ACL, CORE to roll out Bluetooth-enabled logistics technology to track air cargo

March 8, 2018: US-based ACL Airshop LLC, and CORE Transport Technologies Inc, have planned to roll out their cutting-edge Bluetooth-enabled logistics technology, which includes automated Unit Load Devices (ULD) tracking to enhance movement of air cargo efficiency.

The automated ULD tracking system offer air cargo carriers and their shipping customers with real-time visibility of shipments, baggage and mail. It will replace manual tracking for ULDs.

According to ACL, air carriers are fast adopting this innovative ‘Internet of Things’ technology to fortify air cargo efficiencies.

The two companies recently concluded extensive field tests with international air carriers, and an array of multiple ULDs, with 100 percent tracking reliability.

Regulatory aspects, such as compliance with FCC and FAA rules were addressed, in addition to rigorous adherence to the RTCA-DO-160 (Environmental Conditions and Test Procedures for Airborne Equipment).

The big data and predictive analytics of this program will be managed in the Cloud, which equals to the military-equivalent security standards.

“We listened to our customers, and these technical enhancements are the result,” said Wes Tucker, executive VP of ACL Airshop.

“Now we are rolling it out. Airlines will be able to track the actual cargo loads in the container and pallet, with real-time 'dot-on-the-map' monitoring and status reports.”

It’s a significant technical enhancement in ACL's already robust ULD control and bar-coding systems used by some of its customers. Several airlines who performed extensive due diligence on the CORE Bluetooth tracking system have offered highest ratings.

“It’s the ultimate solution for ULD equipment tracking available today,” said Ian Craig, managing director of CORE.

“It’s a big step forward for numerous airlines and cargo carriers. Our COREInsight Tracking service tracks cargo assets in real-time. It’s a low-cost logistics enhancement that will help carriers improve and manage their ULD fleet, save money, and offer better service to the end-customers,” said Craig.

“During the past several years of testing and implementation, airlines have urged for improving in tracking and immediate transparency for ULD shipments. ACL Airshop and CORE are first-to-market these responsive innovations in the air cargo segment,” he said.

“2018 will be the breakout year for Bluetooth, the year when this disruptive technology will change the air cargo industry. We are enabling an aviation logistics revolution, just as the air waybill which revolutionised air cargo industry almost 60 years ago,” said Craig.

The cost of Bluetooth-enabled real-time tracking is remarkably low and offer several benefits, compared to other costlier competing technologies.

Based on IATA’s requirement, the new tracking system will enable cargo carriers to produce electronic Unit Control Receipts (UCR), while ULDs are transferred between parties. It will also offer a fully automated solution for shippers' transactions.

Steve Townes, chairman of ACL Airshop, and CEO & Founder of Ranger Aerospace, said: “It’s a giant Internet of Things for the global air cargo industry. Let that sink in. This is a high-speed effort to create positive change for our airlines customers.”