Lykes Lines to launch on-line BoLs for Africa soon

LOCAL SHIPPERS will soon have access to Lykes Lines' on-line bill of lading facility which is due to be rolled out to customers in Africa in the next few months, according to Tony Bruno, vice president commercial. By accessing the ÔBL Printing' button on the www.lykeslines.com website, exporters will be able to print bills of lading in their own offices. This is possible via a new document exchange system, explained in an easy-to-follow demonstration on the website for new users. The on-line bills of lading option has been available to US customers since the beginning of the year and is gradually being extended to other regions. Other on-line services include container tracking, instant rate and pricing information for US related traffic, with on-line rate requests available for other traffic. Customers with US-inbound cargo can check the customs clearance status of their shipment before it arrives. Users are also able to make shippers export declaration transmissions through the link Lykes Lines has to the Automated Export System, AES Direct.