Two users of the Advance Information System (AIS) module are working with CCS-UK and CCS-UK User Group to provide forwarders and hauliers with automatic status updates.

Handling agents dnata and ASC can provide agents and hauliers at Heathrow Airport delivering or collecting cargo with regular updates direct into their system or via the AIS portal.

Processing within the transit shed system triggers the update, which are sent when the truck driver reports to the handling agent’s reception, when the vehicle is positioned on the dock, when off-loading or loading commences and finishes, and when the vehicle departs.

Occasional users can access updates via the AIS portal and regular users are encouraged to integrate the AIS module into their own management system.

Haulier Wallenborn makes frequent deliveries to Heathrow transit sheds, and commercial director Jason Breakwell says: “The automatic updates provided by AIS are immensely helpful in planning our complex operations. They are yet another reason why all transit shed operators at Heathrow, and all agents and hauliers sending trucks to the terminal, should start using AIS. It speeds up the whole process of collections and deliveries, and benefits the whole community.”

Steve Parker, chairman of CCS-UK User Group says: “AIS is already making a significant difference to airport delivery and collection operations, enabling agents and hauliers to recover their vehicles much more quickly. We would urge more shed operators to adopt AIS: it’s a smarter way of working that will help reduce peak-time congestion. AIS can be a service differentiator: eventually, choice of carrier for a forwarder could be dictated by whether their handler uses AIS or not.”