Self-Service

Hong Kong air cargo handler intros automated service kiosks

Image: Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Ltd.

December 5, 2023

Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Ltd., a Hong Kong cargo handler, has introduced 12 automated service kiosks to speed up collection of import cargo from its SuperTerminal 1 facility, according to a press release. Hactl is the first cargo terminal operator in Hong Kong to introduce such a system.

Under the current manual, paper-based system, freight agents or consignees collecting import cargo from Hactl first visit the airline to obtain a shipment release form, which authorizes Hactl to release the goods to the bearer.

On presentation of the SRF at the imports reception counter, Hactl staff visually verify the SRF bearer's identity against their identification documents, check the SRF's authenticity and trigger the physical release of the cargo via COSAC-Plus, Hactl's cargo management system. They hand-write the SRF bearer's name, ID number and time of SRF presentation on the SRF, which the bearer then presents at one of the terminal's cargo collection points. Hactl processes some 1,000 SRFs every day.

Under the new system, the agent or consignee obtains the SRF from the airline, but then visits one of the 12 ASKs, which are located near the cargo pick up areas.

The SRF bearer presents their ID, which the system automatically authenticates using technology already employed by government bodies. The SRF's validity is also checked, the details of the shipment collection are recorded and the physical release of the cargo is then automatically triggered via COSAC-Plus.

If the cargo is unitized, the system displays a pick-list from which the SRF bearer can select the pieces to be collected, in order of priority. All personal identifiable information collected by the system is encrypted to protect privacy and is purged after a set period.