Logistics industry seeks standardized ground transportation agreements

The logistics industry is pushing for a standardized ground transportation agreement to fix persistent slot management challenges. The core issue is that truck arrival times are unpredictable due to traffic and dynamic road conditions, making scheduled slots often unavailable when needed.

Ivan Santoro, head of sales at Road Feeder Service provider Georgi Transporte, described slot management systems as "challenging." He identified that slots are sometimes not available at the required times and systems cannot account for the fluid nature of truck operations. Santoro cited an example where a vehicle became stuck in traffic after a slot was assigned. The International Road Feeder Association (IRFA) notes that insufficient slot allocation at airport cargo terminals causes significant losses of truck and driver hours, leading to service failures like missed flight connections.

Industry proposes standardized agreement framework

The International Road Feeder Association calls for a comprehensive standard contract to align with existing ground handling protocols. Wallenborn, a founding member of the IRFA, called for the creation of a Standard Ground Transportation Agreement to align with the Standard Ground Handling Agreement.

The association's key task is to develop standards for slot allocation at airports. It intends to develop standards for slot allocation, a standard contract and service level agreement, data standards for real-time cargo visibility, sustainability measures, and improved driver access to airport cargo terminal facilities. The IRFA expressed its wish to work with ground handlers to establish solid standards for slot allocation for truck loading and off-loading to reduce service failures and raise service efficiency.

Real-time tracking solutions emerge as key response

Multiple stakeholders identify real-time data systems as essential for managing unpredictable trucking operations and slot timing. Real-time data and messaging systems are available to track delays and estimated arrival times.

John Dowds, senior vice president for service delivery in Europe, the Middle East and Africa at WFS, noted that staff are assigned to interface with trucks that do not appear, and that real-time data and messaging systems can help track delays and estimated arrival times. Narendra Wadhwa, managing director of RFS firm Airlift Services India, said his company monitors truck progress using GPS systems, drivers’ mobile phones, and road tolls connected to its Transport Management Systems.

Airlines can choose how often the system is updated, such as every 30 minutes or two hours, allowing global tracking of RFS vehicles without involvement from the RFS provider. Wadhwa stated the company is developing a capability for standardised messaging to reach airline systems without manual triggers.

Operational accountability and coordination gaps persist

Disconnects between RFS providers and cargo handlers, along with booking accountability challenges, remain central operational hurdles. Santoro stated that RFS providers have no contractual link to cargo handlers and are both suppliers to the airline.

Jason Breakwell, group commercial officer at RFS firm Wallenborn, said that airline agreements with RFS providers and handlers often do not match in terms of standards. WFS aims to honor bookings while holding drivers accountable for no-shows. Dowds stated that handlers face dual tasks of honouring bookings and accounting for no-shows, but assessed that most problems are fixable.

Airports are urged to participate in slot management system discussions as they manage surrounding road infrastructure and may need to provide truck parking areas and control mechanisms. The association's primary path forward is its commitment to develop standards for slot allocation, contracts, and service level agreements.