After years of watching other people move airfreight between the cargo aprons of the world, Airfreight Bill has decided to take the plunge and set himself up in business.
I am taking the opportunity to announce the establishment of Airway Bill Cargo GSSA & GSA (ABCG&G) to serve some of the most discerning airlines by representing them in some of the most exciting, diverse and profitable markets.
I am going into business with my best pal Manny Fest, who is hot on organising details. He is ignoring Groucho Marx’s famous line: “I wouldn’t want to belong to a club that would have me as a member” and looking at what organisations ABCG&G might join for networking and business contacts within the GSSA and GSA markets.
First on his list is TIACA – The International Air Cargo Association. He says it is a must as it is a global organisation for air cargo stakeholders, including GSAs/GSSAs. Great for advocacy, networking and insight into trends like digitalisation and sustainability he says.
He’s also up for engagement with IATA – International Air Transport Association (Cargo Division). Manny’s excited that while IATA membership is airline-focused, GSSAs can engage through programmes like Cargo iQ, CASS (Cargo Account Settlement Systems) and IATA strategic partnerships.
I am quite keen on WCAworld (WCA Logistics Network). It says it is the world’s largest logistics network with freight forwarders, airlines and cargo handlers. Looks like it could work for us in terms of potential leads and partnerships for cargo space sales. Then there is Neutral Air Partner (NAP), which insiders describe as a network tailored to air cargo professionals—including GSAs/GSSAs, consolidators, and neutral airfreight experts. It’s great for connecting with tech-savvy and high-performance forwarders. Nice.
Manny says ABCG&G will look at Airforwarders Association (AfA) – USA Focus when we build our American business. He says it is a strong States-side industry body representing air cargo professionals, including GSAs.
With global ambitions, we might look at trade bodies and organisations around the world to join. Will it be ACFA (Air Cargo Forum India) for Indian subcontinent operations? Back across the Pond again, we might look at CNS (Cargo Network Services) – IATA’s US division – useful for American market access.
Innovation and tech
Those readers who are 12 years old or know a 12-year old will be told by these snotty youths that the present, never mind the future, are digital and that (ABCG&G) will have to look at membership of innovation and tech-driven platforms, like anyone our age knows what that means. Bear in mind for the first half of my career, telephones were plugged into walls by cables and you took photos with a camera. Don’t get me on rolls of film, either. Manny, however, says he does know about tech-driven platforms and urges us to look at Cargo.one Partner Network. It seems to be a digital sales channel that allows GSSAs to offer their capacity online to forwarders. Sounds useful.
Another one to look at is WebCargo by Freightos. This is another strong digital sales/booking platform for real-time rate distribution and dynamic pricing or so it says on the tin.
Taking a stand
Now, my friends will be unanimous in saying I can’t be doing with modern technology if there is a chance for a meeting in person with a potential client. There is nothing better for doing business than pitching up to a potential deal in person and chatting them up over coffee, booze or a meal.
That is why Manny and I will be attending as many industry events and conferences to promote ABCG&G to likely clients. Expect to see us at Air Cargo Europe (Munich), Air Cargo Africa, TIACA Air Cargo Forum, Transport Logistic and IATA World Cargo Symposium.
Of course, we will get a subscription for Air Cargo Week, the digital version.
Attending these will give our brand visibility and connects us with airlines looking for local sales expertise. That what Manny says and who am I to disagree?
