IAG Cargo, the single business created following the merger of British Airways World Cargo and Iberia Cargo, has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Global Logistics Network (GLN), a network of 421 small- and medium-sized freight forwarders spanning 125 countries. Operating across key strategic markets including Europe, Asia, the Middle East and North America, GLN's extensive network of independent freight forwarders has the potential to help IAG Cargo grow its share of the strategic small- to medium-sized market.

This is the first MoU between IAG Cargo and a global freight/logistics network. Pending final agreement, GLN's customers will benefit from the scale, reliability and credibility of IAG Cargo through the carrier's global network of more than 350 air freight destinations.

As part of the agreement, IAG Cargo is focussing on delivering flexible and effective distribution channels to GLN in order to make it as easy as possible for the two organisations to do business, including the creation of a customer proposition tailored to the needs of small- to medium-sized freight forwarders. In addition, the carrier intends to stimulate growth through GLN by providing highly attractive offers to associated freight forwarders. The MoU is generating particular interest from freight forwarders in the US, as well as from Spanish businesses exporting into the US.

David Shepherd, Global Head of Sales at IAG Cargo, commented: 'A key part of IAG Cargo's strategy is to engage better with small- to medium-sized customers. We are doing many things to ensure this happens, from refreshing our customer loyalty programme to presenting innovative products that help increase businesses with this important customer base. Today's MoU represents another channel for us to grow in this market, by engaging with the most important networks of freight forwarders around the world.'

Roy Stapleton, President of GLN, commented: 'GLN is widely recognized in the industry as being the premier quality focused freight and logistics network. By signing this MoU, GLN looks forward to working with IAG Cargo that has the same focus on quality and to be able to provide GLN members with the associated benefits of this relationship. While GLN has been in the forefront of seeking out preferred carrier relationships, few have the forward vision to embrace a network with our potential ' it is here that IAG Cargo really stands out from the crowd. We look forward to developing this relationship into a mutual beneficial partnership for all parties concerned.'

Founded in 2003, and headquartered in the US, Global Logistics Network (GLN) is an ISO 9001:2008 Certified organization that encompasses leading independently owned and operated companies worldwide that specialize in the logistics industry ' including freight forwarders, transportation intermediaries and associated companies ' all working together in a network environment. With combined Annual Revenues of USD 8.7 Billion and 21,127 experienced and capable staff handling over 5 million shipments per year, GLN is larger in size than many multi-national forwarders and integrators.