In 2024, the total number of participants in IATA’s Cargo Accounts Settlement System (CASS) is expected to exceed 20,000 level for the first time. Last year, CASS processed $42.7 billion across more than 90 countries, serving over 230 airlines, and general sales and service agents (GSSA) as well as some 19,000 participating freight forwarders. And participant numbers continue to grow.
The core value proposition of CASS has remained constant, by simplifying the billing and settling of accounts between airlines and their appointed agents and freight forwarders, CASS enhances a participant’s cash flow management and reduces costs.
CASS provides a “one-stop-shop” to do business with up to 122 airlines as is the case in France or an average of 35 airlines per market. Freight forwarders receive one batch of standardized invoices through one single portal that can be settled through one single payment to a local bank account.
A world without CASS would be complicated. Freight forwarders would need to enter into direct business relationships with dozens of airlines instead of signing a single, standard IATA agreement. They would have to bear the administrative burden and consequent costs of individual credit checks and financial guarantees, receiving invoices in many different formats, and possibly currencies, to be processed and paid to multiple accounts, including foreign accounts.