Interline solutions play a strategic role in global airfreight. Interlining comes into play when one carrier cannot accommodate a shipment all the way from the origin to the final destination. The carrier might not serve both origin and destination, or they might not have the equipment to accommodate a large shipment.
In this conversation, John Menendez, Shipco’s Airfreight Development Manager, based in Miami, speaks about key issues forwarders deal with on interline shipments and shares practical insights from Shipco’s Air-Air operations, highlighting how forwarders can stay in control of their shipment
Why would freight forwarders consider interline solutions?
Interline solutions become relevant when direct routing options are limited, especially for cargo that exceeds standard size or weight limits accepted by passenger aircraft. For example, moving an overlength piece from Frankfurt to Buenos Aires or a single 5,000kgs unit from Paris to Santiago. Often, the solution would be a freighter from Europe to Miami, followed by an interline connection Southward.
Where do forwarders most often encounter friction when managing interline shipments?
Interline solutions involve multiple airlines, where no single carrier can service the entire route because of special cargo handling requirements. Forwarders work with the originating carrier, who then coordinates with the interline partner. This creates a communication gap, where forwarders are often one step removed from the airline actually carrying their cargo.
What are the consequences of being remote from the airlines carrying the cargo?
To secure the best service and pricing, it’s critical to be where the decisions are made. In hubs like Miami, we have seen this challenge come up repeatedly. It stands to reason that being a direct, local customer of an airline in Miami is more beneficial than being a customer of an airline that is itself a customer of another airline.
In practical terms, how does Shipco’s Air-Air model support forwarders during the transition between carriers?
Here’s how it works. The forwarder negotiates a rate to Miami. Once the shipment arrives in Miami, our local team takes over. We receive the shipment, issue new documents, then tender it as a local shipment for the final leg. This process places forwarders with direct access to the airline operating on the second leg so they retain control and visibility on their shipment.
Can this model be applied in other regions?
Yes. The same approach works in Asia, if you need a connection from Kuala Lumpur to Eastern Malaysia or if feeding into Hong Kong from Ho Chih Minh.
Who can benefit from Shipco’s Air-Air Solution?
Our Air-Air solution predominantly caters to customers/agents sitting outside of the U.S. or do not have a presence in Miami. It could also have relevance for U.S. customers in instances where their own overseas agents are able to arrange for air or ocean transport to Miami.
John Menendez
Airfreight Development Manager
Want to learn more? Reach out at Airfreight@shipco.com.