SGS : Cargo iQ Appoints SGS to Execute New Audit and Certification Scheme

SGS is proud to announce that we have been appointed by Cargo iQ to execute its new audit and certification scheme for members.

This will be Cargo iQ's first experience working with external auditors. Previously, members were audited internally by Cargo iQ's management team.

'It makes a difference that we now have external validation, and an external auditor, allowing us to be more objective in regard to the criteria,' said Ariaen Zimmerman, Executive Director, Cargo iQ.

'We had to reevaluate all criteria to ensure there was no room for misinterpretation. The criteria will have to be met in an objective manner that satisfies an external auditing company.'

We will be auditing Cargo iQ members to demonstrate, through certification, that their processes and services are compliant with quality standards for the worldwide air cargo industry, as created and implemented by Cargo iQ.

More than 30 SGS offices will be involved in the auditing process, which will kick off in June. Each audit will include a desk review and a two day onsite visit. Cargo iQ expects all members to be audited under the new scheme within three years.

'Our members are ready to undertake the auditing process,' said Zimmerman. 'There will be adjustments, but overall the criteria are well known to the membership, and will be logical extensions of the standards they are accustomed to, and have come to expect.'

SGS will provide Cargo iQ members with support and guidance, so they can gain the greatest possible benefit from complying with the audit scheme.

'We will audit Cargo iQ members and take samples of their process steps to ensure that they comply with the scheme rules,' said Jeff Dowson, Global Head International Sales and Accounts, SGS.

'Working as an extension of the Cargo iQ team, we will help Cargo iQ monitor the scheme and ensure that it is practical and effective, with local auditors carrying out site visits. Members receive verification of their compliance with the scheme, boosting member confidence in their compliance levels.'

Cargo iQ's new audit scheme is part of a series on initiatives aimed at improving the value Cargo iQ delivers to its members and to the global air cargo community.

Zimmerman explained 'Our aim is to always make sure we have true operational relevance in our quality management. We are extremely serious about quality and this partnership will add to the reliability of our brand.'

Cargo iQ announced the partnership on March 15, 2017 at the World Cargo Symposium (WCS) 2017 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, where the group also showcased its new Smart Data portal during a live demo.

L-R: Rajan P. Thalai Malai, Certification and Business Enhancement Business Manager - UAE, SGS Gulf Limited; Sebastian Schirmers, Operations Manager, Cargo iQ; Ariaen Zimmerman, Executive Director, Cargo iQ; Kester Meijer, Director Operational Integrity, Compliance & Safety - ISCM Air France KLM Cargo, and Vice Chairman, Cargo iQ

About Cargo iQ

Cargo iQ is an IATA interest group with the mission of creating and implementing quality standards for the worldwide air cargo industry.

Cargo iQ operates as a not-for-profit membership group supported by IATA and composed of over 80 major airlines, freight forwarders, ground-handling agents, trucking companies, and IT solution providers globally.

Cargo iQ members have developed a system of shipment planning and performance monitoring for air cargo based on common business processes and milestones.

As part of that system, the Cargo iQ Master Operating Plan (MOP), which has been endorsed by IATA as a recommended industry practice, describes the standard end-to-end process of transporting air cargo.

For further information, please contact:

Jeff Dowson
Global Head International Sales and Accounts
SGS
t: +44 7889 939 725

Emma Murray
Meantime Communications
t: +44 20 8853 5554

About SGS