News / 'Data sharing is nice, but cooperation is key' to ending congestion, says Jan de Rijk

A road feeder service company has called for greater digital cooperation between airport stakeholders in a bid to reduce congestion and improve efficiencies.

Dutch tucking company Jan de Rijk said “sharing data is the only way forward” to cut congestion, which is currently problematic at airports all around the world.

“Our biggest challenge boils down to the waiting hours spent at cargo handling facilities, caused by lack of communication and transparency,” explained Stefan Pieters, manager operations and development.

“As there is often no contractual relation between the trucker and the handler, both parties operate on behalf of the airline, but [are] not directly connected to each other. This is very frustrating and ties up vehicles, costing extra and, at the same time, causing more emissions.

“If we could share data about when freight is available and the status of the vehicle, we could communicate much better with the handler, thus creating insight and data sharing for all parties involved.”

The Covid-19 crisis has accelerated the launch of new technology platforms, with airports, particularly in the US and parts of Europe, struggling with major congestion. CargoSprint has deployed a pre-booking solution at a number of airports in the US, while Kale Logistics has introduced a digital service, PING, which creates an e-AWB and removes administrative tasks, speeding up processes at airports.

Jan de Rijk uses Trucking CDN, developed by CargoHub at Schiphol, which allows it to share data with all stakeholders on truck movements to and from Amsterdam.

“Given the recent developments in regard to data exchange between handling companies and road feeders, combined with system integration possibilities, I look forward to start actively using the CDM platform now that we are able to share our data with Trucking CDM fully automated,” said Mr Pieters.

“Sharing data will allow all parties to access and use real-time information.

“We have to work together as one community to support connectivity between stakeholders in the air cargo industry.  The concept of data-sharing platforms such as Trucking CDM should be embraced universally.”

He said Covid-19 had forced companies to work in rapidly changing situations, accelerating the need to share data.

“We should all be ready for pooling data within the air cargo supply chain, which gives us all the ability to incorporate this flexibility. Minimising the use of paper and physical contact by sharing data could also bring benefit to the supply chain system.

“It will not change the world, but we have to do this together as a community. Data sharing is nice, but cooperation is key”.