Freight-forwarders need to be flexible to stay in business.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)

Moving large, time-sensitive shipments out of Portland presents a challenge for freight-forwarders--such as Pilot Air's Portland station--that depend on other people's aircraft.

Bill Lasater, owner of the local Pilot Air franchise, said his job would be much easier if Portland International Airport was served by more wide-body, passenger aircraft. Freight-forwarders--unlike the integrated carriers such as Emery or Burlington--rely primarily on the cargo space available in the belly of passenger planes.

In the fall and winter, when the tourist season is over, many airlines shift to smaller, narrow-bodied aircraft, such as 737s. As a result, the space for cargo …