Air cargo specialist TCE has outlined its Total Cargo Management (TCM) service, positioning it as a comprehensive solution designed to streamline airline freight operations from booking through to delivery.
The company said the model combines commercial oversight with operational control, acting as an extension of an airline’s internal cargo function to improve efficiency, transparency and performance.
Based primarily at Frankfurt Airport, TCE provides round-the-clock support across cargo hubs, offering both on-site supervision and remote operational management.
Focus on efficiency and compliance
TCE said its service spans the full cargo chain, including market analysis, sales, customs handling and the transportation of sensitive goods such as pharmaceuticals and lithium batteries.
According to managing director Sarah Scheibe, the aim is to integrate closely with airline partners and take responsibility for key cargo processes.
“At TCE, Total Cargo Management means ensuring intelligent sales decisions and active, end-to-end operational control from shipment acceptance to delivery,” she said.
The company said its approach has already delivered measurable results. In one case, TCE took over customs reporting for an airline partner and reduced compliance issues by more than 95% within a year.
Reducing operational risk
TCE highlighted that many cargo-related incidents originate on the ground, particularly during acceptance, build-up and ramp handling.
It said errors are often linked to documentation gaps, time pressures and poor segregation of cargo, rather than in-flight issues.
To address this, the company emphasises continuous, on-site supervision alongside real-time monitoring, allowing staff to intervene before problems escalate.
“Routine processes such as unit load device build quality, ramp exposure time and segregation discipline pose the highest risks if supervision is weak,” Ms Scheibe said.
Combining technology and expertise
TCE said it is increasingly integrating digital tools into its operations, including systems to improve market intelligence and revenue optimisation, as well as predictive risk detection.
However, it stressed that human expertise remains central to maintaining safety and compliance standards across global operations.
The company cited the recent handling of a rare vintage vehicle shipment from Frankfurt as an example of its capability, with on-site coordination ensuring the cargo was transported without incident.
TCE said its TCM service is designed to provide airlines with flexible, tailored support while maintaining strict adherence to international safety and regulatory requirements.