Big membership leap in Ocean Freight Standards Advisory Board

INTTRA, a multi-carrier e-commerce service provider for ocean freight, announced the continued expansion of the Standards Advisory Board (SAB).

Company spokesmen said this demonstrates “a strong commitment” by the industry to drive major improvements in efficiency and customer experience.

“We appreciate having a forum that allows us to partner with shippers and NVOCCs in order to develop global standards and best practices that benefit the entire industry” said Steen E. Larsen, Head of Requirements Management, Maersk Line. “Our diverse membership is certainly an important and welcome quality that is essential to creating industry solutions that address the needs of the various segments.”

Founded in 2010 by INTTRA, the EIPP Standards Advisory Board is an independent, collaborative industry group that defines and drives adoption of global standards for electronic invoicing presentment and payment. Members include ocean carriers, third party logistics providers (3PL), freight forwarders and NVOCCs (non-vessel operating common carriers).
Ecu Line, which joined the SAB earlier this year, sees great value in streamlining the payment flow in global ocean shipping.

“By adopting automated bill presentment and payment, the process will be more accurate, transparent and settlements will be faster and uniform,” said Marc Stoffelen, Chief Executive Officer, Ecu Line Group of Companies. “It provides a better way to analyze payment behavior and incorrect billing.”

Rod Agona, Executive Officer, EIPP Standards Advisory Board, also endorsed the collaboration.

“Through growth and active involvement by our members, we are driving the adoption of common standards and process improvements that will address the unique requirements of global ocean freight,” he said.

Global ocean freight organizations from North America, Europe, and Asia gather twice a year for general Advisory Board meetings in addition to work teams that focus on developing specific standards and processes for the industry.  The next meeting will be in Copenhagen, April 23 - 25, 2012.