PACTL WEST expands e-commerce cargo capacity with upgraded centre
PACTL completes the relocation and upgrade of its Cross-Border E-Commerce Handling Centre at PACTL WEST, doubling daily capacity and digital tracking.
Shanghai Pudong Int'l Airport Cargo Terminal Co., Ltd. (PACTL) has officially launched its upgraded Cross-Border E-Commerce Handling Centre at the PACTL WEST Terminal, marking a major leap forward in operational efficiency, digital tracking, and overall processing capacity. The milestone initiative represents the first completed project under PACTL WEST’s comprehensive, multi-phase expansion and modernisation programme.
The rapid expansion of global cross-border e-commerce has placed heightened demands on air cargo infrastructure worldwide. Stakeholders across the supply chain increasingly require greater volume capacities, streamlined logistics workflows, real-time operational visibility, and seamless inter-agency coordination. To address these evolving requirements, PACTL WEST has fundamentally transformed its handling facility through strategic spatial relocation, process optimisation, and the implementation of advanced digital architecture.
A central element of this upgrade is the physical relocation of the centre from the terminal's inbound sector to the outbound sector. This strategic move expanded the operational footprint to approximately 4,170 square metres, representing a 40 per cent increase in floor area compared to the previous facility. The newly designed layout creates a streamlined flow by integrating dedicated functional zones for cargo unloading, outbound staging, security screening, and customs inspection. Supported by modernised inspection and cargo-handling technology, the layout eliminates workflow bottlenecks, enhances operational flexibility, and guarantees secure, reliable processing. As a direct result of these physical and procedural enhancements, the centre's daily handling capacity has doubled.
Beyond physical infrastructure, digitalisation lies at the heart of the facility's upgrade. By integrating data interfaces across disparate operational management systems, PACTL has established end-to-end information connectivity across the entire logistics chain. The facility features an interactive, real-time visualised operational dashboard that gives management teams a holistic view of critical workflow metrics. This multidimensional data display enables precise resource allocation, transparent status monitoring, and data-driven decision-making.
Security and quality assurance have also seen significant enhancements through automated verification systems. During the cargo release phase, automated software checks sorting status and governs outbound clearance. Parcels that have not completed every mandatory procedural or regulatory checkpoint are automatically restricted from proceeding to final dispatch. This automated process control significantly improves operational accuracy, traceability, and compliance integrity throughout the logistics pipeline.
“The upgrade of the Cross-border E-commerce Handling Center reflects our continued commitment to strengthening infrastructure capabilities and operational efficiency. By combining optimized processes, enhanced facilities and digital solutions, we aim to provide more reliable and efficient services to our customers and partners, while continuously strengthening our capabilities to support the evolving needs of the air cargo industry,” said Carsten Hernig, Deputy General Manager of PACTL.
Looking forward, this completion is only the first step in PACTL WEST’s broader development agenda. Future investment phases will target cold chain facilities, automated cargo handling systems, and advanced enterprise information systems. Through continuous investment in modern facilities and digital transformation, PACTL aims to further enhance operational efficiency and deliver high-quality cargo handling services for customers and partners.
