The IT air freight company Allivate has committed to digitally revamping the pick-up process of import shipments at Frankfurt Airport. Under the name "Smart Pick-up," the relevant processes will converge paperlessly in the Cargo Community System "FAIR@link," as described in a press release. A central role is played by the "digital right to pick-up," which replaces the previous collection note. According to Allivate, the pilot operation of Smart Pick-up started at the beginning of May.
Digital Right Instead of Document
Over a period of two months, the freight forwarders Kühne & Nagel and DB Schenker, the handling agent LUG, and the logistics
service provider CHI Cargo will test the interplay of the new digital processes. Instead of the physical collection note, the pilot partners will pass on the digital right to pick-up as legitimation for the release of the cargo via the FAIR@link platform.
"The new digital pick-up authorization enables efficient consignment handover and represents a significant leap for the digitalization of logistics processes at Frankfurt Airport. At the same time, the traceability of the pick-up processes is improved, which leads to more transparency and security in the entire supply chain," explains Allivate Managing Director Martina Schikorr.
Authorization Begins Before Landing
According to the
provider, Smart Pick-up initiates the ground processes already while the shipments are still airborne. Authorization for pick-up can occur up to two hours before landing. Upon the arrival of the cargo at Frankfurt Airport, a seamless transfer in the transport chain is meant to be enabled. "In our platform, pick-up readiness, pick-up authorization, customs status, and, if applicable, hazardous goods status can be seen at a glance. The truck slot booking is also integrated. This allows for the earliest possible disposition and avoids misroutes," provides Schikorr with an insight.
Paperless Consignment Handover
According to the press release, the check-in process with the
handling agent is also simplified. Instead of manually checking pick-up authorizations and readiness in various systems, all information will be proactively digitized and provided through one channel in the future. From an operational perspective, pilot participant Nouri Boulahrouz, Head of JETCargo Handling at DB Schenker, explains: "With Smart Pick-up, authorized persons or companies can digitally collect their consignments without relying on physical documents. This minimizes the risk of errors, forgery, or misuse and ensures a maximum level of security."
The new Smart Pick-up module is scheduled to commence regular operation in the second half of 2025 and be available site-wide for Frankfurt
