Descartes Systems Group, a vendor of logistics applications sold under the Software-as-a-Service (Saas) model, has added air freight booking capability to its menu of products, with acquisition of Global Freight Exchange Limited (GF-X). The deal gives Descartes customers a comprehensive, online cargo reservation system, by which air carriers and freight forwarders can complete electronic air-cargo bookings. In the process, customers can electronically manage the entire air-shipment lifecycle, including bookings, air waybills, house waybills, status messages and customs filings. Descartes' applications also help carriers and forwarders to manage shipping rates from initial booking to invoice presentation, bill-of-lading rating and audit. According to Descartes, the combined service will help users to comply with customs regulations and industry standards, such as the quality-management regimes of Cargo 2000 and e-freight. GF-X's product suite includes GF-X Exchange, the multi-carrier online cargo reservation system; GF-X Host to Host, an interface allowing forwarders to make bookings directly from their own systems, and GF-X Private Label, a customizable electronic booking system for airlines.
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