Cargo handler Alliance Ground International (AGI) says it has reversed “stifling” cargo congestion at Chicago O’Hare with new technology and a new 253,000sq. ft off-airport import center with new racking and cargo mobility systems.
Vice president business development, Warren Jones, said: “AGI is the largest ground handler in Chicago, and the digitisation of our handling processes has made us the most capable.
“It has enabled us to foster a culture change in communication that will benefit freight forwarders and our airline partners alike.
“The combination of the OCC’s Flight Tracker Radar System, integrated Cargo Sprint software, capacity optimization heat mapping, and the upcoming AGI online ‘real people’ chat center has meant that AGI can directly communicate with forwarders, airlines, and other service providers to deliver a new level of stakeholder communication.”
The cargo mobility system monitors where cargo is situated within the import center, enabling forwarders, through the AGI website, to check on the progress of their freight, he added.
The introduction of canine screening, in line with Transport Security Administration (TSA) regulations that came into effect on July 1, 2021 has also boosted efficiency.
Following a recent visit to the facility, executive director of the US Airforwarders Association, Brandon Fried, said: “AfA worked very hard with the TSA to get the third party privatized canine programme underway. It is fantastic to see it work in practice and know that it will significantly help with regard to the reduction of cargo congestion currently hampering the efforts of our membership today.”