OnBoard Logistics has partnered with logistics platform Raft to make its operations more efficient and further its digitalization efforts.
OnBoard Logistics now boasts a fully automated warehouse pre-check process, using Raft’s platform to optimize the receipt and processing of cargo before its physical arrival to streamline operations and prevent potentially costly mistakes.
Since implementation, which was completed within a two-week period, OnBoard Logistics said it has achieved a capacity lift of over three times its previous capabilities, and has eliminated human errors in its warehousing processes.
“Our goal has always been to optimize our services and provide unparalleled quality to our clients,” said Rodrigo Sosa Quiroga, co-founder and vice president, OnBoard Logistics.
OnBoard Logistics has recently rolled out a digitalization strategy that involves investing heavily in its technological infrastructure to improve warehouse operations.
Its adoption of Raft is part of a larger initiative known as the Digital Warehouse Project.
The integration of handheld scanners and artificial intelligence capabilities has been combined with the existing software infrastructure to strengthen the business.
Flexport has launched a new e-commerce tool for online firms that allows them to manage the supply and delivery of goods.
Merchants can also access fulfillment and last-mile delivery services for Shopify and Amazon’s Seller Fulfilled Prime program, as well as for their own e-commerce stores.
The new service will connect the forwarders international services with its e-commerce fulfillment operation, acquired from Shopify last year, to allow customers to ship products from factories into retail networks.
“All these integrations enable merchants to form a single pool of inventory, allowing Flexport customers to sell everywhere without the need to manage multiple providers,” the company said.
It also added that the new service also provides “one-click access to more than 20 supply chain services on a single page, enabling entrepreneurs to seamlessly sell in more places and automate the movement of their products from factory floor to customer door”.
Flexport also offers two-day and next-day delivery on more than 20 e-commerce marketplaces, including Shopify, Walmart, and eBay storefronts.
The basic system is free, but Flexport is also launching a membership program, Flexport+, that provides supply chain financing, priority shipping services, and extra service support.
The company said that the priority handling can cut shipping times by up to 15% and the financing includes up to 120-day term financing to enable companies to “pay as you sell” to save on inventory storage costs.
As part of its focus on customer-centricity, Cathay Cargo has widened its sales distribution channel by placing its rates and availability in Kuehne+Nagel’s own booking engine, enabling users to access space, rates, and secure instant confirmation from Cathay Cargo’s inventory.
The two-phase application programing interface (API) pilot scheme with Kuehne+Nagel in the Americas and latterly in Europe marks the first time that Cathay Cargo has enabled booking functionality to be accessed from a freight forwarder’s host system.
Director Cargo Tom Owen said: “At Cathay Cargo, we know how important it is to move alongside our customers. By embracing new technologies and digitalizing our systems, the pilot scheme shows that we can work with our key partners to improve the booking experience and increase their operational efficiencies.”
Holger Ketz, Global Head of Air Logistics Network & Carrier Management at Kuehne+Nagel commented: “The long-standing cooperation with Cathay Cargo has been key to the successful implementation of the API interface. By having direct access to Cathay Cargo’s booking platform from our transport management system we can offer a more efficient and user-friendly booking experience for our customers.”
This latest development is part of Cathay Cargo’s wider digital strategy in operations and strengthening the customer experience at every touchpoint. It also aligns with the industry’s growing demand for advanced technological solutions, and to put more service options at customers’ fingertips.
Owen added: “The successful implementation of this API integration demonstrates our commitment to embracing new technologies to enhance transparency, trust and the overall user experience, as well as offering more efficient and effective management of global accounts.
Our digitalization program will help Cathay Cargo stay at the forefront of the industry and meet the evolving needs of our customers as we work towards our vision of becoming the world’s most customer- centric air-cargo service brand. ”
Cathay Cargo aims to develop the API’s functionality and make it available to more global account customers this year.
OnBoard Logistics has partnered with logistics platform Raft to make its operations more efficient and further its digitalization efforts.
OnBoard Logistics now boasts a fully automated warehouse pre-check process, using Raft’s platform to optimize the receipt and processing of cargo before its physical arrival to streamline operations and prevent potentially costly mistakes.
Since implementation, which was completed within a two-week period, OnBoard Logistics said it has achieved a capacity lift of over three times its previous capabilities, and has eliminated human errors in its warehousing processes.
