When it comes to your airfreight, I know one thing for sure – your cargo has special importance and is of a time-sensitive nature. Come back every month to this thought leadership site where I’ll break down the latest news, views, and trends – all things airfreight.
John McDonald
Senior Vice President, Head of Air Product USA at DB Schenker
Enhancing Air Cargo Security: DB Schenker’s Canine Detectives Sniff Out Prohibited Shipments
You’ve got to hear about this buzz from across the pond. DB Schenker UK is taking things up a notch to ensure airfreight safety, and guess who’s stealing the spotlight? Explosive detection dogs.
Think back to the history of aviation threats and challenges. These dogs are stepping up as the first line of defense, ensuring the safety and integrity of our civil aviation. Our massive airfreight and passenger aviation network connects us to the world, and these dogs are on a mission to ensure that everyone’s cargo is free from potential threats. They undergo intensive training – we’re talking months – becoming experts in detecting explosives.
Remember, cargo and passenger planes have different rules. It’s like solving a puzzle to ensure security for all types of flights. When it comes to our buzzing trade scene – solid supply chains are a must. These dogs are right in the mix, smoothing out cargo screening so products flow without a hitch.
“The speed and accuracy of the screening they undertake has become an essential part of our operation and they give us a reliable method of detecting certain items which would otherwise prove difficult using other approaches,” said DB Schenker’s UK aviation security manager, Ian Dallow.
These clever canines can detect anything suspicious in such shipments much faster than human searches. This skill turbocharges the screening process, ensuring a swift and smooth flow of customer goods. The dogs don’t stop at regular airfreight shipments — Their sharp sense of smell comes in handy for inspecting oversized airfreight, too big for X-ray machines.
When it comes to aviation safety, every layer of precaution is paramount. DB Schenker holds a crucial role in upholding the highest standards of security. Our dedication to implementing innovative solutions like explosive detection dogs showcases our commitment not only to the seamless flow of goods but also to the safety of our passengers, flight crews, and ground personnel.
Speaking of security, last week Joe Jaska penned an insightful post on tackling freight fraud. Just as we’re committed to ensuring the safety of our airfreight, we’re also focused on safeguarding our operations from fraudulent activities that can undermine the integrity of our industry. It’s another step in our journey towards a more secure and reliable global transportation network, so be sure to learn more about DB Schenker’s Trade Solutions.
Cargo-Centric Airports Surpass Competitors in Passenger Traffic
Here’s the scoop from a recent study by DePaul University on domestic cargo traffic across 16 different airports.
The study revealed that airports with a dedicated focus on cargo are outshining their counterparts trying to manage both passengers and cargo. These cargo-loving airports are like the new cool kids on the aviation block, thanks to their flexibility, fewer traffic jams, plenty of space, wallet-friendly fees, and speedy customs procedures.
These aren’t your average airports – they’re cargo powerhouses that have been blowing up over the last four years. Think about it, these specialized airports saw their cargo traffic skyrocket by a whopping 53.6%, while those multitasking airports saw just 2.4% growth, and all the other airports across the U.S. managed 12.2% growth.
Top performers like San Bernardino International, Wilmington Air Park, and Chicago Rockford International rocked it, showing off growth of over 4% in their freight volumes. And get this, they didn’t let the drop in global air cargo demand slow them down.
Even with the pandemic chaos, these airports held their own, with cargo volume only dipping by 3.4%. Compare that to the 8.9% drop in those bigger airports trying to do it all and the 9.1% decrease for all the airports in the U.S.
The secret sauce? Integrated express carriers. They are more inelastic to fluctuations in demand than general cargo and operate on fixed schedules every day to meet delivery commitments, no matter if the planes are full or not.
Some airports are finding success by working with big-name carriers, while those big mixed-use airports are enjoying the perks of having more airlines on their side and that sweet harmony between passenger and cargo action. It’s good to know there are options for doing business in the skies.
If you’re ready to ship but unsure where to start, DB Schenker has a solution for you. By using our fully integrated IoT platform, AirTrack, you can know precisely where your shipment is, its condition, and what time it will arrive.
Happy flying! Be sure to check back soon for all the latest developments in air cargo.
