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CCS-UK implements a module to speed up processing at Heathrow


The first adopters have responded positively with reduced dwell times and streamlined processes


Advanced Information System The pre-Christmas cargo peak at London Heathrow Airport, with estimated volumes of over 150,000 tonnes per month, once again highlighted the need for changes to the way that forwarders, hauliers, transit sheds and airlines work together. This is not a new situation and the lack of on-


airport truck parking, narrow approach roads and tight manoeuvring space for large articulated vehicles, frequently lead to long truck queues at the ‘horseshoe’ in the cargo terminal. However, the temporary measures taken during the cargo peak to relieve the congestion do not address the root cause of the issues surrounding collections and deliveries. In recognition of these issues, the CCS-UK


user group has developed a module that will speed up deliveries to, and collections from, the transit sheds by providing advance notification of cargo en route, enabling the transit sheds to anticipate workloads, schedule resources and allocate handling slots for trucks. BIFA has been aware of the development of this Advanced


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Information System (AIS) for some time and several BIFA members have been involved with the various stages of testing. The CCS-UK user group is the body that


represents all users of the CCS-UK air cargo community service, which provides Customs clearance and airline/community messaging that connects around 900 forwarders, transit sheds and airlines to HM Revenue & Customs and Border Force at most airports in the UK.


Improved handling for transit sheds At the latest meeting of the BIFA Air Policy Group in November, Members were given an updated presentation, explaining the functionality and potential benefits of AIS. They were shown how the system could


improve handling for all transit sheds and airlines, minimising reception processes and reducing dwell times. This advance information, including vehicle details, driver’s name, cargo details, handling agent and estimated time of arrival (ETA) can be submitted through a web portal or messages sent directly from the


forwarder’s own system. The system provides transit sheds with the


ability to manage their workload by populating their systems with the shipment information, reducing paperwork and reducing delays on arrival of the truck. It also provides a repository of data for management information reporting and real time updates, and provides an opportunity for further digitisation of outdated documentation, including collection and release notes, thereby improving security. Future enhancements of the system will include Brexit Border reporting for international trucks and the updating of ETAs through telematics. The principal goal of AIS is to reduce the


number of vehicles and cut queue times. To achieve this the system requires widespread adoption by freight forwarders and transit sheds, which will enable efficient vehicle scheduling for visits to multiple sheds for both the drop-off and pick-up of cargo. The response of the early adopters has been


positive, with reduced dwell times being reported along with the benefits of simplified and streamlined processes being recognised.


For further information, contact Malcom Fowler, representing the CCS-UK User Group Ltd, at mfowler@btinternet.com


January 2019


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