Forwarders are beginning to feel the pain as vaccine distribution begins – they are getting bumped from booked flights, says an article published in the loadstar.
The distribution of Covid-19 vaccines is going to be complex, with strings of networks reaching around the world, and depending on manufacturing sites and government orders. Along with Russian vaccine Sputnik V, there are five potential Chinese-made vaccines as well as the much-publicized Moderna and AstraZeneca options.
Storage of Vaccine
The most temperature-sensitive of the vaccines available so far, it one must be kept ultra cold – at -70C – but, noted IATA Cargo chief Glyn Hughes last week, it’s actually easier to transport than ‘fridge-cold’ vaccines.
Alibaba’s Cainiao Smart Logistics Network said it was partnering with Ethiopian Airlines to send temperature-controlled medicines from Shenzhen to Africa twice a week.
Comments of Forwarders
One forwarder noted “huge tonnages of testing kits for Covid-19 are heading to the EU from Korea with top priority, mainly to Frankfurt – over 1,000 tonnes are going on direct freighter services to all EU/UK lanes in December”.
“We are having issues and seeing massively high rates on the westbound from Korea.”
“Direct airlines keep increasing the rates depending on space availability. Deferred airlines will follow that tactic.”
He added: “There is loads of negative stuff going on. Or, challenging, I should say. Just when you thought it couldn’t get worse, it becomes tragic.”
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Source: THE LOADSTAR
