A new digital system is transforming how air cargo is picked up at Frankfurt Airport, with the launch of the Smart Pick-up pilot programme by allivate GmbH, a digital cargo solutions company jointly owned by Fraport AG and DAKOSY AG.
The system replaces traditional paper-based collection orders with a “Digital Authorization for Pick-up”, allowing freight forwarders and handlers to manage shipment releases entirely online.
This pilot project began in early May and involves major industry players including Kühne + Nagel, DB Schenker, LUG, and CHI Cargo.
Using the FAIR@Link Cargo Community System, Smart Pick-up enables real-time visibility into a shipment’s customs status, readiness for release, and even integrates truck slot bookings.
Importantly, authorisation can be issued up to two hours before landing, significantly speeding up ground handling and reducing delays.
Martina Schikorr, managing director of allivate said: “This marks a major step forward in the digitalisation of air cargo logistics at Frankfurt.
“It improves transparency, enhances security, and streamlines processes for all parties involved.”
The new system reduces the need for physical documents, helping to prevent errors, forgeries, or misuse during the collection process.
Nouri Boulahrouz, head of JETCargo Handling at DB Schenker added: “Smart Pick-up allows digitally authorised handlers to retrieve cargo efficiently and securely.
Following the pilot, Smart Pick-up is expected to roll out across all of Frankfurt Airport in the second half of 2025, making it one of the first major European airports to adopt a fully digital import cargo handover system.