Role Overview
AVS GSA is a third-party logistics and cargo operations company that represents international airlines whose primary operations are not based in Thailand. The Bangkok branch supports airline cargo operations by coordinating with local warehouses, ground handlers, and airport facilities to ensure cargo moves safely and efficiently in and out of the country.
During my internship, AVS GSA represented multiple airlines including Turkish Airlines, DHL, China Post, Royal Brunei Airlines, and Thai VietJet. The role required close collaboration with BFS Warehouse at Suvarnabhumi Airport, airline partners, and trucking providers to manage time-sensitive cargo operations.
I worked as an Air Cargo Management Intern for four months, supporting both office-based coordination and on-site warehouse operations. The environment was highly time-critical and accuracy-focused, where clear communication and precise documentation were essential for safe flight operations.
Daily Responsibilities
- Verified cargo quantities and documentation for China Post shipments, ensuring reported item counts matched physical cargo received at the warehouse and coordinating with both the airline and warehouse when discrepancies occurred.
- Communicated with warehouses and truck drivers to confirm cargo arrival status, especially for shipments scheduled for late-night departures when most cargo movement occurred.
- Supported Thai VietJet cargo operations, frequently handling perishable shipments such as Vanda flowers by tracking box counts, calculating weight loads, and reporting load information for each flight.
- During night shifts, coordinated DHL cargo operations by checking cargo lists, locating containers in the warehouse, following up with truck drivers on delayed shipments, and ensuring all cargo was properly packed and prepared before aircraft departure.
- Prepared and sent operational emails detailing cargo status, load plans, aircraft compartments, and packing confirmations to airlines and relevant stakeholders.
Operational Impact
My work directly supported safe and timely cargo operations, where accuracy in documentation and weight calculations was critical. Incorrect cargo information or load distribution could result in serious safety risks, including flight delays or aircraft imbalance.
While safety regulations required all work to be double-checked, I was trusted to calculate cargo weights, coordinate load plans, and communicate with external partners. When discrepancies were identified early, I worked with supervisors, warehouse staff, and documentation teams to correct records before official submission and flight clearance.
Skills & Transferable Experience
- Working under high-pressure, time-sensitive operational environments
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy in safety-critical systems
- Clear, concise communication with external partners and internal teams
- Coordinating complex workflows across airlines, warehouses, and logistics providers
What I Learned
- Learned how real-world logistics and transportation systems operate under strict safety, timing, and regulatory constraints.
- Developed the ability to make quick, responsible decisions under pressure, such as prioritizing cargo when aircraft weight limits were exceeded and communicating those decisions clearly to airline partners.
- Strengthened professional communication skills, understanding that even small misunderstandings in high-stakes environments can have significant operational and financial consequences.