Case Study: When Flexibility Takes Flight – A Bespoke Air Freight Solution to Sub-Saharan Africa : Part 1 - Planning
In logistics, flexibility isn’t a luxury – it’s essential. There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all solution, and every shipment brings its own challenges. A project completed by EBISS UK last weekend is a perfect example of how experience, partnerships, and adaptability can turn complex requirements into a seamless success.
EBISS UK was contacted by a partner logistics provider to support the export of a large volume of crated machinery and equipment moving from the Netherlands to Sub-Saharan Africa. Working in close partnership with Meakin Logistics, we were tasked with delivering a time-critical, highly unconventional shipment.
From the outset, the scope of the load presented multiple challenges:
At this size, standard transport methods – both road and air – were simply not viable.
The first major hurdle was clear: how do you air freight a 6-metre crate?
Standard air freight options were immediately ruled out, as the dimensions exceeded permitted limits for conventional cargo aircraft. However, as IATA (International Air Transport Association) Cargo Agents, EBISS UK has the ability to work directly with airlines to engineer bespoke solutions.
After evaluating all options, we identified the most effective and cost-efficient approach for the client:
Chartering an aircraft.
EBISS UK successfully secured a half-load position on a private Boeing 747 freight charter, operating from Belgium to the final destination. This solution not only accommodated the oversized cargo but also ensured schedule certainty for a critical export.
With the air solution in place, attention turned to the movement of the multi-crated shipment from the manufacturing dispatch warehouse to airside for aircraft loading.
This stage brought its own set of complexities:
To meet these requirements, curtain-sided trucks with retractable roofs were sourced, enabling safe and compliant crane loading from above – a critical detail that standard trailers could not accommodate.
Once all planning was finalised and approvals received, we were given the green light by our client – and immediately set the wheels in motion.
Just when everything was aligned, the project took another turn.
Our client requested that additional crates be added to the shipment. The challenge?
These crates were located in the UK, while the main charter was departing Belgium in four days, with aircraft loading scheduled in three.
This is where flexibility truly came into play.
With Express Freight forming another key part of the EBISS service offering, we acted fast:
Despite the tight timeline and geographic complexity, the additional cargo arrived exactly when required.
Through close collaboration between EBISS UK, and Meakin Logistics, this unique shipment was delivered successfully to the departure airport for loading – on time, compliant, and tailored precisely to the client’s needs.
This project showcased:
As we said at the start – flexibility is everything.
When our clients come to us with complex, unconventional requests, we don’t look for reasons it can’t be done. We look for solutions.
When a client has a request, we move heaven & earth to achieve it.
Click to call us now