‘Aware exporters about benefits of releasing cargo during non-peak hours to ease congestion’

Debajyoti Bagchi, Vice President, Business Development, TT Group said, “All air cargo stakeholders expect their shipments to be offloaded at the air cargo complex immediately upon truck arrival. However, most airlines operate during premium slots allocated at peak hours, creating a sense of urgency on the shop floor. This results in a rush for offloading, panic if cargo misses connections, delays in screening and buildup, resource shortages, potential cargo damage, and onboard no-fit situations. A small process change can make a significant impact if effectively implemented and accepted by exporters. Currently, non-peak hours remain underutilized. Custodians can introduce attractive concessions to encourage stakeholders to shift operations to off-peak times, optimizing existing manpower. Raising awareness among exporters about the benefits of releasing cargo earlier can further ease congestion. Concerns regarding free period adjustments can be addressed through negotiations with custodians to ensure fair compensation. While this approach may not provide an immediate solution, it presents a viable strategy to alleviate bottlenecks at cargo terminals.”