K+N & Lufthansa Cargo launch paperless corridors

Lufthansa Cargo and Kuehne+Nagel (K+N) have launched paperless corridors for shipments between Europe and Asia as part of efforts to digitalize cargo.

In a pilot phase, the two partners achieved 100% paperless shipments for general cargo on the lane between Germany and Hong Kong.

This includes the use of electronic air waybills and other accompanying documents and paper pouches. In the next phase more lanes will be targeted.

“By increasing the number of paperless lanes, a whole paperless corridor between Europe and Asia will be built for general cargo where the transport of paper could be eliminated,” Lufthansa Cargo said.

The two companies said that paperless shipments were more environmentally friendly and created operational efficiency.

Jan-Wilhelm Breithaupt, vice president global fulfillment management, Lufthansa Cargo, said: “We see great opportunities in this initiative as it supports all participants in pushing their handling efficiencies as well as increasing data availability and transparency throughout their network.

“The transition to a paperless environment will significantly reduce processing times plus complexity and offers just-in-time shipment status information.

“However, it will only be a first step towards a fully digitalized airfreight future; especially accompanying documentation of special cargo will come into our focus soon enough.”

Kolja Mahler-Wingen, vice president air logistics operations Germany, Kuehne+Nagel, added: “In addition to the positive effect of paperless handling, which primarily saves time and gains efficiency, a purely digitally supported process also offers further potential for automation in order to reach the best possible transparency and data quality for our customers around the globe.”