Chicago facility Photo

Photo: Alliance Ground International

US ground handler Alliance Ground International (AGI) has invested $100,000 in a new cargo control centre system that will help overcome congestion at Chicago O'Hare and has also expanded capacity.

AGI recently added what it calls an Operations Control Centre (OCC) to its Chicago operation. The OCC brings together a flight tracking system, a shipment/trucking monitoring system, a capacity heat mapping system and soon a chat system for forwarders and trucking firms.

The move comes in response to what AGI describes as "stifling cargo congestion" at the airport.

Knowing when a flight is due to arrive means the company can make sure its ramp and handling teams and equipment are ready and set to work exactly as the aircraft arrives; the monitoring system allows the company to identify issues and improve performance and the heat mapping allows AGI to allocate resource to its busiest areas and improves forwarder visibility of quieter times in order to optimise operations.

AGI has also invested in a 253,000 sq ft off-airport import handling warehouse where it has introduced a new racking system and cargo mobility system.

The cargo mobility system monitors where cargo is situated within the import centre, enabling forwarders to check on the progress of their freight.

“AGI is the largest ground handler in Chicago, and the digitisation of our handling processes has made us the most capable,” said Warren Jones, vice president business development, AGI.

“It has enabled us to foster a culture change in communication that will benefit freight forwarders and our airline partners alike."

AGI recently opened a new facility at John F. Kennedy International (JFK) airport in New York.

https://www.aircargonews.net/services/ground-handler/alliance-ground-international-opens-jfk-facility/