IATA begins e-freight effort in Japan

IATA begins e-freight effort in Japan The International Air Transport Association said it has launched its electronic freight initiative in Japan designed to improve efficiency and reliability for customers by eliminating the use of paper documentation for air cargo shipments.
   The e-freight initiative is operational at Narita International Airport for exports to Amsterdam, Chicago, Copenhagen, Hong Kong, Seoul, London, New York, Singapore and Zurich.
   Airlines, freight forwarders, ground handlers and shippers participating in the voluntary effort are eliminating the use of 13 paper documents that often add manual costs and time to process at point of delivery rather than in advance.
   Japan is the 21st location worldwide to enable paper-free cargo shipments.
   IATA's goal is to implement e-freight in all locations that have appropriate treaties and automated customs systems in place by the end of 2010.