CHAMP Cargosystems simplifies air cargo booking with the launch of Traxon Multi-Carrier API.
This innovative service empowers forwarders and shippers to quickly compare availability and their rates across multiple airlines, and to then book shipments.
The new service reaches over 25 of the world’s leading airlines who run a variety of core cargo systems. It allows software providers and technically advanced forwarders to seamlessly integrate shopping and booking capabilities into their in-house systems, while removing the complexities of managing multiple airline connections.
Traxon Multi-Carrier API includes a user-friendly administration portal, where users can tailor the service to their needs by selecting partner carriers, managing commodities, and handling air waybill stock.
With CHAMP’s API, users can secure the best available rates with unparalleled speed, which translates to significant time and cost savings, optimizing operations and enhancing profitability for air cargo businesses.
Ed Dorr, VP eCargo Portfolio from CHAMP said “By harnessing cutting-edge API technology, we’ve created a solution that simplifies the complexities of air cargo booking and unlocks new possibilities for our customers. Traxon Multi-Carrier API provides a single point of access to over 25 airlines, streamlining booking processes and powering growth.”
Christopher Shawdon, Head of Business Development from CHAMP said “Traxon Multi-Carrier API gives technically advanced organizations the ability to make better informed decisions faster, ultimately, achieving greater success.”
Head of CargoBooking, Anna Balan, received the Young Airfreight Professional of the Year Award at the 2024 Air Cargo News Awards held in London, UK, on Wednesday 23rd October.
Balan heads up CargoBooking, a platform powered by Awery Aviation Software (Awery), and since 2022, has been played a vital role in CargoBooking’s subsequent success and wide adoption globally.
Starting her career in the air cargo industry in 2015 aged only 19, Balan has dedicated her career to making digital tools accessible across the industry, spearheading the launch of CargoBooking as an open-access platform last year.
Since then, the platform has seen exponential uptake, with more airlines, GSA/GSSAs, and forwarders signing up weekly.
“This recognition is a testament to both the success of the CargoBooking platform, and to the unwavering support from the CargoBooking and Awery teams,” said Balan.
The judges highlighted Balan’s contribution to advancing digital solutions in air cargo, driving efficiency and cost savings, and were particularly impressed by her dedication to encouraging the industry-wide adoption of digital tools.
“At CargoBooking, we are dedicated to showing stakeholders where technology can best serve our industry, and to that point, we are constantly working to develop our product in line with our clients’ needs.”
Balan was further commended for her role in developing CargoBooking’s eMagic tool, which is able to process shipment information from emails and texts into a standardised format using Artificial Intelligence.
Balan was unable to attend the awards ceremony due to travel restrictions, and instead submitted a short acceptance speech via video from her home in Kyiv, Ukraine. Vitaly Smilianets, Chief Executive Officer, Awery, collected the award on her behalf.
Air cargo tonnages from China to Europe have broadly recovered to their levels prior to China’s Golden Week holiday at the start of October, while tonnages from Hong Kong to Europe have risen further in the last six weeks to their highest level this year, indicative of a possible ramping up of e-commerce and wider demand from this key origin market in the final months of the year.
According to the latest weekly figures and analysis from WorldACD Market Data, Hong Kong to Europe tonnages in week 42 (14 to 20 October) were +25% higher than their already strong levels in the equivalent week last year. And Hong Kong to Europe tonnages in weeks 40-42 were +12% higher than their average weekly levels in September.
On the pricing side, average spot rates from Hong Kong to Europe in the last seven weeks have risen above the US$5 per kilo level, fluctuating between $5.04 and $5.31, and standing at $5.15 in week 42, with China to Europe spot rates rebounding to $4.29 per kilo, taking both to around +13% above last year’s levels. But there have been some bigger year-on-year (YoY) increases from some other Asia Pacific markets – particularly on the pricing side.Other Asia Pacific markets showing significant YoY tonnage increases to Europe in week 42 include Thailand (+27%) and Vietnam (+26%). But spot rates from those two markets to Europe were up, YoY, by +87% and +61%, respectively, in week 42, based on the more than 450,000 weekly transactions covered by WorldACD’s data.
The consistent strengthening of the Hong Kong to Europe market in the last six weeks, despite the normally dampening effects of China’s Golden Week holiday period at the start of October, is one of the earliest and only indicators of a potential significant fourth-quarter (Q4) air cargo peak season emerging this year.
On a worldwide basis, average global rates edged up only slightly in the second full week of October and tonnages nudged downwards from most of the major regions – the biggest decline coming from Middle East & South Asia (MESA) origins. But the patterns in week 42 this year are similar to those of last year, with tonnages having broadly recovered from the effects of China’s Golden Week holiday at the start of October, and poised for a potential surge in the final weeks of the year, as occurred last year.
