The full capacity of air carriers in Europe is forcing shippers to opt for the ocean.
Air traffic volumes in Europe have reached their ceiling in two weeks, according to Freightos online platform.
Air freight rates on high-demand routes in the weeks that followed were so high that many shippers of seaworthy cargo considered the possibility.
In addition to the full load (seasonally adjusted) carriers operating in the US and European domestic and international shipping market, adverse weather conditions in Europe have caused numerous delays in deliveries at many European airports, including Zurich, Schiphol and Frankfurt.
According to Freightos WebCargo CEO Manel Galindo, competition for capacity has driven tariffs sky-high, with air cargo carriers paying $20 per kilogram to ship from Europe to South America and offering rates of up to $35. US dollars per kilogram. Without a doubt, many shippers will reconsider the range of cargo and in the next year will give preference to sea transportation, says Galindo.
Air cargo companies are expected to be overloaded for the entire winter holiday period until January 15th. However, even then tariffs will not be reduced for long, as immediately after they reach the norm, the Chinese New Year in mid-February will begin to push them up again.