cool chain


until it reaches its destination,” Verkooy advised. “The processes are the same at all our perishable handling stations,” he continued, whatever their size. Another side of the air freight industry’s perishables


sector is critical – the work of the on-airport handler. One of the biggest in the business is Swissport and John Batten, executive vice president global cargo at the Zurich-based company, explains: “The need for the right facilities and proper coordination in the facility between customer, airline and handling agent is primary. “Any failure or poor management leads to non-


conformance and possible failure in the supply chain,” he warned. “Doing it right the first time is essential in this arena, as failure results in the spoiling of the goods.” Batten pointed out: “The inconsistency of perishable


freight forwarder booking weights and volumes is a problem. This is often compounded by late cancellations from the forwarders, causing airlines and cargo handlers to lose potential revenue.” Furthermore: “Packaging quality has deteriorated in


In the latter category is Bangkok-based KC Fresh. Company president Chusak Chuenprayoth believes that the potential weak link in the cool chain is not the agent but the airline. “Many carriers still lack experience of how to handle perishable cargo,” he argues. And in the former category


Forsyth: “it is … interesting to note how the market is changing”


is the global concern Kuehne + Nagel (K+N). The likes of K+N may not have the advantages of a smaller, niche forwarder, but they most certainly have the benefit of


scale. According to K+N global air freight director perishables logistics Dennis Verkooy: “We have a global concept.” He considers that, while local


forwarders may have a history in the region and many good contacts, K+N can offer its customers a door-to-door service, often-times the lowest prices, and a single contact for the shipper whatever the final destination. Moreover, he and his colleagues offer full track-


and-trace visibility, ongoing contact with the shipper and a number of phased quality control checks. “We are responsible for the consignment


Batten: “the need for the right facilities … is primary”


recent years, as more perishables are loaded in recycled materials as a result of cost-saving initiatives. With these types of packaging materials, the more the perishables are handled in the logistics supply chain, the more we are at risk of damages.” But the handler is not helpless in the face of these


problems, Batten observed. In general: “The carrier and handling agent need to engage more and also include the carrier’s customer in coordination meetings,” he noted. “In these meetings, the timing of


the goods, aircraft and handling requirements (such as correct storage


temperatures) need to be discussed, along with arranging pre-advisors


from the customer and notifications of changes/delays.”


CHANGING BUSINESS


Adding to the challenge for all concerned, the business of handling perishable


goods is changing. For example, at BA World Cargo Forsyth observes: “While we continue to ensure we are up to date with the latest products and processes, it is perhaps interesting to note how the market is changing and the different products we are dealing with.” Moreover, Forsyth


AIR LOGISTICSCHINA 27


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