The cargo weighed several tonnes and was needed ASAP to avoid a supply line shutdown.
Flying heavy steel coils to an automotive factory
A freight forwarder called us on behalf of an automotive manufacturer, who urgently needed to transport two steel coils weighing several tonnes each from a US supplier to a car parts factory in Mexico. Trucking the coils would take days and cause a supply line shutdown, so we got to work on an air charter solution that would get them there in time.
Our Solution
Routes: Chicago > Toluca
Aircraft: Antonov AN-12
With most go-now operators unable to accommodate such heavy individual pieces, we knew it would be difficult to transport both coils on one aircraft.
We found the fastest and most cost-effective alternative within 30 minutes, chartering two AN-12s to depart at the same time carrying one coil each. Our team has a strong relationship with the operator, who regularly flies to Mexico and could secure permits quickly.
Working with a specialist handling agent, we loaded the coils onto pallets to distribute their weight before forklifting one pallet onto each plane. The flights arrived in good time, enabling the client to continue production with minimal disruption.
The Finer Details
Flight Representation: A member of our team oversaw the flight from start to finish, ensuring everything ran smoothly.
Global Network: Our team in New York enlisted the help of our Mexico office when sourcing a forklift to offload the aircraft in Toluca.