United Cargo: Succeeding in Europe in the face of challenges

We asked United Airlines Cargo about the value European cargo gives to the carrier.

ACW: What are the primary European destinations served by United Cargo? 

United Cargo offers extensive service from multiple US hubs to key European destinations. Our primary inbound cargo locations include Frankfurt, Amsterdam, London Heathrow, Brussels, Paris Charles de Gaulle and Zurich. Additionally, we serve a wide array of European cities, ensuring comprehensive coverage across the continent.

ACW: How frequently does United Cargo operate flights to major European hubs? 

United Cargo operates multiple daily flights to major European hubs, ensuring a steady and reliable flow of cargo across the Atlantic. With frequent departures from our key US hubs, we offer flexible capacity to accommodate a wide range of shipping needs. Our consistent service enables seamless connections for industries that rely on speed and efficiency, such as pharmaceuticals, perishables, and e-commerce.

ACW: What types of cargo are most commonly transported by United Cargo between Europe and the United States? 

United Cargo plays a vital role in transporting a diverse range of goods between Europe and the US, with the automotive sector leading our inbound shipments. In addition to auto parts and components, we handle significant volumes of pharmaceutical products, chemicals, and high-end fashion goods. Specialised shipments, such as milk powder and other niche commodities, are also part of our cargo mix. We work closely with mail providers across Europe to ensure timely deliveries and support the growing demand for cross-border e-commerce, which, while a smaller portion of our export business, continues to evolve.

ACW: How has United Cargo adapted its operations in response to recent EU customs requirements, such as the Import Control System 2 (ICS2)? 

United Cargo has proactively adapted its operations to align with the EU’s Import Control System 2 (ICS2), ensuring seamless and efficient cargo movement while maintaining compliance with evolving regulations.

To meet ICS2 requirements, we have enhanced our data management systems, ensuring accurate and timely submission of pre-loading and pre-arrival cargo information. Automated customs filings now allow for the swift transmission of Entry Summary Declarations (ENS), minimising processing delays. Additionally, we continue to work closely with customers, providing guidance on data accuracy to prevent disruptions in shipments.

Collaboration remains key—United Cargo engages with industry organisations like IATA, as well as EU customs authorities, to stay ahead of regulatory changes. Investments in technology and staff training further support compliance, allowing us to maintain operational efficiency while upholding security standards. These measures reinforce our commitment to providing reliable and hassle-free transatlantic cargo solutions.

ACW: What partnerships or alliances does United Cargo have with European carriers to enhance its service network? 

United Cargo strengthens its transatlantic reach through strategic partnerships with several leading European carriers, enhancing connectivity and service options for our customers. Our interline and partnership agreements include Lufthansa Group (LHG), Swiss International Air Lines (LX), Austrian Airlines (OS), Brussels Airlines (SN), KLM, British Airways (IAG Group), LOT Polish Airlines, and Icelandair, among others.

ACW: How does United Cargo ensure the security and compliance of its shipments within European jurisdictions? 

United Cargo upholds the highest security and compliance standards to ensure the safe and efficient movement of shipments within European jurisdictions. We strictly adhere to EU aviation security programmes, including ACC3 certification, guaranteeing that all cargo is screened and cleared before entering the EU. Our advanced screening procedures—such as X-ray screening, explosive trace detection (ETD), and canine screening for high-risk shipments—align with both EU and international regulations.

To maintain a secure supply chain, we partner with regulated agents and trusted operators, ensuring end-to-end shipment integrity. Our digital tracking systems provide real-time monitoring, helping detect any anomalies and ensuring compliance with customs and security protocols. Additionally, we engage proactively with our customers, offering guidance on regulatory requirements to minimise delays and facilitate smooth cargo movement.

Ongoing staff training and collaboration with European regulatory agencies further reinforce our commitment to security, compliance and seamless operations across our network.

ACW: What technological advancements has United Cargo implemented to improve tracking and efficiency of cargo shipments in Europe? 

United Cargo continues to invest in technological advancements to enhance shipment tracking, operational efficiency, and customer visibility across Europe.