“Our goal has always been to optimize our services and provide unparalleled quality to our clients,” said Rodrigo Sosa Quiroga, co-founder and vice president, OnBoard Logistics.
OnBoard Logistics has recently rolled out a digitalization strategy that involves investing heavily in its technological infrastructure to improve warehouse operations.
Its adoption of Raft is part of a larger initiative known as the Digital Warehouse Project.
The integration of handheld scanners and artificial intelligence capabilities has been combined with the existing software infrastructure to strengthen the business.
Freightos – owners of WebCargo – reported a loss in the second quarter of the year as revenues narrowed slightly.
The digital software company saw its second quarter revenues decline 1.2% year on year to $5.1m, its operating loss worsened by 0.7% to $5.9m and its loss improved by 5% to $5.7m.
Transactions on the platform increased by 59% year on year to 239,000 and the number of airlines offering their capacity is up 19% year on year at 37 airlines, although no further airlines were added in the second quarter compared with the first.
The company said that while overall revenues had declined, there was an improvement on the booking side of the business.
“The Freightos Platform facilitated record Transaction numbers, and earned slightly increased Platform Revenue during the second quarter of 2023, with our growth successfully overcoming depressed international freight rates and reduced industry volumes,” said Zvi Schreiber, founder and chief executive of Freightos.
“Growth and innovation on the carrier supply side, as well as a 10% year over year growth in Unique Buyer Users, has fueled an increase in our market share that emphasizes the continued adoption of digital bookings.”
He added that he was encouraged by improving freight rates, especially in transpacific ocean shipping, and expected improvements generated by its operational efficiency plan which was implemented in July.
Schreiber said this would help improve profit performance and enable the company to reach profitability with existing funds.
Ran Shalev, chief financial officer of Freightos, added: “Despite difficult industry conditions, the company remains on track to improve Adjusted ebitda in Q3 and after.
“The results of the operational efficiency plan implemented in early Q3 are anticipated to be reflected in the Company’s financials as early as this quarter and are not expected to compromise underlying growth.”
The company is predicting an adjusted ebitda loss of between $21.5m and $19.8m for the full year.
Emirates SkyCargo is now live on CargoAi’s CargoMART marketplace solution to offer freight forwarders real-time pricing and capacity information during the booking process.
The partnership launched in the Netherlands, Spain and France, and will open up to customers in select countries across Europe, the Americas, Africa, the Far East and Australasia in the coming months.
Through the CargoMART solution, customers will be able to access Emirates SkyCargo schedules, tariff and contract rates, along with real-time access to available capacity, enabling immediate bookings 24/7.
On the backend, the partnership is anticipated to drive greater efficiency and accuracy. Once the system is fully operational, over 10,000 freight forwarders on CargoAi’s database will have access.
Nabil Sultan, divisional senior vice president, Emirates SkyCargo, said: “As we increase our digital connectivity, we are able to offer more choice for our customers to connect with Emirates SkyCargo’s market-leading capabilities and extensive global network.
“CargoAi’s digital touchpoint enables both our existing and new customers from across the world to book with Emirates SkyCargo at their convenience, providing an additional channel that further strengthens our world class customer experience.”
“We are thrilled to partner with Emirates SkyCargo to enhance their digital customer experience through our marketplace solution, CargoMART. By providing real-time pricing and capacity information, we empower our mutual customers with greater choice and convenience, enabling them to make immediate bookings 24/7,” said Matt Petot, chief executive of CargoAi.
“This collaboration exemplifies our commitment to driving efficiency and accuracy in airfreight, and we look forward to further strengthening the world-class customer experience provided by Emirates SkyCargo.”
Emirates SkyCargo’s five core products are listed on CargoMART, including Emirates Fresh and Emirates Fresh Breathe, an integrated and responsive cool chain designed for perishables; Emirates AOG for time-critical aircraft parts; Emirates Airfreight Priority for urgent shipments that depend on speed and reliability; and Emirates Airfreight for the quick and careful transport of general cargo.
Cargo drone airline Dronamics has strengthened its position in the Asia Pacific region with the appointment of Gavin Gomes as general manager of its Australia operations.
The appointment, effective immediately, also sees Gomes become a member of the senior management team.
Gomes’ career includes positions at start-ups, private companies, listed entities and global multinationals such as Canon, Australia Post, Telstra, and IBM. A certified pilot, he currently also serves as a non-executive director of Royal Victorian Aero Club and CM Pacific.
