INTTRA tests show MCC Transport quickest to respond to e-booking
SINGAPORE's MCC Transport, a Maersk unit, has topped the list of carriers by the speed with which it responds to electronic booking requests, according to e-commerce network INTTRA.
The top five were MCC Transport and fellow Maersk unit, Safmarine, United Arab Shipping Company (UASC), Maersk Line itself and Hamburg Sud, reported American Shipper.
MCC Transport, Maersk's intra-Asia specialist, delivered a responsiveness score 64 per cent faster than the median figure, INTTRA said.
INTTRA ranked carriers on booking request response time, releasing a set of benchmarks designed to measure how quickly they responded to enquiries.
The first Ocean Carrier Booking Responsiveness Analysis found that despite the rising use of electronic booking, it still takes longer than phone or fax.
"The time it takes for ocean carriers to respond to electronic booking requests is a critical factor in e-shipping adoption," said INTTRA marketing chief Sandra Moran.
"Too many shippers still rely on manual means, such as phone calls, when booking with a carrier, which does not deliver the same level of savings, shipment data quality or efficiency derived when booking electronically."
Said MCC sales chief Naresh Potty: "As the shipping industry gains new efficiencies through automation, we recognise that responsiveness - and the speed in which shippers can book with a carrier electronically - is a critical."
Mr Potty agrees with Ms Moran that automation also reduces costs for "both us and our customers" and as part of the company's strategy.
