Key Elements to Transforming Landside Cargo Operations

Digitalizing landside operations is not just about enabling scheduled truck visits. It requires optimizing the entire truck flow at the yard, and integrating with cargo management systems and other software and hardware components to streamline the end-to-end operation.

Key elements in the process that maximize impact are:

• Web-Based Slot Booking: Enabling forwarders and truckers to book slots aligned with available capacity and adding shipment details gives insights into who is coming when and for which freight.
• Dock Door and Personnel Management: This upfront visibility enables GHAs and cargo warehouse operators to dynamically allocate dock door capacity and personnel based on real-time operational requirements, optimizing resource usage.
• Shipment Visibility and Self-Service: By integrating with Cargo Management Systems, forwarders get insights into shipment status (e.g., pending customs procedures and payment requirements). Pushing tasks such as the scheduling of the time slots and adding the required documentation to the forwarder or trucking company, facilitates validation, reduces administrative burdens of calling and emailing, and speed up the on-site process at the GHA.
• Automated Access Control and Call Forwarding: Through integrations with hardware like ANPR cameras, truck access to yards is automatically managed, reducing delays and manual interventions. Call forwarding of trucks further reduces truck idling and congestion at the yard.
• Self-Service for Ad-Hoc Arrivals: A digital front desk allows truck drivers arriving without a prior slot booking to make ad hoc bookings, register visits, or update required information at the last minute, ensuring a smooth and efficient process and reducing pressure on the front desk staff.

Industry Trends Driving the Digitalization of Landside Operations

The demand for digital landside operations is growing, fueled by some important industry trends.

1. Air Cargo Growth Amidst Infrastructure Constraints

Despite steady air cargo growth—expected to reach 80 million tons in 2025—many airports struggle with infrastructure limitations. Urban development, noise regulations, and environmental concerns restrict the expansion of airport facilities, making efficient logistics solutions essential. With limited space available, GHAs and airport operators must maximize their existing infrastructure, and digital landside operations provides the tools to do so effectively.

2. Sustainability and Decarbonization Goals

The aviation sector is under increasing pressure to meet sustainability targets, such as reducing carbon footprints and optimizing energy use. By streamlining truck movements and eliminating congestion, streamlined landside operations contribute to lower emissions and improved efficiency, aligning with the industry’s broader decarbonization objectives.

3. Digitalization and the Rise of Data-Driven Logistics

Historically, air cargo operations have been fragmented, with many stakeholders operating at a low level of digital maturity. However, as integrators and e-commerce giants like Amazon set new standards for end-to-end digital logistics, traditional air cargo players must adapt to remain competitive.

By digitalizing landside operations, GHAs, cargo warehouse operators, and airport operators gain real-time insights into truck movements, automate manual processes, and integrate seamlessly with other logistics platforms. This digital transformation not only reduces inefficiencies but also empowers traditional stakeholders to operate at the same level of efficiency as digitally advanced competitors.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Landside Operations

As digitalization accelerates, the future of landside operations will be shaped by real-time data analytics, predictive logistics, and AI-driven decision-making. By integrating with the broader logistics ecosystems approach, systems enabling this digital approach will play an essential role in helping GHAs, freight forwarders, and airports optimize their cargo operations in an increasingly complex landscape. With air cargo volumes growing, sustainability goals tightening, and competition intensifying, efficient Landside Operations are no longer optional - they are essential. By embracing digitalization, stakeholders can unlock new efficiencies, reduce costs, and enhance service quality, positioning themselves for long-term success in the evolving air cargo industry.