EXEL COMPLETES FIRST PHASE OF CARGO 2000

EXEL COMPLETES FIRST PHASE OF CARGO 2000    Exel, the global supply chain management services provider, said it has completed the first phase of Cargo 2000's implementation, which will enable the logistics company to offer customers real-time visibility for international air-freight.
   Cargo 2000 is an initiative of airlines and freight forwarding organizations designed to implement processes backed by quality standards and measured and supported by data.
   The first phase involves controlling airport-to-airport cycles at the master airway bill level, Exel said. This includes documentation, tests, technical specifications and implementation plans at all U.S. gateways and key airports around the world.
   'Through Cargo 2000, we will provide our customers with improved visibility and decreased cycle times,' said Ole Ringheim, global vice president for air freight at Exel. 'Although enhanced customer services is the primary driver, we are also looking for productivity improvements.'
   Exel is preparing to implement phase two of Cargo 2000, scheduled for completion in 2003.