DHL Express is deploying 30,000 SmartULD devices in its containers to improve its shipment tracking capabilities.
The devices are from ULD firm AviusULD and provide real-time data on location, movement , and safety conditions without the need for airport-installed readers or replacement of batteries.
The devices utilise LTE connectivity, assisted GNSS and indoor Wi-Fi positioning technology and also energy harvesting that uses kinetic energy from the movement of the devices as a power source.
Frank Steinert, senior director global network equipment, DHL Express, commented: “The AviusULD SmartULD technology with its energy harvesting capability is truly a breakthrough technology and we have been directly involved in the development of the products.
“The SmartULD devices will help us drive improvements in operational efficiency, sustainability and safety and we expect to scale up and expand this program to all our reusable air cargo equipment soon.”
The agreement also includes fire tag capabilities, which detect off-gassing from lithium-ion batteries before thermal runaway events, and occupancy tags, which use sensors to confirm whether containers are empty or loaded – helping avoid missed cargo and unnecessary emissions.
Charles Drummond, chief executive of AviusULD, added: “DHL Express is sending a clear signal with its investment in infrastructure-free visibility, fire detection, and occupancy sensing at scale.”