In today's rapidly globalizing world, air cargo—particularly international air freight—has become a vital link connecting nations. Yet as demand for faster, more efficient logistics grows, the challenges in transportation have become increasingly complex. At the heart of this lies a critical concept: interlining. Let's explore this often-misunderstood aspect of air freight.
Understanding Interline Transport
Simply put, interline transport refers to cargo shipments that require two or more flights to reach their final destination. This method becomes particularly crucial when delivering to smaller or more remote airports. Imagine shipping goods from a Chinese city to a small town in South America without direct flights—interlining becomes the only viable option. Any cargo transported via multiple flights qualifies as interline cargo, essentially meaning transshipped goods.
Interlining vs. Technical Stops: A Crucial Distinction
While discussing interlining, we must address a related but fundamentally different concept: technical stops. Though the terms sound similar, they operate differently. A technical stop occurs when a flight makes an intermediate landing, but the cargo remains onboard, continuing to the final destination. In contrast, interline transport explicitly involves multiple flights where cargo is offloaded and awaits transfer. Properly understanding these concepts is essential for smooth cargo operations.
Key Considerations for Successful Interlining
Several critical factors demand attention when planning interline shipments:
1. Transfer Station Capabilities: Verifying whether the transfer station (interline point) can handle onward carriage is paramount. Operational capabilities can vary dramatically between flight segments. A large freighter might handle the initial leg, while smaller aircraft on subsequent segments could create dimensional mismatches, significantly complicating transport.
2. Weight Management: Single-piece weight specifications require special attention. Cargo deemed acceptable at origin might face different standards at transfer points. Failure to pre-verify weight limits could result in rejected shipments—a scenario all shippers must avoid.
3. Time Management: The interline process inherently involves delays as cargo is offloaded, sorted, and reloaded. These delays can impact delivery schedules and customer satisfaction, making careful timeline planning essential for freight forwarders and logistics operators.
Strategies for Effective Interline Operations
To navigate these challenges successfully, shippers should:
• Conduct comprehensive assessments of transfer stations' handling capacities, including aircraft specifications and ground equipment availability. This knowledge enables optimal routing decisions and minimizes operational disruptions.
• Prepare for oversized/overweight cargo through proper route selection, packaging, and weight verification—proactive measures that prevent last-minute complications.
• Secure confirmed interline agreements before commencing shipments. Only with approved transfer arrangements can shippers guarantee secure, efficient deliveries that meet customer expectations.
The Bigger Picture
In today's global marketplace, cargo transportation involves intricate coordination across multiple stakeholders. Mastering interline principles provides a competitive edge in this complex environment. As the air cargo industry continues evolving, understanding these operational nuances will separate successful logistics providers from the rest.
