What are road feeder services (RFS) in air cargo?
Road feeder services (RFS) are truck-based air freight solutions that transport cargo between airports, hubs, and warehouses under an airway bill (AWB). Often referred to as “flights on wheels”, they extend air cargo networks without requiring additional aircraft, enabling faster and more flexible logistics operations.
When should air cargo be transported by road instead of air?
Air cargo is often transported by road instead of air for short-haul routes, low-load flights, or when cost efficiency is a priority. Road feeder services are ideal when airlines want to maintain network coverage without operating underutilised aircraft, or when flexibility and rerouting are required.
Are road feeder services more cost-effective than short-haul flights?
Yes, road feeder services are typically more cost-effective than short-haul flights. They eliminate expenses such as plane fuel, landing fees, and aircraft operating costs, while improving cargo load factors and overall network efficiency.
How do road feeder services handle ULDs and palletised cargo?
RFS vehicles are specifically designed to handle air cargo, including unit load devices (ULDs) and pallets. Many are equipped with Rollerbed Systems that allow cargo to be loaded, moved, and unloaded quickly and safely, reducing manual handling and improving turnaround times.
How can road feeder service operations be improved?
RFS operations can be improved through digitalisation, real-time tracking, and automated loading systems. Technologies such as Rollerbed Systems significantly reduce loading times, from up to 60 minutes manually to just a few minutes, helping operators increase throughput, reduce labour dependency, and scale efficiently.
