DHL, Emirates partner on e-freight promotion

DHL, Emirates partner on e-freight promotion    DHL Global Forwarding and Emirates SkyCargo said Tuesday they will partner to incorporate usage of e-freight across their networks, with the goal of becoming industry leaders in implementing it.
   The e-freight concept is being pushed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and aims to take paper documents out of the air cargo supply chain in order to streamline processes, improve speed and reduce costs.
   'Both companies recognize the strategic value of e-freight,' they said in a joint statement. 'Working in an electronic environment will bring enhanced operational efficiency and improvement to the supply chain. According to IATA, up to $4.9 billion of annually industry savings could be generated by e-freight processes. And the environment will also benefit from the elimination of 7,800 tons of paper documents worldwide — the equivalent of 80 Boeing 747 cargo planes per year.'
   'The benefits it has brought our business are enormous, which is why we are encouraging others to embrace it,' said Ram Menen, Emirates divisional senior vice president, cargo. 'E-freight is the future of our industry.'