New system launched for first- and last-mile cargo tracking for forwarders

Freight IT specialist CHAMP Cargosystems has partnered with e-logistics solutions provider CargoSoft and time-critical logistics company Central Global Cargo (CGC) to co-create a new first- and last-mile tracking across transport modes to support forwarders in better managing their operations – without the need for “costly” mobile applications”.

Theo Buergel, CEO at Central Global Cargo, told Lloyd’s Loading List that his company had successfully used the new system for its air and road transport modes, although it could also be used for sea freight shipments, noting that the solution’s automated technology had generated time savings for operational staff averaging more than 5 minutes per shipment, as well as adding visibility and minimising false data.

He noted: “This is a huge advancement for the world of freight forwarders and provides a vital service to our customers. With this automated technology, we have added visibility for our shipments and can minimise false data due to human error. We have calculated a time savings for operational staff averaging 5 minutes and 15 seconds per shipment. We are delighted with the results.” 

Nicholas Xenocostas, vice president for commercial and customer engagement at CHAMP Cargosystems, commented: “With this new technology, we set on a new path to real-time end-to-end supply chain visibility. This will bring benefits to every participant in the supply chain – most importantly the shipper.

Path to end-to-end supply chain visibility

“Bringing common-sense technologies into the freight forwarder space will add important data for our customers that can further push the boundaries of efficiency. We thank both our partners, CargoSoft and Central Global Cargo for this wonderful opportunity to co-create something special.”

The services work in tandem with CHAMP’s air waybill tracking product Traxon Premium Tracking and its Shipply.Truck service “to provide contactless QR codes to collect time, date, geolocation and images of an event – feeding back to the freight forwarder's transport management system via an API”.

The partners said the need for such a service “arose from resource-consuming data collection around first- and last-mile events. Only 45% of these events were recorded correctly, on time or at all. Many operators choose to create costly closed-system mobile applications in order to record these events. Many of these consume much data and energy from truckers’ mobile devices – even when not in use.”

They said that contrary to that closed-system approach, “this new solution is simple, open, and flexible – requiring only a QR code that can be scanned with a mobile camera, which links to the relevant URL where new information can be updated automatically”.

‘Truckers pleased with the results’

The partners added: “Truckers are pleased with the results – one noting: ‘Thanks to the QR code, we can quickly transfer all pick-up and delivery data via mobile, and above all a digital copy of the proof of delivery. This saves us a lot of phone calls and emails’.”

Traxon Premium Tracking service leverages existing information flows, provided by the world’s largest and growing air cargo community, Traxon cargoHUB. It provides shipment status updates and offers full end-to-end shipment visibility to customers and their shippers – in an efficient automated way.

The three partners said their jointly developed solution “will bring true full and real-time tracking of the supply chain from end-to-end”. 

Uwe Droste, MD for development and operations at CargoSoft, commented: “We are delighted to have partnered with CHAMP Cargosystems in such a project. We have created an easy-to-integrate solution that requires no additional hardware or software. Most importantly, it is easily implemented on the ground – with clear gains to operational efficiencies.”