Together with the IT-, software and consulting services provider Circle Group, Gruber Logistics carried out a paperless freight transport within Italy in mid-October 2025.
This was embedded in the two EU-funded initiatives eFTI4EU and Keystone, which aim to create a European network of interoperable platforms - for data exchange between logistics and transport companies as well as the authorities.
From La Spezia to Bologna
A freight container was transported from the Ligurian port of La Spezia to Interporto Bologna, a central
logistics hub. In this process several test aspects were successfully validated, including the automatic transmission of ETA data (Estimated Time of Arrival) from Gruber Logistics' TMS system to the Keystone platform, the creation and transmission of the electronic CMR note (e-CMR), as well as the electronic data exchange between the logistics company, the public platforms and the control authorities.
“For the complete digitalization of freight traffic, this test is a very important step, a real milestone on this path. By combining
compatible platforms and electronic documents we showed that paper usage can be avoided, transparency improved and controls simplified,” explained Marco Manfredini, Chief Operating Officer of Gruber Logistics.
Automatic data flow
In the pilot project, the seamless interoperability between the Keystone web application and the eFTI platform, the eFTI Gate Italy node and the Port Community System (PCS) in La Spezia was confirmed – in the sense of an automatic data flow.
This allows the authorities faster and easier digital checks of
approvals and procedures, according to the logistics service provider.
“The pilot demonstrates how, through research and innovation spirit, a smarter, more sustainable and more dialogue-capable European logistics system is taking shape,” said Prof. Mauro Dell'Amico, Keystone project coordinator at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia.
According to Dell'Amico, the insights gained should now be used to improve and consolidate the processes. “The test success will continue to lead to the eventual implementation of digital freight transport,” emphasizes the project coordinator.
