Emirates SkyCargo, the freight division of Emirates, has strengthed the link between Dubai International and Dubai World Central (DWC) – SkyCargo’s new terminal – through its trucking operations.

Emirates SkyCargo launched its trucking operations on May 1 in tandem with the start of its freighter operates at DWC, and up until September 1 its fleet of 47 trucks has facilitated the transhipment of over 108,000 tonnes of various commodities, from perishables to outsized cargo, between Dubai International and DWC, recording over 17,000 round trips. 

“Obviously ground transhipment requires the highest degree of care and special handling, from when the commodities are offloaded, right through to when it’s delivered and loaded.  An operation like this can only go to plan with nothing less than total cooperation from everyone involved. Through a joint effort, we have created a strong link between the three main cargo points in Dubai with service quality remaining at high standard,” said Nabil Sultan, Emirates divisional senior vice president, cargo.

“Our decision to move freighter operations to DWC was a strategic move that enables us to better tap and support Dubai’s growth. We now have a dedicated facility for our freighters which allows us to grow our fleet size and meet our growth requirements,” added Sultan. “The ground transhipment service has now became embedded into our operations with the Emirates SkyCargo trucks becoming part a common sight in Dubai. We have introduced road feeder services to facilitate the movement of cargo between the two airports away from Dubai airport hustle and bustle.”

Dubai ranks sixth globally, measured by air cargo traffic, and is one of the fastest growing cargo hubs in the world. Its central position, coupled with the growth of Emirates airline and increased popularity of air cargo transportation, saw cargo volumes reaching record levels in 2013 with 2,435,567 tonnes of air freight passing through Dubai International - up 6.8 per cent compared to 2,279,624 tonnes recorded during 2012.

Emirates SkyCargo signed a five-year trucking contract with a Dubai-based land transportation service provider for its fleet of trucks which consists of: 12 reefer trailers designed to handle all temperature sensitive commodities such as perishables, flowers, and pharmaceuticals; 33 dry boxes for all general cargo; and two low bed trucks for handling outsized cargo including aircraft engines, cowlings, and machinery. Each of the reefer trailers and dry boxes has the capacity to accommodate up to 28 tonnes.

These trucks move on an inclusive geo-fenced corridor to maintain the speed of connectivity and achieve on-time performance goals. A central control room monitors all real time movements as trucks are equipped with a vehicle tracking system and a remote electronic locking system which allows for observation of the security of the vehicles and the sterility of the cargo therein by alarming and altering any en-route deviations. – TradeArabia News Service