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Ocean Shipping Chaos Fails to Drive Air Cargo Surge, DSV Warns

Widespread disruption in ocean freight is not prompting widespread migration to airfreight, according to DSV leadership speaking at the Air Cargo Forum in Miami. The prohibitive cost of emergency air lift remains the primary barrier, with airfreight running up to 20 times more expensive than sea routes. DSV's head of global airfreight said most customers accept two to three week delays rather than absorb the financial hit of switching modes. Conversion volumes remain modest and concentrated among shippers willing to pay premiums. Those who delay securing alternatives face steeper prices, as most airlines lock in capacity through six to 12-month contracts. Spontaneous, ad hoc bookings command significantly higher rates than baseline contracted volumes. DSV warns shippers must act decisively when disruption timelines remain unclear. Otherwise, they risk finding available capacity economically prohibitive.