The eSRF, which forms an integral part of the Import Air Cargo Collection Digitalization Module of Airport Authority Hong Kong’s HKIA Cargo Data Platform, speeds up the import collection process, helping freight forwarders to plan their work schedules more flexibly.
It is more secure than paper and manual identification verification, providing customers with more visibility and it eliminates paper Shipment Release Forms, meaning freight agents need less archive storage space.
Previously, freight forwarders could obtain SRFs by obtaining authentication with paper-based identification documents and queuing for truck dock and cargo clearances but now an eSRF can be issued through electronic authentication.
Airlines can issue an eSRF to freight forwarders or consignees for pre-registration, automatic truck dock allocation and online queuing for cargo clearance with the inspection confirmation being recorded electronically and a cargo release confirmation being shown on a mobile device.
Mark Watts, Chief Operating Officer of Cathay Cargo Terminal, says, “Our customers are increasingly looking to leverage digitalisation to unlock efficiency and transparency, while also looking to work with common standards and true community solutions that enable them to share data quickly across the supply chains with minimal integration. The HKIA Cargo Data Platform serves as an enabler in driving such transformational change for the industry.”