Panalpina introduces RFID monitors for temp-sensitive air shipments

SWISS forwarding giant Panalpina is extending its cool chain network with SmartView technology to ensure continual monitoring, control and documentation of temperature-sensitive air freight consignments, the company announced.

For improved visibility en route, SmartView is being integrated into the company's IT system with each temp-controlled shipment equipped with RFID (radio-frequency identification) from pick-up to delivery on customer demand, the company said.

Panalpina also noted that 20 per cent of air cargo moved on its Luxembourg-Huntsville air route is temperature sensitive, adding that demand is growing, particularly from the healthcare sector.

"We are much closer to the cargo. We control aircraft on specific routes, and we design and oversee processes on the ground. Therefore, we have the best possible control door to door," said Panalpina air network chief Matthias Frey.

Panalpina is also upgrading its ground facilities. "Pudong in Shanghai, Viracopos in Sao Paulo and Dubai World Central are just a few of the airport facilities high on our priority list," said Mr Frey.

Panalpina's two wet-leased Boeing 747-8 Freighters, mark the company's investment in building a state-of-the-art cool chain network. Dubbed "Cool Planes", they can maintain different determined temperature ranges at the same time, from 2-8 degrees and 15-25 degrees Celsius.

"We've listened to our customers and turned their recommendations into auditable processes," said healthcare shipment chief Thomas Berger.

While most shipments are from the healthcare industry, temperature-controlled environments are demanded for chemical pre-products, dangerous and hazardous substances, high-tech wafers and even printing machines and test or prototype automobiles, said the release.

Employing 15,000 worldwide, Panalpina operates a global network of 500 branches in 80 countries and operates in another 80 countries through partners.