Sponsored: Volume matters – dimensioning technology’s impact on air cargo efficiency

The disruption of the global supply chain during the pandemic exposed the need for efficiency and optimization in the air cargo industry. The decrease in passenger plane flights greatly reduced belly cargo capacity while the global need for shipping increased and other modes of transport like ocean containers backlogged. COVID-19 related supplies such as PPE and vaccines to electronics to consumer packaged goods created an urgent and perfect storm to uplift more cargo. Although this urgency has lessened since 2020, large amounts of consumers still shop online today after enjoying the convenience of it during the pandemic.

In an attempt to increase throughput and capacity, cargo carriers and freight forwarders began to analyze workflows and operations while taking note of manual processes and goods stoppages and delays. With a shipment’s weight and volume representing critical data for billing, customs paperwork, and aircraft loading, manually recording this information represents a major improvement opportunity.

Is there a way to automate this data capture more accurately without slowing down the operations team?

Source: METTLER TOLEDO

One way to ensure that cargo space is optimized is through automated dimensioning. Automated dimensioners use scanning technology when building and packing Unit Load Devices or ULDs. Knowing exact cargo measurements allows for optimal utilization of cargo space on aircraft, leading to a reduction in wasted space, lower costs, and saving fuel. Dimensioners with in-motion capabilities can further improve efficiency by not stopping to capture the data.

METTLER TOLEDO understands that precision and efficiency are paramount in the fast-paced world of air cargo logistics, which is why METTLER TOLEDO created the TLD970 Dynamic Pallet Dimensioner, providing airlines, freight forwarders, and ground-handling companies with a competitive edge. The dimension-in-motion technology of the TLD970 represents a revolutionary advancement, automating the precise capture of cargo dimensions in a groundbreaking manner.

Precisely knowing the length, width, and height of each handling unit is critical for optimal utilization, accurate customer billing, and customs regulations. Utilizing light detection and ranging (LiDAR) technology, the TLD970 provides the measurements of a single cargo item within seconds regardless of lighting conditions, enhancing pallet handling efficiency while conserving precious labor resources. The TLD970 is NTEP and MID approved to measure all pallet shapes, including irregulars at speeds up to 10 mph/15 kph.

There are multiple customer success stories from companies using METTLER TOLEDO’s dimensioning technology. One transportation and logistics company reported that the TLD970 system maximizes revenue recovery on 100% of pallets. The company was able to process up to 720 pallets per hour, tripling the productivity of their previous throughput. Another METTLER TOLEDO customer, who is a Top 5 Global Freight Handler, captures dimensions to +/- 1 inch accuracy on over 95,000 shipments of all shapes and sizes per day. Find more details on customer testimonials here.

Source: METTLER TOLEDO

Combining the TLD970 Dynamic Pallet Dimensioner with METTLER TOLEDO’s robust TLF820 Forklift Scale enables customers to capture all critical cargo information in a seamless, safe, and efficient way, facilitating accurate billing, optimized utilization of cargo space, and simple compliance. Experience the power of precision, efficiency, and automation with reliable pallet dimensioning, weighing, and scanning solutions that elevate your cargo handling capabilities to new heights. Click here to learn more.

METTLER TOLEDO is a leading global manufacturer of precision instruments. They are the world’s largest manufacturer and marketer of weighing instruments for use in laboratory, industrial, and food retailing applications. For the past three decades, METTLER TOLEDO has pioneered dimensioning solutions for parcel and freight logistics. Their comprehensive package handling solutions include static and in-motion DWS dimensioning, weighing and scanning, as well as small package and large container weighing. They have a direct presence in over 36 countries with factory-trained service technicians and authorized dealers and distributors in many others. Additional information about METTLER TOLEDO can be found at www.mt.com.