Two major forwarders have completed a successful trial to produce electronic air waybills using Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited’s web-based e-AWB generation module, COSAC-AWB.
BEL International Logistics and Rhenus Logistics Hong Kong are now ready to generate IATA-standard e-AWBs for any carrier handled by Hactl that accepts electronic bookings.
The two forwarders have shown their ability to input data correctly through COSAC-AWB, for subsequent verification by Hong Kong’s largest independent cargo handler.
COSAC-AWB is one of the key features of Hactl’s major new cargo management system, COSAC-Plus, launched in 2012 – after three years’ development and an investment of US$30m. It complies with the IATA e-AWB protocol, removing the need to print, handle or archive paper AWBs.
COSAC-AWB has recently been upgraded to accommodate co-loading – an important factor in Hong Kong due to the large volume of such traffic. This enhancement had to be driven in Hong Kong by Hactl and a local e-AWB working group, as it is not currently fully-defined by IATA.
Edward Tay, general manager–airfreight of BEL International Logistics, says: “As a major forwarder from Hong Kong to Europe and the US, we recognise our responsibility to drive the e-AWB concept as a stepping stone to full e-Freight.”
Adds Andre Delarue, general manager Hong Kong & South China of Rhenus Logistics: “The e-AWB is more efficient, more environmentally-friendly and maintains greater accuracy.”
Cindy Ng, executive director of Hactl, says: “The e-AWB reduces operational costs both for airlines and forwarders. It speeds air freight shipments by reducing processing, and eliminating data re-keying errors and delays due to lost air waybills. E-AWB is now integrated into the Customs procedures in many major markets, assisting in security compliance and streamlining inspections.”
“COSAC-AWB provides an additional means of agents inputting electronic air waybills, without any changes to their internal systems or practices.”
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