3.3 Definitions and documents
3.3.1 Definition of e-freight
The term e-freight describes the process of transporting air cargo shipments with digital rather than paper-based data and documentation. Typically, this relates to air waybills, manifests, invoices, packing lists, etc.
At present, nearly all participants in the cargo supply chain employ their own, self-defined business processes and standards, along with their own coding systems. A successful e-freight system requires harmonized message standards to electronically exchange data.
The air cargo industry today still largely relies on paper-based processes to support the movement of freight. The average shipment generates more than 30 documents when all parties are involved: shippers, freight forwarders, ground handling agents, airlines, customs brokers, customs and other government authorities.
These paper-based processes are not cost-effective, nor do they serve the key requirements of air cargo: security and speed.
In December 2004, IATA initiated an industry-wide project whose aim was to take paper out of the air supply chain. Achieving this vision requires sweeping changes in regulatory and legal environments.
Note: while e-freight is paper free, i.e. a process in which the airfreight supply chain does not physically transport paper, there may be exceptional circumstances where paper copies are required, based on electronic data, messages or scanned documents. Examples of such exceptions include documents required by customs authorities for the release of cargoes.