Cargo iQ, ESC expand air cargo performance standards

Cargo iQ and the European Shippers’ Council (ESC) have introduced a framework to assess door-to-door air cargo performance, integrating shippers into Cargo iQ’s existing measurement system.

It defines door-to-door business scenarios, outlining service scopes, responsibilities and key milestones for the transfer of cargo, documents and data. It aims to improve shipment planning, exception management and performance measurement across the air cargo supply chain.

Marie Seco-Köppen, Executive Director, Cargo iQ, said, “Involving shippers more closely in Cargo iQ was long overdue. It is essential to align on expectations and agree on common principles to ensure our performance standard evolves to become valuable for a broader audience.”

The framework was developed last week during the latest in a series of joint workshops organised by Cargo iQ and ESC since September 2025.

It will be presented to a wider audience for review in the coming months before being incorporated into Cargo iQ’s Master Operating Plan.

The initiative expands Cargo iQ’s existing collaboration among freight forwarders, airlines and ground handlers to include cargo owners, ensuring that service performance metrics better reflect the needs and expectations of end customers.

Godfried Smit, Secretary General of the European Shippers’ Council, said, “This workshop marks an important step towards strengthening collaboration across the air cargo ecosystem, bringing together carriers, freight forwarders, ground handlers, and shippers.”

In an increasingly dynamic air freight market, delivering goods efficiently and cost-effectively is crucial, with supply chain visibility playing a central role in achieving this objective. Cargo iQ’s initiative is instrumental in setting industry-wide benchmarks for transparency, operational efficiency, and collaboration among stakeholders.

Building on the progress made through this workshop and translating the collective commitment into long-term cooperation will help establish a collaborative model that creates sustainable value and strengthens the competitive position of all stakeholders.

Cargo iQ members view visibility as a tool for improving actions, responses and decision-making rather than an end goal in itself.

The collaboration aims to enable shippers and freight forwarders to use performance data to identify operational issues and implement measures to improve transport processes.

Cargo iQ and ESC will continue working to ensure the existing standards accommodate the requirements of different commodities. Their efforts will also incorporate initiatives such as ONE Record and care protocols to enhance the shipper experience.