In an effort to minimise potential supply chain disruptions from the US requirement to screen all cargo moving in the bellies of passenger planes within the country, Descartes Systems Group, the Canada-based supply chain software and solutions provider a leading technology company has introduced an offering that allows airlines to be notified of the cargo’s screening status before it reaches the airport.

The function is built into Descartes’ electronic booking suites and using the special handling code approved by the International Air Transport Association, freight forwarders handling goods on behalf of shippers can check a box informing the carrier that the goods headed its way have already been screened.

If the box goes unchecked, it will be assumed the cargo has not been screened. The forwarder will then receive a message from the carrier about any changes in flight cutoff times that might result because the airline has to take on the responsibility for inspecting the shipment.

Julie Calcunovitch, vice president, air product management for Descartes, said the tool will facilitate an orderly acceptance process by giving the carrier pre-arrival visibility of screened freight. The tool is available to Descartes’ customers, which are freight forwarders and airlines. It is not available to shippers, she said.

In addition, while the tool informs carriers that cargo en route to them has already been screened, it does not yet have the ability to seamlessly transmit a supporting certificate that actually proves the goods have been screened in compliance with US government requirements. Calcunovitch said the tool now in place represents a first step, and Descartes plans to add functionality as the process becomes more established.