Adoption of global cargo quality standards is gaining ground in Southeast Asia, but the hard part is only beginning. Cargo iQ says more players in the region are signing up, but warns that real progress depends on changing mindsets, not just adding tools.

“The current awareness and adaption are good. Member-wise, we are seeing more members from the Southeast region joi,n which is a good indication of awareness and adoption,” said Marie Seco-Köppen, Executive Director of Cargo iQ.

Behind the numbers, though, lies a tougher reality: integrating quality management into daily operations demands more than compliance. It takes structure, consistency, and investment in people.

More than IT spend

For companies entering the Cargo iQ framework, the first misconception is often the most persistent: that quality is a systems problem solved by software.

“Regardless of the markets, the main challenge is for organisations to understand that it is a long-haul exercise that requires repeated discipline to be implemented,” said Seco-Köppen. “This isn’t just about investing in technology but also in process improvement, rethinking, workarounds, isolated solutions, and training.”

Cargo iQ standards require companies to confront the way they operate, not just automate it. In markets where process culture is still maturing, the effort can be significant. But the payoff, according to Seco-Köppen, is structural improvement that sustains over time.

“The industry needs to focus on upskilling to switch from a hero-effect industry to one of continuous improvement, with a disciplined and well-oiled, people-powered machine.”

That shift—from reactive workarounds to proactive systems—is essential if Southeast Asia is to meet the expectations of global shippers and network partners.

Helping small players keep pace

While the quality conversation is often dominated by major carriers and global forwarders, Cargo iQ is actively targeting smaller logistics companies that risk being left behind. Its framework is designed to be accessible—but that doesn’t mean superficial.

“Our collective framework allows smaller or independent logistics providers to benefit from the quality standards and approaches developed, and vice versa,” said Seco-Köppen.

Cargo iQ provides step-by-step implementation support and simplified materials to ensure members can apply the standards at every stage of cargo movement. Still, adoption requires commitment. The organisation makes clear it is not an IT vendor—it defines the operating model for quality-driven cargo handling.

“Cargo iQ is often mistaken for an IT solution,” Seco-Köppen said. “However, we build the standards for the industry to create solutions, and we focus on improving and implementing this with the view of better planning, tracking and execution of shipments across parties.”

The distinction matters. Cargo iQ sets the rules; it’s up to members to execute.

Data shouldn’t sit on a dashboard

One of Cargo iQ’s core tools is its shared performance data, including agreed KPIs across the membership. But gathering data is only useful if it’s acted on.

“Cargo iQ provides data-driven support and insights to its members. We are currently re-implementing our new data platform alongside the tiers system in order to do this even better,” said Seco-Köppen.

The goal is more than visibility. It’s about targeted guidance, corrective action, and in some cases, rewriting operational procedures. Members will soon gain access to expanded KPI dashboards and enhanced data quality checks.

“We actively encourage all our members to use the data they are given; the data naturally highlights where these weak points and bottlenecks are.”

Cargo iQ’s model leaves little room for guesswork. If something is off—delay patterns, handover issues, unplanned deviations—it’s in the data. What matters is whether companies are using it to close those gaps.

Digital shift needs more than APIs

As the air cargo sector pushes forward with digitalisation, Cargo iQ is preparing to phase out legacy messaging systems in favour of APIs. But the transition is not purely technical—it involves rethinking processes from the ground up.

“This Autumn we will be kickstarting the transition to API’s,” Seco-Köppen confirmed. “We are starting work on the process side, re-shaping the Master Operating Plan to decouple from the old messaging and adapt the Cargo iQ route map specifications.”