ICCS first in China to pass Cargo 2000 audit

THE International Cargo Centre Shenzhen (ICCS) has successfully completed a Cargo 2000 audit for its ground handling operation, the first in China to do so, said the auditing organisation in a statement.

Since joining Cargo 2000 in August 2006, ICCS has been investing in additional staff training and further upgrades to its operational processes and customer service to meet Cargo 2000's requirements, a statement from Cargo 2000 said.

As part of the auditing process, ICCS was required to upgrade its existing quality management system to cope with all C2K requirements, including compiling a Cargo 2000 quality manual.

Ulrich Huesson, senior manager of customer relations and operations at ICCS, said: "We joined Cargo 2000 to underline our commitment to quality and to show potential customers that we are ready to provide ground handling services according to the C2K standards. We currently handle cargo for four Cargo 2000 members and they clearly see the importance of Cargo 2000 performance and monitoring. Many other airlines are keen to learn more about C2K and are likely to join."

Said Cargo 2000 chairman Mick Fountain: "ICCS has led the way as the first Chinese company to join Cargo 2000 and we hope their successful audit will raise greater awareness of the value and benefits of Cargo 2000 membership to many other companies across the country."

ICCS, a joint venture between Shenzhen Airport and Lufthansa Cargo, commenced operations in September 2004. ICCS's goal is to maintain its position as the prime air cargo ground handling company in the Pearl River Delta.

Cargo 2000 is a group of 60 major airlines, freight forwarders, ground handlers, trucking companies and IT providers.