Staying ahead in eCommerce Leveraging Efficiency and Harmonization

The rapid growth of eCommerce has transformed global logistics, but one fundamental truth remains: eCommerce air shipments are still just air cargo and air mail at their core. The difference lies in how they are handled, not in the air, but on the ground. While airplanes ensure fast transit, the real challenge is achieving speed and efficiency in ground operations.

To meet customer expectations for fast and reliable deliveries, eCommerce companies and logistics providers must optimize processes on the ground. This means streamlining customs clearance, improving last-mile delivery, and adopting standardized procedures for sorting, handling, and transportation. Without these efficiencies, even the fastest air shipment can be delayed before it reaches the customer’s door.

Recognizing this, the eCommerce industry is heavily investing in cutting-edge technologies. Automated sorting systems, artificial intelligence for demand forecasting, and real-time tracking solutions are becoming the norm. Robotics and autonomous vehicles are also being introduced to speed up warehouse operations and ground transportation. These innovations not only reduce delays but also enhance accuracy and reliability, ultimately leading to higher customer satisfaction.

In short, eCommerce air shipments depend as much on what happens before and after the flight as on the flight itself. By applying efficient, standardized processes and leveraging new technologies, the industry is ensuring that these shipments evolve to meet the demands of the digital age.

The Cargo Services Conference (CSC), in charge of IATA’s Resolutions and Recommended Practices has established the IATA Airmail Board (AMB) and the IATA Cargo Handling Consultative Council (ICHC) to look after all the processes on the ground, not only from an airport to airport point of view, but from an entire supply chain perspective, including all stakeholders and using the industry adopted Master Operating Plan (MOP) as the backbone.

The AMB is responsible for all matters dealing with the movement of mail by air, with the exception of issues related to airmail rates and charges. The AMB works closely with international organizations such as the Universal Postal Union (UPU) and the International Post Corporation (IPC). All activities related to airmail operations and processes also serve the purpose for the eCommerce business.

As cargo operations are performed by hundreds of handlers at thousands of airports around the world, the ICHC has been established to provide clear guidance on the processes required for a seamless operation and handling which is of utmost importance when dealing with eCommerce shipments. This harmonization of processes will provide customers with a consistent and efficient level of service, wherever they land.

These two groups are the pivot of the air cargo supply chain, and the vision is to drive safe, efficient, and customer-focused operations for the air cargo industry.

• Efficiency in warehouse processes
• Guidance for acceptance and handling
• Ensuring ULDs are handled safely as aircraft parts
• Providing recommendations for building cargo facilities
• Bringing transparency of capabilities for a better customer experience  

Benefits of becoming an e-Commerce and Cargo Operations Strategic Partner:

• Benefit from first selection of sponsorship/exhibition opportunities at the IATA World Cargo Symposium, the Cargo Experts Conference and CNS Conference and any e-Cargo event organized by IATA.  
• Benefit from the opportunity to network with airlines, cargo handlers and IATA Subject Matter Experts in cargo operations.
• Participate in industry meetings.
• Advertize in various IATA publications such as the IATA Cargo Handling Manual (ICHM) and the Airmail Handbook.
• Advertize on the Cargo website at a discounted rate.
• Receive notifications on a broad spectrum of areas including Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), customs, security and safety in operations.
• Receive a complimentary premium listing in both IATA Cargolink and ONE Source
• Participate in the development of new standards.
• Be informed and involved in the development of handling and operations standards.

Find more information on the e-Commerce and Cargo Operations page, and feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

Andre Majeres

Head of eCommerce & Cargo Operations