International ship operators and forwarders have developed an online booking platform in cooperation with DAKOSY AG. The members of the UNIBOOK work group, a.o. Hapag-Lloyd, Lexzau Scharbau, Maersk, Meyer’s Sohn and MSC, are the first users.

Forwarders and consignors can book their transports via UNIBOOK comfortably, directly and electronically at the ship operator. UNIBOOK includes both an EDIFACT interface that bookers can use via their own IT systems and an Internet platform which can also be used globally for booking.

Making UNIBOOK an “international” rather than a Hamburg-specific solution was a key priority for the work group. “The European mindset” is a key aspect. UNIBOOK is intended to be made available to customers across Europe for electronic booking at mid-term and will not be limited to logistics junctions in seaports.

UNIBOOK considers the requirements of both ship operators and customers alike, i.e. all current requirements (standard bookings, hazardous materials, indication of multiple stops, etc.) are covered. The forwarder is provided with a detailed booking confirmation concerning the booked ship space, including a detailed transport plan and – in case of merchant haulage – comprehensive acceptance information for each container. The interface also considers AMS/ACI-relevant information.