Fall in tonnages from MESA
Following a moderate (-4%) WoW fall the previous week, tonnages from MESA to Europe dropped by a further -8% in week 42. More than half of that decline was due to a drop in chargeable weight from Dubai to Europe (-22%, WoW), although there were continuing declines also from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka origins to Europe. A two-week-on-two-week (2Wo2W) comparison, comparing the combined figures for weeks 41 and 42 with those of weeks 39 and 40, also results in a -8% drop in tonnages from MESA to Europe. This drop is most likely a reflection of the recent impact of the increased military and geopolitical tensions in the region.
Meanwhile, tonnages from MESA to the USA were also down by -6% in week 42, with tonnages falling from India (-3%) and with consecutive weeks of double-digit percentage declines to the USA from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka origins. Average spot rates from MESA to the USA have also fallen in recent weeks from US$5.02 in week 40 to $4.69 per kilo, a drop of almost -7%. However, they are still +80% higher than this time last year.
On a worldwide basis, tonnages in week 42 slipped -1% compared with the previous week, taking them just +4% above their levels this time last year, with all the world’s main origin regions ahead by between +2% and +5%, YoY. And average global rates edged up by a further +2%, WoW, taking them +10% above last year’s levels – based on a full-market average of spot and contract rates. Spot rates are up +19%, YoY, driven by the continuing big YoY increases from MESA (+82%) and Asia Pacific (+25%). And on a 2Wo2W basis, worldwide tonnages and rates were both stable, leaving tonnages up, YoY, by +7%, and rates by +11%, YoY.
China-USA tonnage slump continues
Asia Pacific to USA total air cargo tonnages continued their recovery in week 42 from the effects of China’s Golden Week holiday, rebounding by a further +4%, WoW, thanks to a +10% WoW increase from China. But compared with last year, China-USA tonnages remain significantly down (-18%, YoY) – part of a wider pattern of decline in China-USA tonnages in the second half of this year. That decline appears to have been triggered by tighter Customs rules and checks since July on inbound USA air cargo traffic from China, especially at Los Angeles (LAX). Indeed, China to LAX tonnages in week 42 were down by -37%, YoY.
However, spot rates from Asia Pacific to the USA, and from China to the USA, rebounded by a further +3%, to $6.23 per kilo and $5.41 per kilo, respectively – taking Asia Pacific-USA spot rates +42% above their equivalent levels last year, and taking China-USA spot rates +10% higher, YoY.
Hermes Logistics Technologies (HLT) picked up the Digital Innovation trophy at yesterday’s Air Cargo News Awards, in recognition of the company’s innovative Learning Management System (LMS).
Launched just 12 months ago, the Hermes LMS is a cutting-edge platform designed to revolutionise training and development within the air cargo industry. The cloud-based tool offers a comprehensive suite of learning resources to enhance employee skills, improve operational efficiency, and drive overall business success.
“We are honoured to receive this award, which recognises our commitment to innovation and excellence in the air cargo industry. The Hermes Learning Management System is a testament to our team’s dedication to developing solutions that address the evolving needs of our customers,” said Yuval Baruch, CEO of Hermes Logistics Technologies.
The Hermes LMS has already benefited several of HLT’s customers, including Groundforce, dnata Australia, CACC Cargolinx, Georgi, and PACTL, and several other companies are slated to adopt the LMS before the end of 2024.
The online learning platform has been rolled out in English, German and Chinese, with more languages becoming available soon, including Arabic, Vietnamese, Turkish, and Spanish.
The Digital Innovation award recognises the impact the Hermes Learning Management System has had in the air cargo industry since launching in late 2023, including driving efficiency and digital literacy.
Cimcorp, a leader in logistics automation, is excited to announce a new collaboration with Penske Logistics to enhance the third-party logistics (3PL) provider’s capabilities in the bakery industry.
This partnership will leverage Cimcorp’s cutting-edge automated systems and software to optimize bakery order fulfillment, ultimately improving processing volume, order accuracy, product freshness, and ROI for Penske’s customers.
Optimizing Supply Chain Efficiency
As a trusted logistics partner in the food and beverage sector, Penske provides a range of services, including warehouse labor supported by advanced labor management systems and an integrated warehouse management system (WMS). In pursuit of automated solutions to elevate its bakery supply chain, Penske chose Cimcorp for its extensive experience and innovative distribution technologies.
