Swiss WorldCargo has been selected by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to pioneer a paperless cargo-management process. With the introduction of an "e-freight" facility at the beginning of next year, Swiss WorldCargo will record and handle cargo consignments in electronic form. In addition to its environmental advantages, the new approach will simplify processes, enhance transport quality and save money, the carrier said. The e-freight facility initially will be introduced at Zurich Airport in Switzerland. In the process, Swiss WorldCargo and all of the parties involved in the local logistics chain will exchange consignment details online. The corresponding portal will include links to Zurich's forwarders, handling agents and distribution agencies, as well as to Swiss customs authorities. IATA aims to ensure that air-cargo consignments are handled electronically as extensively as possible by the end of 2010, Swiss WorldCargo said. A total of 13 import and export documents, accounting for up to 60 percent of the paper generated within the airfreight business, should become paperless. They include certificates of origin, waybills, packing lists and declarations.
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