To improve real-time monitoring, we have approved more than 100 electronic tracking and temperature-monitoring devices for use on our aircraft, allowing customers to track shipments with greater precision. Our TempControl (TC) Tower, staffed by a dedicated team in our Houston Contact Center, provides 24/7 oversight of TempControl and LifeGuard shipments, ensuring proactive monitoring and quick response to any issues.

Our TempControl Dashboard serves as a central hub for managing temperature-sensitive shipments, consolidating booking details, station contacts, SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures), and live temperature and battery readings. This is complemented by our TC App, which enables our operational teams to scan active containers and capture real-time data, automatically sending updates to customers and our TC Tower for enhanced oversight.

Looking ahead, we are working to further integrate our systems with ground handlers in Europe, reducing manual processes and improving the speed and accuracy of cargo movements. By leveraging API connections and system-to-system integration, we aim to enhance visibility, eliminate potential errors, and streamline operations across our European network.

ACW: How does United Cargo address environmental concerns and sustainability within its European operations? 

Sustainability is a core priority for United Cargo and we are continuously taking steps to reduce our environmental impact across our European operations.

Our approach is built on a comprehensive four-tiered strategy. First, we are enhancing operational and fuel efficiency to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, optimising routes and aircraft performance to lower emissions. Second, we are modernising our equipment, such as introducing e-scooters for our sales team in Frankfurt’s Cargo City Süd, reducing our ground transportation footprint.

Third, we are strengthening waste management and recycling initiatives, incorporating biodegradable materials and minimising waste wherever possible. Fourth, we are actively exploring innovative carbon removal technologies as part of United’s broader sustainability efforts.

Beyond these initiatives, we collaborate with industry stakeholders, regulators, and partners to drive the evolution of sustainable aviation, ensuring that air cargo remains an essential yet environmentally responsible part of the global supply chain.

ACW: What are the key challenges faced by United Cargo in the European airfreight market? 

United Cargo faces several challenges in the European airfreight market, which we continue to address with strategic planning and operational adjustments.

One of the primary challenges is the shortage of qualified talent in the air cargo industry, a trend we’ve observed in recent years. This shortage is not only affecting our internal teams but also our service partners, many of whom are struggling with resource constraints that impact the consistency and quality of service across various markets. At United Cargo, we are eager to attract passionate and skilled individuals to help us meet the demands of the evolving industry, ensuring we continue to provide exceptional service and maintain our position as a leader in global logistics.

Another significant challenge is the rising cost of external services, particularly trucking, which plays a crucial role in our network optimisation efforts. Adequate ground transport solutions are essential for us to maintain smooth operations and reliable service to our customers.

We are also dealing with an aging fleet, with a notable share of Boeing 767 aircraft in our transatlantic schedule. While these aircraft have served us well, they are weight-restricted and more difficult to plan and optimise. Over the next several years, we are focused on replacing these older planes with larger, more efficient aircraft to improve capacity and performance.

Finally, the evolving regulatory landscape—especially the increasing data capture requirements for customs on both sides of the Atlantic—presents ongoing operational challenges. However, we remain committed to adapting and ensuring that we continue to meet these new demands while maintaining service excellence.

Transshipment of cargo from Europe

United Cargo efficiently supports the transshipment of cargo from Europe to other continents, including Asia and Africa, through a network of global interline partnerships. Dedicated teams across various functions—Sales, Operations, Revenue Management, Specialty Products, Training, Security, and Policy & Procedure—work collaboratively to ensure seamless and secure cargo transfers worldwide.

Carefully vetted interline partner carriers have the highest safety standards to guarantee the secure delivery of shipments. United Cargo teams implement tailored booking, transfer and delivery processes that vary by carrier, taking great care to develop SOPs for complex business types, such as TempControl and pharmaceutical shipments, ensuring smooth transfers and high customer satisfaction.

Ongoing training and clear communication on country-specific documentation requirements are essential to prevent delays and ensure that customers submit the correct paperwork. When selecting interline transfer points, we priorit…