IATA e-freight and Cargo 2000 are significant industry initiatives within the IATA Cargo agenda, aimed at simplifying the business of air cargo. IATA e-freight and Cargo 2000 complement each other well. IATA e-freight focuses on process simplicity and efficiency, and Cargo 2000 (an Interest Group of IATA) focuses on process quality and control.
One of the foundations for IATA e-freight is the IATA e-freight Message Improvement Program (MIP). IATA e-freight MIP aims to increase the quality and numbers of electronic messages exchanged between industry stakeholders, initially focusing on the electronic form of the master air waybill (FWB) and the house manifest (FHL).
A shared objective of e-freight and Cargo 2000 is to simplify and implement best practice, both programs require complete and accurate data to ensure a simple, efficient paper-free industry as well as the provision of timely, accurate data facilitating movement of goods through the supply chain.
To achieve this mutual objective, IATA e-freight MIP will become an integral part of Cargo 2000, to constitute an extra quality measurement for all Cargo 2000 members.
IATA e-freight, in turn, will benefit from working closely with the Cargo 2000 team to ensure that all e-freight processes, defined during the pilot phase are aligned with the Cargo 2000 recommended practices already in place. IATA e-freight will also draw on the considerable expertise and learning of Cargo 2000 to ensure that past lessons are incorporated into the IATA e-freight approach.
Furthermore, both programs will ultimately support implementation of IATA e-freight and Cargo 2000 Phase 3 (shipment planning and tracking at piece level with document tracking), with a clear logical progression and combined effort from all stakeholders.
Mick Fountain, the Chairman of Cargo 2000 said: 'Cargo 2000 is extremely excited at the prospect of joining forces with the IATA e-freight program and I believe that building the "Quality Roadmap" together will present a win-win situation for the industry. Cargo 2000's membership includes airlines, forwarders, ground handling agents and other industry associates. By working with Cargo 2000, IATA e-freight will have access to a wealth of industry experience and knowledge, which continues to grow as I speak. While there may be adjustments needed in order to support this, going forward we believe we can work even closer together to build success for both programs.'
Aleks Popovich, IATA's Global Head of Cargo stated: 'IATA e-freight welcomes the opportunity to coordinate its energies with the Cargo 2000 program. IATA e-freight will learn from and build on the success of Cargo 2000. In turn, Cargo 2000 and IATA e-freight participants will benefit from common simplified processes, improved customer service and a reduction in costs resulting from a streamlined and efficient paper-free environment. We also plan to ensure such processes have built into them the conditions which will enable effective cargo security.'
