Logistics managers with time-critical cargo on their hands may opt for charter option

When evaluating the relative merits of air cargo providers shippers are starting to look at expedited charters

The Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) reported today that its Freight Transportation Services Index (TSI) increased 0.1 percent from October to November.

As noted in recent news, air cargo demand has fallen off just when 2012 was being ushered in.

Following a December ruling by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) focused commercial airline pilot scheduling, which provides pilots with a longer opportunity for rest before entering the cockpit, union groups representing pilots at FedEx and UPS have spoken out about how the rule does not apply to air cargo operators.

The International Air Transport Association announced global traffic results for November showing a weaker air cargo market compared to levels attained earlier in the year.

While analysts say rates across the board are forecast to be fairly level compared to what shippers have seen over the past two years, they add that there are a number of unanswered economic and regulatory questions that could greatly affect rates if suddenly resolved.

Our January issue features one of our most anticipated reports, Logistics Management’s Annual Rate Outlook. Not only has it traditionally been one of our best-read reports—second online only to our Annual Salary Survey—but over the past seven years the related webcast has attracted thousands of shippers looking for insight into what the coming year may hold in terms of rates and capacity.

Air cargo operators are not required to comply within this rule, as it would be too costly compared to the benefits generated in this portion of the industry, according to the FAA.

DHL Global Forwarding, a subsidiary of global logistics and express delivery provider Deutsche Post DHL focused on air and ocean freight, has made it clear it is committed to expanding its presence in the United States market.