Innovative Solutions for Fresh Products
Cimcorp will integrate its Warehouse Control System (WCS) and MultiPick technology to streamline the movement of fresh bread and buns from bakeries to store shelves. This initiative reflects Penske’s dedication to enhancing its operational capabilities while delivering optimal solutions for its customers. Cimcorp’s automation will provide Penske with numerous benefits, including:
Immediate Impact on Customer Satisfaction
“We are very pleased to collaborate with Cimcorp to offer a consolidated logistics solution,” said Pete Bayer, Senior Vice President of Operations for Penske Logistics. “This partnership will deliver immediate results by enhancing order accuracy, improving customer satisfaction, and reducing reliance on manual labor.”
Proven Expertise in Bakery Automation
Cimcorp has a successful track record in optimizing order fulfillment for bakeries globally, including partnerships with Martin’s Famous Pastry Shoppe, Inc.®, Fazer Bakeries, and Kwik Trip. Its award-winning solutions are tailored to meet the specific needs of the bakery industry, promoting efficiency, food safety, cost reduction, and product freshness. The integration of buffer storage and order picking into one seamless operation guarantees high throughput with 100% order accuracy, while its modular design allows for scalability to meet seasonal demands.
A Shared Vision for Customer Success
Adam Gurga, National Manager of Grocery and Retail Partnerships at Cimcorp, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership: “We’re thrilled to collaborate with Penske, a world-class leader in 3PL services. Our companies complement each other well across the service and distribution industries, addressing the need for effective human-automation interaction. Both Penske and Cimcorp prioritize customer success, and we’re excited to help Penske achieve immediate and sustainable results that foster long-term growth.”
In line with DHL’s commitment to delivering unparalleled end-to-end supply chain solutions to customers globally, DHL Group is pleased to announce the introduction of DHL Supply Chain in the United Arab Emirates through a strategic transfer of specific business operations from DHL Global Forwarding.
This transition builds on DHL’s strong track record of customer-centric logistics services, while addressing the growing demand for holistic contract logistics offerings that will further complement the Group’s existing service portfolio in the region.
In addition to the already existing cross border transportation, forwarding and freight services under the Group’s global forwarding division, DHL Supply Chain, global leader in contract logistics, will now offer its full suite of comprehensive contract logistics services. This move allows DHL to cater to the evolving needs of customers – multinationals and SMEs – for warehousing, fulfillment, and aftermarket services in various sectors, including technology, automotive, aviation, energy, engineering & manufacturing, and e-commerce, as well as in the fashion and luxury sectors.
Hendrik Venter, CEO of DHL Supply Chain in Europe, Middle East, and Africa, emphasizes the importance of the transition. He notes that the seamless transfer will ensure that existing customer relationships and operations remain uninterrupted, with no major changes in customer interactions. The commitment to excellence remains unwavering, and customers will continue to benefit from the high-quality service they have come to expect from DHL Group.
“With the increasing demand for comprehensive end-to-end supply chain solutions, expanding our contract logistics portfolio in this fast-growing region was a natural progression. Our established presence as a leader in forwarding and freight services now allows us to extend our contract logistics capabilities in the UAE even further,” says Venter.
And Amadou Diallo, CEO for DHL Global Forwarding Middle East and Africa adds: “Earlier this year, we completed the integration of Danzas AEI Emirates into DHL Global Forwarding, significantly improving service efficiency across the UAE, GCC, and MEA regions. Building on this success, DHL Supply Chain will now take over seven facilities from the DHL Global Forwarding portfolio and will directly operate them under their own brand, managing operations with a team of 600 dedicated logistics professionals. It is just a logical consequence that those DHL customers that developed larger contract logistics needs, will now be managed by our contract logistics division, DHL Supply Chain.”
This transfer of business underscores DHL’s dedication to meeting the complex supply chain demands of its customers in the region. By leveraging the strengths of DHL Supply Chain, the Group is positioned to now offer its full range of products and services, delivering maximum value to its customers in the region. This transition is expected to further strengthen customer partnerships and pave the way for continued success.
In a remarkable display of teamwork and commitment, Rhenus launched its first global charity initiative, the Rhenus Run Club – Charity Edition, from September 9th to 15th, 2024.
This year, 3,995 employees from 56 countries participated, collectively covering an impressive 32,938 kilometers.
Team Spirit Raises €32,938 for CARE International
The charity run raised a total of €32,938, demonstrating Rhenus employees’ dedication to social responsibility. “The Rhenus Run Club is more than just a sporting event for us. It is a strong symbol of our shared responsibility at Rhenus – for our colleagues and for those in need,” said Dr. Joana Bätz, Chief Human Resources Manager of the Rhenus Group.
