While the domestic supply chain has for the most part recovered, international logistics is still trying to capture the heightened demands of the pandemic-hit air freight market.

Kerry Logistics Network Limited has chosen Huntsville for their “America’s hub” with inaugural flights originating from Hong Kong to Huntsville International Airport beginning this month.

This new Trans-Pacific air freight service called the Kerry Freight Controlled Network (KCN) is setting up freight integrator centers at the airport that connect multiple Asian locations to the U.S. KLN will operate multiple inbound and outbound air cargo flights on a weekly basis from select origins in Asia, as well as trucking connections that provide seamless transportation of goods across the Americas.

KCN provides a time-definite, heavy air door-to-door solution for standard air freight services for a wide range of products from small parcels to large and oversized cargoes, including DGR (dangerous good registrations) and lithium batteries.

KCN offers customers with guaranteed space and long-term pricing, a way to fulfill the needs of customers looking for stable and long-term solutions.

“We chose Huntsville as our Americas air freight hub for KCN as it is congestion-free and enjoys expedited transfer of cargo to Latin America and Mexico,” said Kevin Bulger, COO of USA operations for KLN. “With cooperation from HSV, we will be able to execute swift dispatch of cargoes to cities within the USA and Canada.

“KCN will be a welcomed service in the increasingly tight air cargo market and meet the demands of customers looking for a lasting and reliable solution to their air freight needs.”

Rick Tucker, CEO of the Port of Huntsville said that as a southeast gateway to countries all over the world, Huntsville is a highly sought-after location for business and industry.

Aerial view of the Huntsville International Airport, provided by Kerry Logistics Network

“Home to the Huntsville International Airport (HSV), Jetplex Industrial Park (JIP) and the International Intermodal Centre (IIC), our Port creates efficient, effective and economical solutions for customers and stimulates the regional economy through a strong transportation infrastructure, global connectivity and innovative logistic solutions,” said Tucker. “Kerry Logistics Network will enhance HSV’s global connectivity and speed to market solutions.

“We welcome our newest logistic partner to HSV and look forward to a long term, prosperous partnership.”

Barbie Peek, director of Business Development for the Port of Huntsville pointed out that being home to the second longest runway in the southeastern United States at 12,600 feet, along with a 10,000-foot runway, has everything to do with HSV being able to provide non-congested operations.

“On-site U.S. Customs presence contributes to HSV’s more effective and efficient operation when compared to overcrowded gateways.,” said Peek. “Huntsville has a geographic advantage with highly competitive drive times from HSV to major markets.

“HSV’s primary 26-state catchment area accounts for more than half of the US population and air export tonnage, and HSV’s infrastructure is a blueprint for success and a key ingredient for our new partner Kerry Logistics to be successful.”

An excellent track record in the freight and logistics industry, the support of carriers, its customs clearance capacity, and extensive coverage of major air transit hubs across different regions, KLN’s air freight business from Asia to the world surged in 2020.

Based in Asia, KLN is a global third-party logistics provider (3PL) offering a broad range of supply chain solutions from integrated logistics, international freight forwarding (air, ocean, road, rail and multimodal), industrial project logistics, to cross-border e-commerce, last-mile fulfillment and infrastructure investment.

Aerial Photo Credits: Kerry Logistics Network

Featured Image Credit: Gus Wintzell