Chicago O’Hare hit by congestion

The International Air Cargo Association of Chicago and the Chicago Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association say, “Things are a mess at O’Hare right now.”    Truck congestion has grown at O’Hare recently due a combination of road construction on major arteries around the airport, a shift in mode to air cargo due to congestion-related delays at West Coast ports and a general increase in air cargo volumes.
   According to the IACAC and CCBFA, truck congestion is not typical at the Chicago area airport, but truckers are waiting in line for hours to pick up and drop off cargo. Airfreight customers already pay a premium for expedited service, so delays can be particularly costly.
   As a result, the two organizations said they “are seeking input from the air cargo community on their experiences with airport drop-offs and recoveries and soliciting their feedback for comments and suggestions.”
   “Things are a mess at O’Hare right now, and we want your feedback,” said IACAC in a statement on the association’s website. “The lines to access the cargo areas are horrible. Once you’re in the facility, the service doesn’t get people handled quickly, politely or respectfully.”
   The IACAC and CCBFA said any suggestions from stakeholders and the general public will be integrated into their discussions in an attempt to curb the congestion. Feedback and suggestions can be submitted via the IACAC website.