The trade association for UK freight forwarders and logistics service providers is encouraging its members to object to a Paper Air Waybill (AWB) Surcharge that airlines are planning for export AWBs that are not filed electronically.

The British International Freight Association’s (BIFA) director general, Robert Keen, commented: “BIFA supports e-Commerce and e-Air Waybill implementation in the air cargo supply chain.

“However, we believe that implementation should create value for forwarders and airlines alike, and airlines need to recognise the costs that the originator of the information incurs to enter and transmit data.

“Through our international body FIATA, BIFA will be voicing our objection to carriers that seek to apply yet another surcharge, and create yet another revenue stream, under the guise of supporting IATA’s“ the airline industry body’s – e-Freight initiative, which aims to implement e-Freight worldwide.”