Industry News
AIS digital booking cuts ‘Horseshoe’ truck delays
Truck queues at Heathrow Cargo Terminal’s handling agent facilities are still an issue at peak times. This ties up trucks and drivers, disrupts urgent deliveries and eats into pro fi t margins. A digital solution has existed for some time in the form of the Advance Information System (AIS) from CCS-UK. This additional module is free to CCS-UK users (there is a nominal charge for non CCS- UK subscribers), and can be accessed through an online portal or integrated into a freight agent’s or haulier’s own freight management system. Using AIS enables freight agents and their transport companies to pre-advise handling agents of cargo being delivered or picked up, down to individual house AWB level. Separately, through a different system provided by CCS-UK, they can also submit electronic consignment security declarations (e-CSD). When a delivery is pre- alerted via AIS, and advance information has been provided, all the necessary information such as driver details and ID, vehicle registration and air waybill, are sent to the handler digitally; most handlers then provide priority handling. Vehicle status updates Using AIS for exports and imports also triggers vehicle status updates direct to the web portal or the agent’s system, eliminating the need to obtain manual updates by phone or email. AIS also generates analytical reports of status updates for all individual truck movements. Where the
Business Leaders Forum – speaker announcement The fourth in the series of Business Leaders Forum events takes place next month – have you reserved your place yet? Led by Steve Parker, BIFA director general, the event will include a range of speakers on topics that are, or soon will be, affecting your day-to-day activities. The first speaker to be announced is Adnan Zaheer, CEO and founder of iCustoms.ai, whose talk entitled AI: The Future of Trade Compliance, will detail how AI is revolutionising trade compliance by streamlining complex processes and delivering significant time and cost savings. Taking place at ETC. Venues, Monument, in central London, this event is free to attend and open to senior personnel of all BIFA Member companies. However, spaces are strictly limited – register to attend by scanning the QR code.
Parker said: “AIS is good news for our airfreight forwarder Members. It’s already speeding up the handling process and reducing queues, and new features currently undergoing testing will also improve security by pre- verifying the drivers and vehicles being used to collect cargo. “When the Shoreham Road terminal area is re-developed, there will be no provision for trucks to park and wait for a handling slot. They will be required to have a pre- booked slot, and this will require a community-wide digital solution. My view is that everyone should get on board with AIS today, so they are accustomed to using it and fully ready for the new situation when it comes.” To book your place at ‘The Future of Cargo Collection and Delivery at Heathrow’, visit: https://mailchi.mp/pilotmarke ting.co.uk/the-future-of- cargo-collection-and-delivery -at-london-heathrow To arrange connection and a demo of AIS, contact Claudia Carley (claudia.carley@bt.com)
handler uses ABS5 or kiosks, all data is pre-populated into its system, reducing paperwork and keying on vehicle arrival and eradicating resultant errors. Future system Currently, using AIS is optional. But Heathrow Airport Limited’s (HAL) planned re- development of the ‘Horseshoe’ will eventually eliminate local truck parking almost completely. HAL’s plans call for the use of pre-booked ‘slots’: trucks will have to have such a slot in order to be serviced. An event being held soon by CCS-UK User Group – ‘The Future of Cargo Collection and Delivery at Heathrow’ – is being supported by BIFA and HAL. It will inform the industry about AIS, its recent upgrades and upcoming new features such as Airwaybill Watch, and how AIS will enable agents to continue using Heathrow’s handlers by pre-booking handling slots. Delegates will see the system in action, hear from those who are already successfully using it, and be able to ask questions of a panel of industry experts. BIFA Director General Steve
6 | September 2024
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