WestJet Cargo hails TCE customs support as 'total success'

WestJet Cargo has declared its customs outsourcing partnership with TCE, which began on 18th November 2024, a success. The collaboration was formed to improve efficiency in customs processing for the airline's international cargo movements.TCE provides comprehensive customs reporting and monitoring services, leveraging its expertise to handle all customs compliance processes for WestJet Cargo.

The decision to outsource was aimed at reducing fixed costs, improving resource management, and enhancing customer service. "WestJet Cargo made the decision to outsource its customs processes last November, and, given the increasing complexity the air cargo industry has seen in this area over the past four months, our decision could not have come at a better time," said Julius Mooney, Director – Cargo Commercial at WestJet Cargo.

In the initial six weeks following the partnership, TCE conducted a thorough review of WestJet Cargo’s customs workflow, set up system messaging processes, and established real-time customs monitoring through SmartKargo ACMS and the CHAMP customs portal. TCE's dedicated team now handles Advance Cargo Information (ACI) processes, including AMS, ACAS, PLACI, PACT, VUCEM, and ICS2 reporting, ensuring accurate and timely submissions. Sarah Scheibe, Managing Director of TCE, highlighted the efficiency of the implementation, stating, “The complete implementation was accomplished within six weeks, which is remarkably swift for such a substantial operation.”

WestJet Cargo's decision to outsource has reportedly led to significant cost savings and operational efficiencies. Mooney concluded, “TCE’s highly professional support has taken the operational strain and distraction of customs matters off our Cargo Leads. Judging by the money we have saved so far in customs fines, by the end of this year, we could be looking at having to pay out less than a fifth of what was paid in 2024.”