TCC warns on airport warehouse backlog risks

The Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) has proposed urgent measures to clear a persistent backlog at Thai Airways' TG Cargo warehouse at Suvarnabhumi Airport, warning that disruption is spreading to outbound shipments.

Phumin Harinsut, vice-chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and chairman of its Logistics and Supply Chain Committee, said delays were raising costs for importers, freight forwarders, customs brokers and manufacturers reliant on imported raw materials and components. They were also disrupting production schedules and deliveries.

The problem has been compounded by delays in separating cargo from unit load devices (ULDs) and inaccurate or missing storage-location records, making consignments difficult to find and collect. Singapore Airlines Cargo temporarily restricted acceptance of certain cargo types at Suvarnabhumi on Nov 4 because delayed inbound handling was affecting ULD circulation for outbound shipments, while equipment and operating space were limited.

Mr Phumin said TCC proposed sorting cargo by airline, speeding up ULD breakdown, assigning clearly identified storage locations, increasing manpower with support from private-sector freight agents under warehouse supervision, and updating the AOT Cargo Clearhouse system with accurate, current cargo-location information.

He said sorting cargo by airline and assigning clear storage locations would speed up retrieval, while faster ULD breakdown would restore equipment for outbound shipments. Accurate system data would also help businesses track cargo and arrange collection. TCC also urged the Transport Ministry to set clear responsibilities and deadlines.

Thai Airways said it has acknowledged delays caused by a sustained increase in inbound cargo and a build-up of ULDs awaiting breakdown. It has apologised to customers and business partners and is adding staff and forklifts, prioritising deliveries and seeking temporary warehouse space from Airports of Thailand (AOT).

The airline also plans to introduce an internal warehouse-management system to track cargo from arrival through storage and release, monitor backlogs and help allocate staff and equipment.