CargoForwarder Global’s ‘Spotlight On…’ series highlights the very varied roles within the air cargo industry, that work together to swiftly and safely transport shipments from one end of the globe to the other. What happens on the ground plays a major role here. Operations in the warehouse must be correctly orchestrated as their performance is crucial to ensuring that strict flight schedules are adhered to, and that flights leave with professionally built and carefully checked loads on board. This week, Swissport’s Dennis Mutuku (DM), Cargo Warehouse Team Leader in Nairobi, Kenya, illustrates exactly what his responsibilities are, what he enjoys about the industry, and what book/film title he would give the air cargo industry.
CFG: What is your current function and company? And what are your responsibilities?
DM: Dennis Nzioka are my names, and I am currently working as cargo warehouse team leader. My main responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Ensuring the efficient allocation of workload among the staff throughout the shift while monitoring staff performance to ensure work is of high standard and implementing corrective action when required on a day-to-day basis.
- Maintaining discipline and ensuring that staff observes safe working practices as per company policies.
- Completing shift incident reports and any paperwork as directed.
- Making sure airline (clients’) instructions and procedures are followed.
- Ensuring all quality standards procedures subscribed by Swissport are adhered to.
- Ensuring fixed equipment in the warehouse is serviceable (i.e.: interfaces, cold rooms, scales, etc.) and operated by authorized staff only.
- Ensuring all mobile equipment is in place and in good working condition (i.e.: forklifts, pallet movers, etc.) and is operated by authorized staff only.
- Ensuring all equipment is maintained and notifying maintenance team of any necessary repair.
- Ensuring the cargo operations system, CARGOSPOT, is continuously updated to ensure accurate record of the export warehouse.
CFG: What does a normal day look like for you? (Or is there such a thing?)
DM:
1. Morning Briefing – Start of Shift: Depending on my shift schedule, I start early in the morning or late in the evening for night shifts. I begin by reviewing the flight bookings and schedule landing timings, checking for any special instructions or updates, and receiving any briefings from management.
2. Warehouse Walkthrough – Inspect Operations: Walk around the warehouse to monitor the overall condition of the facility. I check for any safety hazards, ensure that shipments are being properly stored and handled, and verify that work areas are organized.
3. Managing Staff – Supervise Team Members: I mostly spend a significant portion of my day/night supervising my team members, coaching them on tasks, troubleshooting any issues, and ensuring that work is done accurately and efficiently.
3a. Problem Solving: I address any issues that come up, such as delays in shipments, or equipment breakdowns. I sometimes may also need to mediate disputes or resolve conflicts between team members.
4. Focus on Safety and Compliance – Safety Checks: A significant part of my role is to ensure that the warehouse operates in compliance with health and safety regulations. This involves conducting daily safety checks, ensuring that equipment is maintained, and overseeing the correct handling of Dangerous Goods and hazardous materials, if necessary.
4a. Training: I am also responsible for training new staff or re-training existing employees on safety procedures, correct lifting techniques, ULD Handling, Live Animals handling, Perishables and Valuable cargo handling as a trained and qualified cooperate trainer.
5. End of Shift Handover – Wrap-Up: As my shift ends, I submit all flight reports, End-Shift reports, I ensure a smooth transition. This includes reviewing any outstanding tasks, reporting any ongoing issues to the in-coming shift team leader.
CFG: How long have you been in the air cargo industry, and what brought you to it?
DM: I have been in the cargo industry for the last 7 years. The passion to work in the aviation industry was brought about by the fact that it is a dynamic and fast-paced environment. Every day in aviation is different, whether you’re a pilot, air traffic controller, ground operations staff or a cargo warehouse team leader. There’s a sense of excitement in working in an industry that involves high levels of coordination and can be fast-paced and dynamic. Not forgetting the fact that aviation roles often involve thinking on your feet and problem-solving, which appeals to people who thrive in environments that require quick decision-making and creative solutions.
CFG: What do you enjoy most about your job?
DM: My delightful moments are when I am mentoring and sharing knowledge as a leader/trainer. Also, my problem-solving role – guiding my team through challenges. When I help my team to overcome obstacles or teach them new techniques, I am not just solving the issue at hand but building their skills and confidence.
CFG: Where do you see the greatest challenges in our industry?
DM: Cybersecurity Risks. As the industry becomes more digital, the risk of cyberattacks grows. Protecting sensitive cargo data, customer information, and operational systems from cyber threats, is an ongoing challenge.
CFG: What advice would you give to people looking to get into the air cargo industry? Any particular training, they should aim for?
DM: Entering the air cargo industry offers exciting opportunities, but it’s a field that demands both technical expertise and soft skills, such as communication and problem-solving. By gaining knowledge of the industry’s regulatory framework, embracing technology, understanding logistics principles, and staying adaptable, one can build a strong foundation for a successful career.
CFG: If the air cargo industry were a film/book, what would its title be?
DM: THE SEAL TEAM 6. The ability to think on your feet and make quick decisions is critical in both the special operations world and the air cargo industry. For example, in case of unexpected disruptions (like delays, accidents, or security breaches), air cargo professionals must adapt quickly and effectively. Similarly, SEAL Team 6 is known for its ability to solve complex problems under pressure, whether it’s rescuing hostages or planning a high-stakes mission. Air cargo professionals need to identify potential risks, manage those risks proactively, and mitigate the impact of disruptions, such as security threats, delays, or equipment malfunctions. The risk management process in both fields requires a high level of attention to detail and the ability to handle unpredictable situations.
Many thanks, Dennis, for your insights!
