Descartes' Enhances Real-Time Web Services

Descartes Systems Group, which provides logistics software as a service online, has enhanced its Global Freight Exchange to provide tighter, real-time integration with air carriers, the company announced.

The enhancements make it easier for air cargo carriers to access information about available capacity, routings and pricing when they are booking freight electronically. Air cargo carriers that belong to Descartes' GF-X -- including American Airlines Cargo, Air France-KLM Cargo, Delta Cargo and Continental Airlines Cargo -- will be able to provide freight forwarders with direct, real-time access to the carriers' systems, making better use of available capacity and improving customer service.

"At Descartes, we're focused on helping our customers streamline their operations and standardize their business processes," said Ed Ryan, executive vice president, Global Field Operations for Descartes. "By adding real-time Web services, we increase automation and access to booking information for online air freight bookings. With Descartes' GF-X, air carriers can maximize their reach and ensure they are presenting a breadth of booking options to freight forwarders around the world."

Descartes' GF-X is one of the largest electronic information and reservation systems in the air cargo industry. Using GF-X, air freight carriers distribute real-time product, routing, capacity and rate information to their forwarders worldwide. Airfreight forwarders access carrier information, make electronic bookings and track shipments using a Web browser. Descartes' GF-X is part of the Descartes Global Logistics Network, which enables transportation providers to connect with their trading partners and exchange information in order to improve delivery performance and customer satisfaction.

Contact Alan M. Field at afield@joc.com.