Major shippers to ditch agents

LEADING Dutch shippers are on the verge of launching a web portal to book direct with airlines for routine general cargo shipments, thus bypassing forwarders. And if successful the scheme could be rolled out around the world.Modelled on the INTTRA booking site for sea freight, the new portal will enable shippers to compare rates and carriers on a route, giving shippers access to wholesale rates. Joost van Doesburg (right), policy advisor to EVO – the Dutch Shippers Council – and secretary of its council of air shippers, reckons that it could ultimately account for 30-40 per cent of airfreight volumes through Schiphol airport.For the full story read the latest digital edition of Air Cargo News, dated 12 February. To subscribe, click here.