Specialized Handling in Air Cargo: Yes, It's A Big Deal!

The recent incident involving American Airlines and the mishandling of a wheelchair at Miami International Airport has cast a spotlight on a critical issue in the air cargo industry. This event underscores the importance of specialized care in handling sensitive cargo, particularly mobility devices. While Pelicargo may not directly influence the physical handling of cargo, our role as a key player in the air cargo industry positions us to spearhead awareness and advocate for change, bringing together all key players to collectively improve standards and practices.

The Current State of Mobility Device Handling in Air Cargo

The statistics on mobility device handling in air cargo are alarming, with more than 31 wheelchairs damaged, delayed, or lost each day by airline workers. This situation highlights not only operational challenges but also the need for a more empathetic and responsible approach to handling cargo that is essential to the lives of many individuals.

Why Handling Cargo & Luggage is Challenging

At Pelicargo, we understand the challenges of cargo handling firsthand and a lot of the challenges stem from the physical setup of aircraft and the types of cargo that is routinely moved.

Insights from our team members, seasoned experts in the industry, reveal the situation clearly.

Maruf Alikhan, an industry veteran and Pelicargo's Director of Air Cargo, brings to light the physical constraints in these aircraft: "On narrowbody aircraft like a B737 or A320, which represents the bulk of the US fleet, cargo handling is so difficult because the cargo compartments are very short making loading heavy cargo incredibly difficult."

On most of these aircraft, the cargo compartments are less than 48in height meaning a person cannot fully stand up while loading the plane. Compared to the cargo, which can be nearly 300lbs per piece, these dimensions make challenging to safely load the plane.

Pelicargo's Advocacy for Enhanced Industry Standards

While Pelicargo's digital and automated marketplace primarily facilitates the matching of cargo with capacity, we recognize our broader responsibility to advocate for improved handling of sensitive cargo. We aim to use our platform to foster a culture of care and respect for mobility devices, encouraging all industry players to prioritize the safe and respectful handling of such items.

As with any challenge, there are often multiple facets of potential solutions including technical options for the aircraft, process changes for the ground handling agents, packing improvements for the shippers, and product offerings from the carriers.

Aircraft Solutions to Improve Handling

Loading an aircraft does not have to be so difficult and many carriers have elected in recent year to upgrade the cargo holds of their aircraft to improve the situation for there partners.

We see many carriers, especially in Europe, order their narrowbod aircraft either containerized or with improved loading tracks on them to 'slide' containers full of cargo/luggage or the items themselves in. A containerized solution means that the cargo is loaded into fit-for-purpose boxes designed for the aircraft which can slide easily preventing the need for manual hand loading.

These options allow airlines to both fit more cargo but also makes their options safer - a win-win with a clear payback period for the investment.

How to Pack for Improved Handling

Part of the burden of handling, certain lies with the shipper of any cargo. At the end of the day, the cargo or equipment, is still moving in an aircraft subject to manual or automated loading, in flight turbelance and vibration, and transport to and from the airports.

The safe packing of cargo for air freight is vital and this is why Pelicargo always recommends working with a certified IATA air freight forwarder for shipments. These companies are experts in packing for air freight and can ensure cargo moves from origin to destination safetly. This is not always possible for items such as personal mobility devices but we encourage people to research cases, labels, and packing material that are available to best move their precious cargo.

Innovative Solutions and Best Practices

Pelicargo is dedicated to promoting innovative solutions and best practices within the industry. Our approach includes advocating for the use of technology to automate and streamline processes, ensuring the quick and safe handling of mobility devices. We also support continuous training and awareness programs for all stakeholders, ensuring they are equipped to handle specialized cargo responsibly.

Airline Product Levels and Handling Options

Many airlines also sell different cargo service levels for their flights similar to economy, comfort, business, and first for their passenger campaigns.

As when flying on the plane, airlines improve the service when shippers elect to upgrade their flights. For cargo requiring special handling, we would recommend upgrading to Express or Premium cargo service as airlines will often pack these items in dedicated containers for shipping outside of the normal freight and have dedicated support teams to track and monitor the cargo.

The Impact on Business Relationships and Reputation

In the B2B context, mishandling cargo, in particular mobility devices can significantly impact business relationships and the reputation of the companies involved. Pelicargo understands the importance of maintaining high standards in every transaction and shipment. By advocating for industry-wide improvements, we aim to strengthen business relationships and enhance the reputation of all parties involved.

Conclusion

The incident with American Airlines serves as a wake-up call for the air cargo industry, highlighting the urgent need for improved handling of mobility devices. Pelicargo is at the forefront of advocating for change, ensuring that every piece of cargo, especially those as crucial as mobility devices, receives the care and respect it deserves. Our goal is to catalyze industry-wide action, leading to transformative practices that benefit all stakeholders.

Pelicargo offers key benefits and features for both freight forwarders and airlines. We invite you to request a demo or subscribe to our newsletter for more information on how you can unlock efficiency and sky rocket profits.