New Activities Expand Participation
In a significant enhancement this year, participants could also collect kilometers by walking and hiking. “By expanding the range of sports, we wanted to give even more employees the opportunity to get involved,” Dr. Bätz added.
Global Commitment to Health and Solidarity
Rhenus showcased its dedication to employee health and global solidarity through this initiative, reinforcing its commitment to CARE International, a leading NGO supporting vulnerable populations. “The willingness of Rhenus employees to donate is invaluable to us. Every contribution helps us to help people in need quickly and effectively,” stated Stefan Ewers, Deputy Secretary General and Board Member at CARE Germany.
Participants from Around the World Unite for a Common Goal
Participants organized various activities worldwide to collect kilometers and strengthen team spirit. In Bangkok, over 200 colleagues gathered at the Bang Krachao Botanical Garden, running a total of 1,800 km, while teams from countries like South Africa, Chile, Poland, and the Netherlands joined forces for the cause.
Rhenus’s Commitment to Social Responsibility
The Rhenus Run Club – Charity Edition exemplifies the company’s core values, with social projects firmly established in its corporate culture. “Seeing how the Rhenus Run Club connects people worldwide and motivates them to do something for others is simply fantastic,” Dr. Bätz concluded.
Looking Ahead
As Rhenus continues to foster community and health through such initiatives, the company is committed to building on the success of the Rhenus Run Club – Charity Edition, making a lasting impact in the communities it serves.
U-Freight Group subsidiary, e+Solutions (ePlus), a leading eCommerce logistics provider, played a central role in a new corporate video launched by Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) titled “Hong Kong International Airport – The eCommerce Fulfillment Hub in Asia.” The video highlights Hong Kong’s competitive advantages as a global logistics center, showcasing its infrastructure, duty-free policies, and streamlined return procedures.
e+Solutions’ Role in the Campaign
Parts of the video were filmed at e+Solutions’ state-of-the-art eCommerce Logistics Centre at Chuen Kei Industrial Centre. The facility, equipped with advanced automated mobile robots (AMR), demonstrates ePlus’ capability in handling both B2B and B2C orders. The video also features insights from other prominent logistics stakeholders, emphasizing how Hong Kong’s world-class logistics supports global commerce.
“By participating in this initiative, we aim to elevate our brand and strengthen relationships with AAHK and other stakeholders,” said a representative from e+Solutions.
Hong Kong: A Global Fulfillment Hub
The key objective of the video is to position Hong Kong as a strategic middle-transit hub for global logistics companies. The collaboration underscores e+Solutions’ dedication to promoting Hong Kong as a critical player in the eCommerce ecosystem.
“We are proud to showcase how our facility contributes to Hong Kong’s position as a top-tier logistics hub,” the e+Solutions spokesperson added.
Expanding Freighter Network at HKIA
Alongside this campaign, Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) has seen new freighter services added recently. Hong Kong Air Cargo (HKAC) launched a weekly all-cargo route to Birmingham, UK, in addition to its London Stansted connection. DHL Express also introduced new freighter flights between Hong Kong and Jakarta, while Air France KLM Martinair Cargo resumed freighter services to Hong Kong after nine years, utilizing a Boeing 747-400.
These developments highlight the city’s growing importance as a logistics and eCommerce hub, connecting markets across Asia and beyond.
Federal Express Corporation, one of the world’s largest express transportation companies, launched its new gateway facility in Denpasar, Bali, providing faster connections and greater reliability for local businesses.
The strategic investment in Tuban is designed to streamline shipping processes, improve delivery times, and offer a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet the unique needs of exporters in Denpasar. Customers will benefit from faster and more reliable shipping services with exports from Bali routed directly from Denpasar to Singapore rather than through Jakarta.
The new facility also offers one-stop-shop logistics services for Class 9 dangerous goods. Customers will enjoy greater convenience in shipping miscellaneous types of dangerous goods, such as solid dry ice and items with anaesthetic properties. Additionally, customers will also enjoy a simplified clearance process as shipments will be handled directly in Denpasar under KPPBC Ngurah Rai (Ngurah Rai Customs and Excise Supervision and Services Office). This enhancement reduces delays in customs clearance. Customers requiring a single PEB (Goods Export Notification) for their shipments can easily submit their requests through email with no changes to the booking and pick-up cut-off times for shipments.
“These enhancements improve our value proposition, providing local businesses with the tools and differentiated solutions to stay competitive,” said Garrick Thompson, Managing Director of FedEx Indonesia. “At the same time, we are excited to continue supporting the growth of the Indonesian economy through innovative logistics solutions.”
