Securing enough lift may be the biggest concern for forwarders, but many fear this is only part of the battle; they are looking nervously at big airports which buckled under the volume of cargo a year ago.

Thirty-seven airlines, as well as aviation-related companies, will not be allowed to carry or handle cargo going to the EU after 29 March 2019, if the EU fails to create a new ACC3 designator mechanism – security clearance.

Forwarders have the power to keep wannabe disrupters at bay and create advantages for themselves – but they must act now, and as an industry.

Ecuadorian forwarders are fighting back against a “major trade risk” presented by what they call the “monopolisation” of the shipping sector, and unregulated container detention fees.

The beginning of October marked the start of more expensive air freight in the UK, as a series of handlers and airlines increased their charges, in some cases significantly.