shipments are delivered safely and securely. It includes the delivery at the airport of origin, loading on the plane, unloading at the destination, and handover to the consignee/freight forwarder.
Once the freight forwarding truck arrives at the carrier's domain, the driver informs the Cargo Handling Agent of their arrival. An unloading slot and position are assigned, and the goods are then unloaded and checked.
You can track your cargo shipment using the Air Waybill number provided by the carrier. This allows you to pinpoint the exact location of your shipment during transit.