“Dronamics’ commitment to transforming the future of cargo delivery through drone technology is both inspiring and groundbreaking,” Gomes said. “I look forward to leading a team of dedicated professionals and collaborating with stakeholders to drive Dronamics’ growth and contribute to the advancement of the Australian logistics and aviation industry.”
Dronamics is working with Australian aerospace composite business Quickstep Holdings to scale up its fleet amid rising demand. Industries that stand to benefit from long-range, high-payload cargo drone operations include perishables, mail, pharmaceuticals, e-commerce and mining.
Svilen Rangelov, co-founder and chief executive of Dronamics, said: “Australia has demonstrated an enormous appetite for what Dronamics can offer – faster, more affordable, lower emissions freight, connecting underserved and remote communities and businesses through cargo drone logistics. We are committed to serving the needs of the local market and we are thrilled to have Gavin’s experience and expertise to support that.”
Global aviation services group Air Partner has appointed Andrew Holmes as vice president of cargo, US.
Holmes will oversee all day-to-day operations of the company’s cargo division in the US.
Holmes’ career in ad-hoc aviation started in 2000, based in Ostend, Belgium as a flight manager and an operations assistant.
Holmes initially joined Air Partner as account manager for the US cargo division in early 2021.
His previous experience includes running an 18-month program of multi-leg cargo flights to collect PCR tests for weekend delivery to a San Diego-based lab amid the pandemic; contracting multiple flights to carry Covid vaccines for distribution around the world and operating weekly flights (for seven months) to South America with spare parts to keep a manufacturing plant in operation.
“Andrew’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the growth of Air Partner’s air cargo charter operations in the US as we focus on aligning our service delivery globally,” commented Pierre Van Der Stichele, vice president cargo, global.
“His experience and expertise lend themselves to creating a strong client relationship built on trust and transparency. That is what differentiates Air Partner when companies are weighing the benefits of air cargo charter versus other delivery methods.
“It’s a fine balance between growth and personalized service, and his vision and approach account for both aligning our business goals and meeting our client’s unique needs.”
Holmes commented, “My goal is to make Air Partner a household name in air cargo charter in the US, and the best way to do that is by offering a personal touch and standout solutions for clientele.”
DHL Global Forwarding has appointed a new executive vice president, global airfreight.
Thomas Mack will leave the position effective in October, and will be succeeded by Max Sauberschwarz, who currently holds the role of senior vice president Global StarBroker, DHL Global Forwarding’s air charter organization.
In addition to this role, he will also become a member of the Global Forwarding management board.
Sauberschwarz has more than 15 years of experience in logistics and has held several senior management roles in the airfreight sector on global level as well as in Europe and Asia. He joined DHL Global Forwarding in 2019 as senior vice president Global StarBroker.
“We are delighted to have found a worthy successor to Thomas Mack in Max Sauberschwarz. In his previous role, he demonstrated not only his deep industry knowledge, but also his leadership skills and we look forward to driving the business forward together in the years ahead,” said Scharwath.
After stepping down from his current position, Mack will move into a new senior advisor role and continue to report directly to Scharwath.
Following this, after a transition period, Mack will leave the company in October 2024 into retirement.
Mack has worked in the airfreight industry for over four decades. At DHL Global Forwarding, he joined five years ago as head of global airfreight and was heavily involved in transforming the organization into one of the world’s leading providers of integrated airfreight services.
He also worked closely with sister division DHL Express, “leveraging a number of valuable synergies within the group”, said DHL.
“First and foremost, I would like to express my sincere thanks to Tom for his tireless efforts, commitment to the company, and achievements in the division’s growth.
“Under his leadership our air freight business has reached new strengths and heights. We wish him only the best for the future and are pleased that he will continue to advise us with his profound expertise until his well-deserved retirement,” commented Scharwath.
Aerovolt are due to install their smart charging network starting in the Solent region of smaller airports in the UK with exclusive airside smart charging operations and access to electric aircraft.
Aerovolt already has over 20 aerodomes signed on for fixed charger installations at large regional and medium sized aerodromes for a first stage rollout. Making it the largest smart aviation network in the world. Facilitating planning, payment and operations into one unique system.
A further 18 chargers are scheduled to be installed over the next 18 months, with more powerful chargers in development.
Technology has made the world smaller and faster.Real time communication with people from all over the world at different time zones through phones and gadgets