The Denpasar gateway is part of FedEx’s broader strategy to expand its operations across Southeast Asia, reinforcing its position as a leader in both express and freight transportation and logistics. With a focus on customer-centric solutions, FedEx remains committed to meeting the evolving needs of businesses in Indonesia and beyond.
Steven Verhasselt spent 20 years turning Liege Airport from a small regional airport into a cargo juggernaut, handling two-thirds of all European Air Freight.
Now the 52-year-old will be helping to steer Teesside’s cargo operation in a huge coup for one of the country’s newest Border Control Points (BCPs).
The Belgian national travels the globe speaking to contacts and clients in developing freight with his firm FB Cargo Strategy.
Steven said he spent the first four years putting in the groundwork at Liege to make it the powerhouse it is today.
He said: “It took a while, but it came good after we’d put the work in.
“We got perishables through Ethiopia, E-Commerce, and worked through Hong Kong and China. We offered a unique selling proposal by using our ingenuity around existing legislation.”
Steven’s background was in seed capital and venture capital before he made a move into aviation.
Within a decade, he’d built up a big bank of contacts – and he revealed what he loved most about his work in airfreight.
“What I like is on one hand, it’s really a global business but on the other it’s relatively small – meaning within ten years you knew everybody,” he said.
“There’s also a challenge with passenger travel at an airport. It means we have to be inventive in developing routes when compared to passenger travel. Every cargo route development is like its own mini-project – you have to be much more inventive.
“If I have a flight coming from Africa full of flowers and vegetables into the UK, the flowers are going to be sold and the vegetables are eaten.
“Passengers arrive at an airport and go home or to a hotel. Cargo can arrive – but if nobody deals with it, it can sit at an airport for years.
“Running cargo is much more than just running airside operations. It’s about customs, licence checks, border control, taking cargo to its final destination. That’s what makes it interesting.”
Teesside’s £2.5million state-of-the-art cargo facility has gone from strength to strength since it opened for business, and its status as one of the country’s newest BCPs means it can handle flowers, fruit and vegetables.
Linked by the A1(M) and A66 nearby, and the East Coast Mainline, in Darlington, the Airport’s freight facility is ideally placed in the heart of Britain to make the most of road and rail links. It can serve some 95% of the country’s businesses in just six hours.
Teesside also offers benefits as a customs zone as part of the Teesside Freeport.
This year saw FedEx, the world’s largest transportation company, sign a five-year deal with Teesside for an airfreight handling facility to meet growing demand – with eight additional inbound and outbound flights a week.
When it came to the wider opportunities in airfreight, Steven explained there were plenty to be had.
He added: “The potential for cargo is as it’s always been.
“Resources tend to go to passenger services – that’s seen as more important to an airport’s stakeholders.
“In certain airports, cargo is pushed on site. But when you see what is happening in UK, you see very few flights for cargo in London airports. For cargo, if organised, Teesside is definitely a competitor.
“You can compete on speed and compete on reliability – that’s the benefit of a regional airport. Speed is important but in certain areas, such as automotive freight, reliability is key.
“The market offer in Northern England is under-developed and there may well be an opportunity there. You’ve also got Brexit which hasn’t quite been digested – companies are still working it out and there are logistic challenges so there are opportunities there.
“I see the potential to develop some very sustainable long-term successes – be it Africa with perishables, business in the US, and maybe Asia with stopovers.”
However, as his experience building Liege showed, Steven explained how expanding Teesside’s cargo operations would require patience.
“You also need to be wise where we position ourselves – we’re not going to be landing 747s,” he added.
“It’s a challenge and it’s going to take time, but there are always opportunities in the short term – just look at the port strike on the US East Coast.
“We are going to get the groundwork done and position ourselves – but we’re also going to look at the short-term opportunities as well. That’s the balance in the whole approach.
“The key is to be on top of it.”
Steven will be supported by doyen of cargo and colleague at FB Cargo Strategy, Koen Servaes, who has 38 years of aviation experience under his belt.
Phil Forster, Managing Director of Teesside Airport, was delighted to welcome the pair aboard as part of the agreement.
He said: “Having Steven and Koen boosting our team is a huge coup for us. Both are giants in the cargo industry – and what they’ve done throughout their careers is testament to the hard work, contacts and talent they have.
“To have access to their vast knowledge and expertise is invaluable and we’re delighted they’ve seen our potential and come on board.
“Our cargo operation means we’re perfectly placed for distribution, our Business Park is growing, and we’ve put the building blocks in place to welcome more firms to our site to reap the benefits of our customs zone.
“It’ll take time, but this is a huge boost to our efforts to make Teesside an economic engine for our region and put us firmly on the airfreight map.”
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
