Forwarders wanting to join the IATA e-freight project can now take advantage of a new software module from Riege Software International, a leading provider of software for air and sea freight as well as customs. In order to reduce paper usage in air freight, IATA launched its e-freight project for electronic data documentation in 2004. With the flexible new solution Procars, importers and exporters can in future simply and rapidly generate and transmit their transport documents by electronic means, carry out customs transactions and thus participate in the IATA e-freight project. Procars, the modular freight management system for air and sea freight and customs, thus simplifies processes in the air freight chain with the additional e-freight module.

Meerbusch, Germany – In 2010 worldwide air freight traffic is supposed to be handled as paper-free as possible. With Procars all the necessary processes for freight transport can be managed easily. Paperless air waybills can be quickly created with the new software solution and electronically transmitted through the IATA CargoIMP Standard to air cargo carriers. According to the airline association IATA, $1.2 billion a year could be saved in the air cargo industry by working without paper. Around the world an average of 38 freight documents are created per shipment. This mass of paperwork could fill 39 freighters every year. By reducing paper usage the air cargo industry can make an important contribution to environmental protection.

The following countries are so far taking part in the IATA e-freight project: Australia, Canada, Denmark, Dubai, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Mauritius, Luxemburg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Great Britain, Switzerland, Malaysia and the USA. Shippers, airlines and recipients want to handle all shipments from and to these countries electronically-only from 2010 onwards wherever possible.

The logistics provider DB Schenker has already used the freight transport management system of Riege Software International for many years. Moreover, the company is also using the extension of the comprehensive Procars system with success. “DB Schenker will roll out the IATA e-freight project worldwide. With Riege Software International we have a reliable partner which is supporting us with a programme extension for this project. The IATA e-freight project helps to speed up customs clearance, to save costs and to reduce sustainably the environmental impact,” declared Thomas Mack, Vice President Air Freight at DB Schenker.

Other customers of Riege Software International are already using the new e-freight module. Procars, a fully integrated software solution for air and sea freight, offers users a simple e-freight solution for paper-free freight management. With Procars the company is also indirectly helping to improve the CO2 footprint of its clients.

About Riege Software International

Riege Software International is based in Meerbusch, Germany, and provides multi-functional and integrated software solutions for air and sea freight operations as well as customs services. The experienced partner of forwarders, carriers and manufacturing companies achieves an annual turnover of 5.5 million euros with 60 qualified employees. Profound industry experience as well as IT knowhow characterizes the family-run business. The company implements and supports customer-specific projects in all aspects of standard and value-added services, offering a wide range of service and support. Riege Software International supports more than 200 customers worldwide with offices in Europe, Asia, North America and Australia. Long-standing customers who benefit from Riege software solutions include Astracon, Dachser, DB Schenker, DSV, Geis SDV, Jet-Speed, Kerry Logistics, Logwin, UTi and Zufall.