Just-in-Time Truckers May Benefit If Tighter Security Slows Airfreight

June 19, 2002 8:05 AM, EDT

Carriers that move cargo by truck, particularly time-sensitive carriers, could gain business from increased scrutiny of air cargo imposed after reports that security checks of those shipments are lax, an industry executive said.

“If people can’t rely on efficient carriage by plane they may turn to trucking companies, many of which have started to offer time-definite and express services,” said Brian Lagana, executive director of the Air and Expedited Motor Carriers Association. “We saw some of that after 9-11 where people started to put more cargo on trucks.”

Lagana said the advantage of airfreight is its speed. If security checking slows airfreight too much, shippers could abandon it for cheaper trucking options that are almost as fast, he said.

For the full story, see the June 17 print edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.

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