newstodate.aero
May 29, 2009 (newstodate): E-freight is rolling in the Scandinavian markets, albeit the pace of penetration may fail to meet the more optimistic expectations.
-We have decided to link the implementation of e-freight to the launch of our new SAS Cargo express product, the EuropeXpress, in the Scandinavian markets since April 1, 2009, says Anders Hundahl, SAS Cargo director products and prices.
-EuropeXpress shipments are forwarded as e-freight without physical paperwork, which can obstruct the transport flow and cause delays, and the product is available for shipments of up to 79 kilos with no special handling requirements in order to additionally speed up transfer in handling terminals.
-For geographical reasons, Norway is the single largest market for this product and has been the key driver behind the penetration of e-freight in Scandinavia. Sweden is a significant market, too, but to a lesser degree, and Denmark is insignificant as to domestic airfreight and express products.
-This focus on linking e-freight to the express product does not preclude, of course, our efforts to see e-freight increasing also in the general cargo business. But our attitude here has so far been to utilize e-freight whenever demanded or requested by our customers in the market, rather than pushing it too hard at this stage.
-Generally speaking, the pace of penetration of e-freight is perhaps also somewhat influenced by the current downturn in the industry. As the stress has come off the industry, forwarders may today be less inclined to familiarize themselves with the new paper-less procedures, sticking rather to well-tested work habits. We will need a change of culture before the "ketchup effect" occurs, says Mr Hundahl.
-We have decided to link the implementation of e-freight to the launch of our new SAS Cargo express product, the EuropeXpress, in the Scandinavian markets since April 1, 2009, says Anders Hundahl, SAS Cargo director products and prices.
-EuropeXpress shipments are forwarded as e-freight without physical paperwork, which can obstruct the transport flow and cause delays, and the product is available for shipments of up to 79 kilos with no special handling requirements in order to additionally speed up transfer in handling terminals.
-For geographical reasons, Norway is the single largest market for this product and has been the key driver behind the penetration of e-freight in Scandinavia. Sweden is a significant market, too, but to a lesser degree, and Denmark is insignificant as to domestic airfreight and express products.
-This focus on linking e-freight to the express product does not preclude, of course, our efforts to see e-freight increasing also in the general cargo business. But our attitude here has so far been to utilize e-freight whenever demanded or requested by our customers in the market, rather than pushing it too hard at this stage.
-Generally speaking, the pace of penetration of e-freight is perhaps also somewhat influenced by the current downturn in the industry. As the stress has come off the industry, forwarders may today be less inclined to familiarize themselves with the new paper-less procedures, sticking rather to well-tested work habits. We will need a change of culture before the "ketchup effect" occurs, says Mr Hundahl.