January 9, 2015 –WIN e-platform helps deliver efficiencies for independent forwarder D.T. Gruelle.

D.T. Gruelle has avoided paper AWB surcharges and streamlined its tracking system using a new e-AWB solution developed by QuestaWeb and facilitated by WIN. The independent forwarder made its first e-freight shipment from the USA to Vietnam using the new system on a Cathay Pacific flight just before the New Year.

The four-piece 552 kg consignment moved from Chicago (ORD) to Hanoi (HAN) via Hong Kong (HKG) in December, shortly after Cathay Pacific implemented a paper AWB surcharge of USD25.

“D.T. Gruelle saw the writing on the wall last year and took steps to position itself to avoid the emerging trend of airlines charging for paper AWBs,” said John DeBenedette, Managing Director, WIN. “Independent forwarders need to make sure they are not exposed to these new surcharges, and WIN can deliver the global connectivity they need to achieve that from within their existing software solutions.”

D.T. Gruelle is connected to its airlines electronically using QuestaWeb’s Export e-Freight Forwarding and Exporter application.

“The E-AWB affords efficacy and efficiency, with resulting immediacy, transparency, and especially prompter airlift,” said Alessandra Busatta Gruelle, Director, D.T Gruelle. “It is a tool for achieving improved and better customer service, which is always the main focus of all our activities.”

The new application enables a seamless flow of data between D.T. Gruelle and its carriers, with all electronic tracking milestones returned automatically. This avoids inefficient re-keying of AWB information or the need to run searches on carrier web sites.

“The e-AWB activation for D.T. Gruelle was quickly and easily approved due to the high data quality,” said Michael Hayes, Senior Programmer, QuestaWeb.