Are airlines taking advantage of the current backlogs by increasing rates or causing further problems and distrust between the airline / forwarder and shipper. 

With the lifting of the aviation ban in UK airspace and across most of Europe cargo is starting to get back to normal.  Airlines are reporting that already large swathes of the cargo held in sheds has begun to move and that almost all of it is pre-allocated space over the next few days.  It seems though that some airlines are looking to recover their losses by taking advantage of the situation and looking for above market rates in the short term. 

When shipping lithium batteries by air a number of rules and regulations must be followed for their safe transport.  There is still considerable confusion over lithium batteries and how they should be declared to the airline for shipping by air.  IATA, The International Air Transport Association, have produced a booklet titled IATA guidelines for shipping lithium batteries by air which is freely downloadable here. 

General average is well recognised in all maritime juridstictions and is as old as maritime transport itself. It is the fact that it has been around for as long as shipping which has meant it is often the forgotten problem. A lot of freight forwarders, NVO's, NVOCC's as well as shippers do not fully understand general average and as such are unaware of the risks it poses and the best way to deal with it when it arises.

Carnets are “Merchandise Passports.” They are international customs documents that simplify customs procedures for the temporary importation of various types of goods. There are two types issued: ATA and TECRO/AIT Carnets.