Traffic congestion has always been a major challenge at airports around the world coupled, with increased pressure from local government, environmentalists as well as residents. These groups seek  to reduce noise, traffic jams and emissions further. Airline handling operations suffer from delays and unpredictability and the global air cargo industry relies on a complex web of logistics to ensure goods are delivered efficiently. Central to this network is the road feeder service (RFS), which connects airports with regional and local destinations. These ground transportation links are vital for extending the reach of air cargo networks. However, they face persistent challenges that hinder efficiency, reliability, and transparency. 

Challenges of road feeder services

Road feeder services operate under tight schedules and high expectations. Delays in flight arrivals can disrupt trucking operations, leading to bottlenecks. Without real-time updates, trucking companies may find themselves idling at airports or struggling to sync their operations with airline schedules. Additionally, the manual handling of documents, such as airway bills and cargo manifests, slows processes and increases the likelihood of errors. Compounding these issues is the fragmented nature of the ecosystem, where airlines, ground handlers, trucking companies, and freight forwarders often use disconnected systems and communication channels.

This lack of integration results in inefficiencies and missed opportunities for optimisation. The environmental impact is also significant, as operational inefficiencies lead to unnecessary fuel consumption and emissions.

Need for a tech-driven solution

Addressing these challenges demands more than piecemeal improvements. The comprehensive, technology-driven approach,  Trucking Collaborative Decision-Making (CDM), developed by the Dutch-based IT company CargoHub, provides the solution. By fostering collaboration and integrating digital tools, Trucking CDM offers a transformative approach to managing road feeder services.

Raoul Paul founder of CargoHub explains. “Trucking CDM is a digital framework that enables collaboration among all stakeholders in the air cargo and trucking supply chain. Inspired by the Collaborative Decision-Making model used in airport operations, it creates a shared operational environment for airlines, trucking operators, freight forwarders, and ground handlers. This model emphasises real-time data sharing, joint planning, and dynamic response capabilities, enabling seamless coordination across the supply chain”.

Unified digital ecosystem

At the heart of Trucking CDM is a unified digital platform that connects stakeholders in a collaborative ecosystem. This integration resolves the fragmentation issue by providing a single source of truth for all participants. Stakeholders can access real-time information on flight schedules, truck locations, cargo statuses, and operational milestones. This transparency allows trucking operators to plan routes and schedules better while enabling airlines and ground handlers to synchronise their operations for smoother handovers.

Real-time visibility

A key feature of Trucking CDM is its ability to provide real-time visibility across the supply chain. Advanced tracking systems give up-to-the-minute updates on truck locations and estimated arrival times. Paired with predictive analytics, the platform anticipates disruptions caused by traffic, weather, or flight delays, allowing stakeholders to take proactive measures.

For example, if a truck is delayed while on the way to an airport, the platform can alert the airline or handler, enabling adjustments to operations. This eliminates blind spots and enhances agility throughout the supply chain.

Automation and paperless processes

Trucking CDM also addresses inefficiencies in documentation by digitising processes such as airway bills and cargo manifests. Automation accelerates these workflows and reduces errors, ensuring smoother transitions between air and road transport.

This shift towards paperless operations aligns with the air cargo industry’s push for digital transformation and sustainability. By reducing manual work and administrative delays, stakeholders can focus on optimising their core operations while minimising their environmental footprint.

Driving sustainability

Sustainability is an increasingly urgent priority for the air cargo industry, and Trucking CDM contributes significantly to this goal. By optimising routes and reducing idle times, the platform helps lower fuel consumption and emissions.

Predictive capabilities also enable better fleet management, ensuring trucks are used efficiently and unnecessary trips are avoided. These improvements not only reduce costs but also support the industry’s broader efforts to adopt greener practices.

Enhancing collaboration

Raoul Paul continues “Perhaps the most transformative aspect of Trucking CDM is its ability to foster collaboration. By breaking down barriers and encouraging information sharing, the platform promotes a shared sense of responsibility among stakeholders. This collaborative approach builds resilience in the supply chain. Stakeholders can better adapt to disruptions, recover from delays, and identify opportunities for improvement. As a result, the air cargo industry becomes more competitive and better equipped to meet evolving market demands”.

The road feeder system is a critical link in the air cargo supply chain, but it has long been plagued by inefficiencies and a lack of transparency. Trucking CDM offers a comprehensive solution by integrating stakeholders into a unified digital ecosystem, enabling real-time visibility, automation, and collaborative decision-making.

By addressing operational inefficiencies and promoting sustainability, Trucking CDM not only resolves the challenges of road feeder services but also positions the air cargo industry for long-term success. This innovative approach transforms RFS from a weak link into a robust, agile backbone of the global logistics network, increasing the delivered-as-promised ratio and the customer experience of the air cargo product.