Online cargo portal Fleet will become one of the first companies to connect into Lufthansa Cargo's latest booking and Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) for booking and tracking.

The Frankfurt hubbed carrier said that it would connect with Fleet through its new smartBooking API to simplify the portal's customers' ability to quote and book.

Users will gain access to "instant and competitive airfreight rates along major trade lanes", the partners said.

With Lufthansa Cargo’s eTracking API, Fleet customers can also track their shipment, hence securing a streamlined process from quoting to tracking.

Dorothea von Boxberg, chief commercial officer of Lufthansa Cargo: “Our smartBooking API is a further step to offer a seamless digital customer journey. APIs will play an important role as distribution and communication channels also in our industry. We are happy that Fleet is one of the first customers using smartBooking for a comprehensive and convenient booking experience.”

Max Lock, chief executive of Fleet Logistics, said: “The smartBooking API is a significant advancement as it is one of the first airfreight API to bring together spot rates and capacity.

"This makes the process more efficient and lowers the barriers to process an entire shipment from door to door solely through technology.

"Working with a strategic leader like Lufthansa Cargo allows us to address the technical infrastructure challenges across the industry as we work to build out a global distribution system across all modes of transport.

"Fleet is excited to partner with Lufthansa Cargo along with our other partners to link and digitize major services across the supply chain including rates, capacity, bookings, documentation, and financial settlement.”

Lufthansa invested in Fleet in 2018. It has also invested in another online booking platform, cargo.one.