Investing in Space

Demand for imports from the Far East peak dramatically at various times each year, particularly in the run-up to the year end. Air freight capacity is severely stretched during this period as importers scramble to get product into the UK before Christmas.

As demand outstrips supply, many companies find that their shipments are 'shut out' by airlines that either cannot, or will not, accept their shipments.

While smaller forwarders and importers bear the brunt of these space shortages, no one is immune to their effects and even the volume guarantees that Allport and the other major forwarders have in place do not protect unplanned shipments, or surges in demand.

Several years ago senior management at Allport decided to initiate contingency plans to cover those consignments not covered by the volume guarantees during the busiest periods.

In 2005 this took the form of 14 planes chartered at a cost of $4m to safeguard space up to the end of November.

A commitment to our customers, provided at the same cost as their usual air freight, which is already in place for 2006.