IAG Cargo, the merged cargo business of British Airways and Iberia, has launched Cargo Connector, a free pick-up and delivery service for freight forwarders moving small consignments in the Heathrow area.
The service, dedicated to consignments under 300 kilos, is available to freight forwarders operating within the Heathrow catchment area, allowing them to have small consignments picked up and delivered to the airport by IAG Cargo.
The pick-up and delivery of consignments are offered at no extra charge to the customer, while freight screening can be arranged as required.
IAG Cargo has launched the service to enhance its proposition for low weight break shipments, making it easier to book and deliver consignments. Freight forwarders will not have to arrange and pay for pick-up of their consignments, nor will they have to arrange their own transport for airport delivery.
After a customer has used the service, they will be automatically added to the pick-up vehicle’s daily route. In addition, customers can book shipments on-site when the driver arrives at their premises.
The drivers will be able to book quickly on the behalf of customers, via mobile, and feedback flight details on the spot, giving the customer instant access to any of IAG Cargo’s more than 350 worldwide destinations. The vehicle is IAG Cargo branded and specialist drivers have been recruited with the necessary sales experience to handle onsite bookings.
Andy Jaye, regional commercial manager UK&I at IAG Cargo said: “Cargo Connector is an important product for us as it addresses two of our key strategic priorities: improving our small consignment proposition and making it easier for our customers to do business with us.”
Cargo Connector has also been trialled in the US, where it is available in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago. Two vehicles are currently operating in New York and Chicago and one in Los Angeles, each making around 20 stops each day. Following the UK rollout, IAG Cargo will review additional locations for deployment of the service.
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