Smart Cargo Mainport Program

Predictable, digital, secure

With the Smart Cargo Mainport Program (SCMP) we are making the air cargo chain at Schiphol more predictable, digital and secure, step by step.

Predictable

The digitalization drive makes processes predictable for supply chain partners, allowing for better planning. By using eLink, for example, you know for certain that the shipment is Ready For Carriage, resulting in less cargo being returned. With the introduction of Digital Truck Slot Planning, handling within the assigned time slot is also guaranteed, allowing staff and equipment to be planned more effectively.

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Predictability is one of the most important topics for the air cargo community. With the Smart Cargo Mainport Program we are well on our way to improving this for everyone. Here is what we have already achieved in recent years:

Faster handling with eLink

Because all eLink shipments meet the Ready for Carriage conditions, the driver can move through the process at the handler more quickly, since the handler is assured of compliance. There are also far fewer returned shipments and corrections for the carrier and forwarder, because everything has already been checked in advance.

Faster handling with Secure Import

Because carriers and forwarders can see in advance whether their cargo is ready for pickup (RFP), drivers no longer need to be sent to the handler blindly, but only once the cargo is actually ready to be picked up. This allows staff and vehicles to be planned and deployed more efficiently.

Fewer errors

Because many processes have been digitized, the chance of errors is reduced. Instead of manually nominating cargo to forwarders, this is now done almost entirely automatically, drastically reducing the chance of errors and increasing predictability.

Digital Truck Slot Planning

The SCMP is currently working hard on digital truck slot planning. In the near future, this new way of working will ensure that every truck coming to pick up or deliver cargo is guaranteed to be handled within the previously agreed time slot. This further increases predictability for the Schiphol community.

Digital

Over the years we have digitized many processes. This has reduced the chance of errors, made processes more efficient and made the supply chain safer. In addition, digitalization generates more data, further increasing reliability and allowing us to work in an increasingly data-driven way.

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Working digitally and digitalization is about more than just data. It is about new ways of working, a reliable digital platform and efficiency, all within a secure and workable environment where cybersecurity is a top priority. Read on to see how we have digitized the air cargo chain at Schiphol and how we keep achieving further optimization with it:

Digital pre-registration

Where trucks used to come and go without any visibility, everything is now registered. For every visit, the driver and vehicle are digitally registered via the license plate, giving better insight into who and what is arriving. With eRegistration, the driver and vehicle are registered, and with eLink and Secure Import the cargo data is registered as well.

eLink

With eLink, cargo is digitally pre-registered in advance of delivery to the handler. But a major efficiency gain already takes place before registration. With eLink, the status of every shipment can be viewed at a glance, immediately showing whether the shipment can already be delivered according to the Ready for Carriage conditions. Thanks to the ability to see the status and where attention is needed in real time, adjustments can be made quickly and efficiently. Data quality is also higher because information is checked in advance.

Secure Import

This service provides real-time insight into import shipments. Just like with eLink, cargo is also digitally pre-registered in advance with Secure Import. The system shows whether the Ready For Pick-up conditions are met, preventing a driver from being sent to the handler while the cargo is not yet ready. Once all conditions are met, the status turns green and the cargo can be picked up. Thanks to this system, work is carried out more efficiently and reliably.

Automatic Nomination

In the past, handlers manually consulted thick folders or spreadsheets to determine which import cargo had to be nominated to which forwarder. Thanks to Automatic Nomination, this now happens automatically. The forwarder enters a digital station declaration into the system, which is recorded in one central database. Using smart algorithms, the system automatically detects which shipment should be nominated to which forwarder, saving a great deal of manual work.

Phasing out the ACN receipt

By mid-2026 the paper ACN receipt will be phased out and replaced by a digital transfer document. This not only saves a stack of paper, but also makes it much easier to find everything again in one digital environment.

Card readers

To register the ACN card, card readers are installed at the gates of every handler at Schiphol. These not only check whether the card is valid and who is using it, but also whether a digital pre-registration has been made via eRegistration, eLink or Secure Import. Thanks to encrypted registration of every card scan, companies can gain insight into how their cards are used. It is also possible to see at a general level when peak moments occur, and trends can be monitored.

Secure

Security is the top priority in the air cargo chain. Thanks to initiatives such as digital pre-registration via eLink, Secure Import or eRegistration, it is known which driver is coming to pick up which cargo with which vehicle. Together, this creates a secure chain and prevents cargo from ending up in the wrong hands.

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The following initiatives are being taken within the Schiphol Cargo community to safeguard security:

ACN card

The ACN card grants access to the handler's forecourt, provided a digital pre-registration has been made with it. This personal card can only be obtained with a Certificate of Conduct (Verklaring Omtrent Gedrag, VOG) and an Air Cargo Employee Certificate (Medewerker Luchtvracht Certificaat, MLV). The MLV course must be repeated every year. If this is not done in time, the card is automatically blocked to guarantee security.

eRegistration

Every driver visiting a handler's premises must be digitally registered in advance. This is done via eRegistration, where the driver is registered in advance by means of an ACN card or EU card, along with the vehicle they are arriving in. The purpose must also be stated: cargo pickup, cargo delivery, a combination, or transport of empty ULDs. This way we keep track of who is arriving with which vehicle and keep unauthorized persons outside the gate.

eLink

With eLink, export shipments are digitally pre-registered in advance. eLink can only be used once the cargo meets various customs and security criteria. Cargo can only be delivered once it meets the Ready for Carriage conditions, ensuring the cargo is secure. Thanks to the link with eRegistration, a digital pre-registration is made for the cargo as well as the driver and vehicle.

Secure Import

With Secure Import, the carrier indicates in advance which goods will be picked up during a visit. Thanks to the link with eRegistration, this registration also identifies in advance which driver and vehicle will be doing so. Thanks to this link, it is known in advance who is coming for which cargo, preventing it from ending up in the wrong hands. Thanks to strict data separation, malicious parties can also never retrieve sensitive data.

Unbranded trucks

Many thefts are committed using unbranded trucks. To prevent undermining activity, access for unbranded trucks is therefore refused at every handler at Schiphol. At least a company logo (size to follow) must be visible on the tractor unit (if towing a trailer), or otherwise on the vehicle itself. This company logo must match the company under which the digital pre-registration was made.