Mission Impossible: A Special Logistics Journey of Air Cargo Across the War Zone

5. Experiences Learned

This Ukraine project, carried out in a special region during a special time, presented significant challenges and high demands. 

In addition to managing routine tasks like transshipment, customs clearance, duty payments, and unloading, there were also special issues such as security, wartime border crossings, and pre-registration of vehicles.

Here are some experiences we’d like to share:

First, we secured charter flight space a week in advance, ensuring access to the most critical air freight resources.

Second, proper packaging is crucial. The cargo passed through four countries and was loaded and unloaded 10 times. Only with proper packaging could we ensure the goods arrived safely and undamaged.

Third, for goods containing batteries, it’s important to prepare the certification reports for embedded batteries according to IATA safety regulations in advance.

And lastly, and most importantly: move large air freight shipments in one batch.

When an air freight forwarder receives a shipment weighing more than 20 tons, they usually recommend splitting the cargo across multiple flights due to limited space. However, with enough experience, an agent can coordinate with airlines and other partners to consolidate resources and transport everything on one flight, which is the optimal solution.