Chapman Freeborn delivers oversized cargo from Belgium to China

Global air charter specialist Chapman Freeborn has successfully managed the transportation of oversized industrial equipment from Belgium to China. The cargo, welded tubes used in industrial heat exchangers, measured 20 metres in length and weighed 700 kilogrammes. It was nose-loaded onto a Boeing 747-400F at Liege Airport (LGG) and transported via part-charter flight to Zhengzhou (CGO), China, according to an official release from Chapman Freeborn.

The client chose air cargo rather than ocean freight for transporting this delicate, oversized equipment because of a tight timeframe for delivery.

“When a customer entrusts us with an oversized shipment, we understand that there is no room for error and that every detail counts. This is where Chapman Freeborn’s expertise comes into play. Oversized freight is often the most challenging part of our business, but also the most rewarding when a mission is successfully completed,” says Yoann Maugran, Sales Manager France at Chapman Freeborn Airchartering BV.

Chapman Freeborn successfully navigated several technical challenges to complete the delivery on time and within budget. The welded tubes were packed in a 20-metre-long crate, making side-door loading unfeasible. As a solution, the cargo was nose-loaded onto a Boeing 747-400F, which was chosen as the most cost-effective aircraft equipped with a nose door suitable for the operation.

Handling this oversized cargo during the loading and unloading was far from straightforward. The Chapman Freeborn team had to ensure no bending or damage occurred to the delicate welded tubes during the loading process. Operations began in July with the truck offload and build up, before the hour-long aircraft loading was carried out 2 days later.

A complex combination of cranes and loaders was used, which required careful coordination. For the truck offload and build-up, two cranes were employed. Then 3 high loaders, operated by 6 ground staff, were used for the airside loading. Throughout this process, Chapman Freeborn worked closely with Challenge Group, who were brought in to provide experienced ground handling services at Liege Airport (LGG).

Flexibility and adaptability are always required when handling complex oversized freight. In the case of this delivery, an added complication was the last-minute change of final destination from Shanghai (PVG) to Zhengzhou (CGO). Despite this shift, Chapman Freeborn was able to provide the client with all necessary services, assisting with export customs clearance and maintaining direct flight representation. This ensured smooth operations and real-time updates for the client.

“This project has highlighted Chapman Freeborn’s expertise in oversized air cargo handling, its ability to smoothly coordinate multi-faceted operations, and its adaptability in the face of last-minute changes,” concludes Yoann Maugran.