Read on for a sneak peak into the goings on and highlights of twelve months in one of our fastest-moving departments (both literally and figuratively).

Precision in motion – ten tonnes to save an assembly line

When we were contacted by an automotive manufacturer needing ten tonnes of car parts flown from Germany to the US, our Frankfurt time-critical hub opened-throttle to stop our client’s assembly line grinding to a halt. When the request landed for an urgent transfer of parts from Frankfurt to Atlanta, the ACS Time Critical team swiftly devised a plan to keep the production line running. The heavy cargo, separated into 21 boxes each weighing nearly half a tonne meant that securing space on an urgent flight might usually have been a tall order. However, by leveraging our local contacts on the ground in Frankfurt, we managed to secure enough space on the next scheduled flight of the only regular freighter service to Atlanta. Our time-critical division ensured that a truck was ready and waiting at the manufacturer’s site to transport the boxes to the airport with as little delay as possible.

Due to the team’s diligence and experience, the consignment arrived at its destination just in time to avert the looming production crisis. Creating the perfect blend of precision and speed, ACS Time Critical were able to deliver results on behalf of our clients in record time – the client received a quote and logistical solution within 30 minutes of their request, offering them a seamless solution from manufacturer to production line.

Mission In-topper-ble

When a Greek aircraft operator needed to transport a custom-made Harrods mattress topper for a VIP private jet ahead of its long journey from Greece to the Bahamas, ACS Time Critical box-sprung into action. The mattress topper was required for a Gulfstream carrying a VIP charter customer on holiday to the Bahamas to ensure maximum comfort during the more than twelve-hour flight.

Using our extensive network of over thirty offices, and weight in the industry, we were able to arrange for an on board courier (OBC) to collect the mattress topper in person in London. The courier then flew with the item on a scheduled service to Greece, hand-delivering the bespoke topper to the operator, who were able to fit it in ample time before their VIP passengers boarded their outbound flight.

With every detail meticulously planned by ACS Time Critical, the inclusion of the mattress topper was seamlessly integrated into the charter customer’s travel itinerary without them having to deal with any of the logistics. Our unrivalled service offers unparalleled convenience and attention to detail; the team is able to flawlessly fulfil even the most unique and high-profile requests from our clients with ultimate discretion and professionalism.

Gale-force groceries

After ferocious storms whipped up the delay of a high-value shipment of perishable goods being trucked from Chicago to Atlanta, time was of the essence. Acutely aware of the time-critical nature of the delay in order to prevent spoilage and considerable financial loss for the client, we worked with them and devised a contingency plan.

Leveraging our extensive network of carriers, we swiftly identified alternative trucking routes circumventing the storm-affected areas. Having got the shipment back on the road, extra personnel were deployed to ensure that the goods were unloaded and delivered to the client’s facility as quickly as possible upon arrival in Atlanta.

Despite the initial setbacks caused by adverse weather conditions, our team’s swift and proactive problem-solving ensured that the goods were successfully recovered and delivered in optimal condition within the agreed pre-storm timeframe. Our real-time monitoring technologies and support team continuously tracked the shipment, promptly addressing any issues and assessing the impact of any projected change on the perishable goods. Our team’s constant communication with the client facilitated rapid decision-making at ground level, ensuring that the resulting logistics operation was delivered without a hitch. 

Jet set go: grounded no more

When a private jet manufacturer’s aircraft had to remain grounded during a technical stop in Papua New Guinea, ACS Time Critical were quick off the mark in ensuring that any operational disruption was kept to an absolute minimum. The client tasked us with rushing spare parts from the United States to Mount Hagen Airport, while onward schedules hung in the balance.

Recognising the urgency of the request, our logistics experts wasted no time in arranging an OBC to accompany the parts on a scheduled flight from Savannah to Port Moresby. Leveraging contacts within the Papuan government to expedite a visa for the courier while they were en route. Upon landing in Papua New Guinea, our local ground agent was ready and waiting to drive our courier to Mount Hagen airport where the grounded aircraft awaited its crucial parts.

Thanks to the team’s proactive approach, the client’s aircraft was repaired and returned to service faster than expected, minimising disruption for the client. Drawing on our extensive network of relationships and resources, our team ensured a flawless execution, from cargo conundrum to conclusion.

The Piggyback Express

Tasked with the unusual challenge of transporting six rare Mangalitsa pigs from Canada to Mexico, our ACS Time Critical team sprang into action. The pigs, valuable for breeding, needed to be delivered swiftly and comfortably, ensuring that their well-being was of the utmost importance.

Recognising the specialist care required, the team partnered with a livestock courier to oversee the shipment from Canada to Mexico. Initially, we had planned to transport the pigs from Campbellford, Ontario, to Almoloya de Alquisiras, Mexico, directly through the United States. To minimise stress and maintain the animals’ welfare, we sourced a specialist livestock trailer, equipped with separate partitions, appropriate ventilation, and bedding.

The specialist transport we arranged allowed the pigs constant access to food and water, and were monitored closely throughout the journey to ensure their comfort. Upon reaching the US-Mexico border crossing in Texas, our team carefully unloaded the pigs for inspection by USDA veterinarians, and presented the animals’ required documentation verifying their health statuses, vaccination records, and compliance with import and export regulations.

With border checks completed, the pigs were reloaded onto their trailer, and trucked across their border to their new home in Mexico State. By working tirelessly, and successfully navigating the specialist regulations restricting the transportation of livestock, our time critical team worked tirelessly to guarantee the rare pigs’ safe transit to their new home.

Heavy metal movers

When ACS Time Critical were asked to help transport a heavy piece of equipment from Germany to Trinidad, the team knew it would take multiple services to get it there in time. With the timings still unconfirmed by the client, it had to be flexible.

As soon as timings were confirmed, our trucking division ensured it was transported overnight to arrive in time for the next flight out of Frankfurt, heading to Miami, on which our NFO team had secured space ahead of time. Then, after landing in Miami, we arranged the charter of an Airbus A321F for the second leg to Trinidad, as there were no aircraft suitable flying within the time constraints. Our charter team liaised with airport staff to ensure a quick turn around at the airport. 

At ACS Time Critical, solving your cargo conundrums is our calling. With three decades of experience, and a global network over 30 offices, we are able to leverage our extensive local experience in your areas and market to provide the most appropriate charter solutions for our clients. Whether you urgently need to move a herd of rare pigs, or deliver cargo through a storm, ACS Time Critical works tirelessly to ensure that our clients receive the most appropriate and efficient cargo solutions in record time. To discuss your cargo requirements, contact ACS Time Critical today.