Background

This global air cargo handler operates multiple stations across the UK, serving walk-in and cash-on-delivery (COD) customers who often have no account on file. For these customers, typically one-time consignees or smaller shippers, every payment relied on manual invoicing and a traditional card reader at the counter.

£7.8M+

in payments collected across UK stations to date

~15,000

transactions processed since launch

£234k+

in estimated savings to date

Zero

card readers; every payment now digital

Challenge: Manual counter payments were slowing cargo release

Because payment was the last step before cargo could be released, every slow transaction rippled straight into the operation. Walk-in and COD customers had no account on file, so staff processed each payment manually, invoicing by hand and running a traditional card reader at the counter.

That manual process created real friction: longer queues at the counter, delayed cargo release, and added pressure on station staff. In an operation where payment gates cargo release, slow processing didn’t just cost time at the counter, it slowed the entire shipment.

Solution: Payments — Moving every counter to one digital platform

The handler rolled out PayCargo’s payments platform station by station, starting with its busiest UK location before extending across its network. The traditional card reader system was retired, with all point-of-service payments moving to one digital platform:

- Secure one-time payments: the company´s walk-in and COD customers pay on the spot without having to set up an account

- Digital point of service: counter payments now go through a single digital platform, so customers move through faster and aren’t stuck behind slow, error-prone card transactions

- Automated reconciliation: payments reconcile automatically, so customers don’t have to follow up or wait on manual invoicing to confirm their payment went through

- Faster cargo release: instant payment confirmation means customers get their cargo released faster, with shorter queues at the counter

Result: £7.8M+ processed, zero card readers left in the network

Measured results:

- £7.8M+ in payments collected across UK stations to date

- ~15,000 transactions processed since launch

- £234k+ in estimated savings to date

- Zero card readers; every payment now digital

Strategic Outcome:

By moving every station payment onto PayCargo’s payments platform, the handler cut costs, sped up the counter, and released cargo sooner for walk-in and COD customers. Automated reconciliation replaced slow manual invoicing and eased pressure on station staff, while customers now pay in a few taps with instant confirmation. With the card reader system fully retired, the handler plans to extend the rollout to further stations.