Cargo iQ Launches Tiered Certification to Drive Quality Standards
Cargo iQ introduces a three-tier system to enhance quality control and boost member engagement across the supply chain.
Specific Tiers have been designed for each member type and will reflect a members implementation level.
Cargo iQ has announced the introduction of a new tiered certification program aimed at enhancing quality standards and encouraging continuous improvement among its members. The announcement was made from Geneva, Switzerland, on Thursday, April 10, 2025.
This new system will classify members into three tiers based on their progress in meeting predefined quality goals. These goals are measured using data-driven assessments that evaluate milestone capabilities and the application of continuous improvement practices within operations.
The tiered structure is designed to support both new and long-standing members by providing a roadmap for gradual improvement. By clearly defining operational expectations, the program allows members to understand their current standing and identify specific areas for development.
“The introduction of a tiered structure will allow our members to accurately map their quality progress, being able to identify areas that require further improvement,” said Kerstin Strauss, Vice President of Global Air Logistics Operations and Governance at Kuehne + Nagel, and Chair of the Cargo iQ Board.
The certification process will be supported by both regular audits and new lean audits, giving members the opportunity to move between tiers outside the regular audit cycle. This flexible approach is expected to speed up the improvement process and provide greater transparency.
One of the key components of the new system is the focus on common milestones such as the FWB (Freight Waybill), which will now apply across all stakeholders. R.J Pegels, Director of Performance Management at AF/KLM Cargo and Vice Chair of the Cargo iQ Board, highlighted the importance of shared responsibility: “This is to reflect the commitment that Cargo iQ members make to jointly increase input and output quality and hold each other accountable. In this way, we make a conscious shift from blame game to raising the game.”
The tiered program is closely aligned with Cargo iQ’s ongoing membership engagement initiative. Through the structured Member Journey Map review, which began with new members in late 2024, the initiative is now expanding to include existing full members. The goal is to foster greater participation and ensure consistent progress across the entire membership base.
Marie Seco-Köppen, Executive Director at Cargo iQ, noted, “The tiers system and member engagement initiative will allow the Board and management team to prioritize and tackle issues across the different quality levels.”
The first assessments under this program are scheduled for summer 2025, with the new tier matrix set to be integrated into the Cargo iQ Smart Data platform in autumn. This marks a significant step towards the development of future-oriented industry standards.
