The Automation of Air Cargo Processing: Historical Highlights and Current Status

Recent developments in this country, especially in New York and Miami, have generated a renewed and heightened interest and efforts toward the goal of an automated air cargo processing system. This goal appears to promise as a major benefit, both a faster cargo processing at the ground segment of the trip between shipper and consignee, and a reduction in paper documentation. However, many obstacles appear to seriously challenge the system’s proponents.

A major research effort by the International Air Transport Association called Cargo Information Research Report (CARR), led to a major milestone with the adoption of industry data standards for the computer exchange of air freight information. However, a comprehensive uniform system is unavailable at this time. Additionally, the various elements of these “communities” bring with them quite a divergent set of needs, requirements, problems and viewpoints.