The export process in an air cargo terminal: from acceptance to “Flight Departed”

In an air cargo terminal, export is a process that runs from the moment an agent hands over cargo until the aircraft departs, and every step needs a record. carGObis manages it as a single flow using handheld terminals and automatic SITA messages.

1. Cargo acceptance

The agent's authorisation document is tracked in the system. When a label is issued, the delivering person's name, phone and ID details are recorded and can be selected again on the next visit. The air waybill entered on the label is checked against AWB stock control, and the label is printed and handed to the agent.

2. Handheld acceptance and measurement

Acceptance staff scan the label with a handheld terminal and enter special cargo codes such as VAL, PER, HEA and DGR, forklift and handling services, and extra services like strapping, stretch wrap, crating or euro pallets. Damaged cargo is photographed and an e-mail goes to the relevant addresses automatically. Once dimensions, pieces and weight are entered per MAWB and HAWB, an FSU/FOH message is sent via SITA automatically.

3. X-ray and put-away

The person loading the x-ray scans the label; commodity, AWB, pieces and entry time appear on the operator's screen and “Clear–Opaque–K9” forms are printed. The CSD form can be completed in the software when needed. After screening, cargo is placed into racks, rooms or cages with the handheld terminal.

4. Build-up and aircraft operation

The manifest is created and pallets and containers are loaded with the handheld terminal. If a pallet's capacity is exceeded the system warns and does not allow it to be closed; the remaining pieces are saved as part2, part3 and so on. When the flight manifest is complete, an e-mail goes to operations and the airline. Loading at the aircraft is confirmed on the handheld terminal.

5. “Flight Departed”

In the final step FFM, FWB, FHL and DEP messages are sent via SITA, and cargo covered by the FFM is removed from the export warehouse at the same time. For special cargo the NOTOC is filled from the system and a pre-alert goes to SITA and e-mail addresses at the destination stations.

This is the core export flow of carGObis, in use at terminals including Çelebi Ground Handling since 2004. See the carGObis product page for details or get in touch with us.