Aramex, the global logistics and transportation solutions provider, has joined Dubai Customs and Emirates Airline in implementing the e-freight system, a first-of-its-kind initiative for the cargo industry in the Middle East. The initiative, spearheaded by Dubai Customs and Emirates Airline, makes Dubai the first city in the Middle East to adopt paperless cargo operations.
The new e-freight system provides paper-free operations to enhance trade movement by allowing airlines, freight forwarders and customs administrations to exchange electronic information and e-documents. The e-freight system will continuously reduce the number of paper documents that every air cargo shipment carries with it.
The e-freight initiative by Dubai Customs is in line with their continuing commitment to support Dubai’s position as the principal trading hub of the region through the introduction and implementation of world-class systems and procedures. Dubai Customs has been working closely with other government departments and the private sector to facilitate faster and easier processing of trade movement in Dubai. Currently, Dubai Customs processes 85 per cent of all declarations through electronic channels.
“The new system to deliver e-commerce trading has been developed after an extensive examination of the country’s existing mechanism for freight clearance and the direct, tangible benefit the new system holds for all stakeholders. In 2009, Dubai Customs cleared over 2.5 million declarations transported by air; industry studies have shown the potential to reduce the transportation of 62 per cent of the paper in volume,” said Mr. Yousif Al Sahlawi, Senior Executive Director of Corporate Affairs at Dubai Customs.
Commenting on the initiative, Aramex Chief Executive Officer for the Middle East and Africa, Hussein Hachem, said: “The new e-freight system led by Dubai Customs and Emirates Airline offers a picture of the way forward for air freight in the region, and Aramex is proud to be part of it. This initiative will enable also Aramex to reduce its carbon footprint, which is an important ongoing goal for us.”
“The launch of the e-freight system in Dubai takes us into a new, more efficient era for air cargo,” said Ram Menen, Emirates Divisional Senior Vice President, Cargo. “Emirates has been a key supporter of this initiative as we see clear advantages in it for the entire industry. Freight services are an important business segment that comprises about 19 per cent of airline revenues worldwide. Such an initiative has broad, positive implications for e-trade in the region and for Dubai’s economy.”
The new system boosts speed and reliability by reducing the cycle time to an average of 24 hours and one-time electronic data entry at point of origin. Additionally, the system facilitates better visibility by providing for electronic documentation and online track-and-trace function.
