Cargo terminals are evolving into digitally connected performance nodes within airline and forwarder networks. Simultaneously, cargo terminals are facing increasing labor constraints and growing process complexity. This puts pressure on airlines that tend to channel freight flows through fewer, high-intensity hubs, as those hubs must deliver predictable performance under volatile conditions.
Given this structural shift, Lödige Industries has introduced Cargo Direct, a new software module designed to optimize workflows and capacity utilization. This is achieved by intelligently linking air waybill (AWB) data with all available terminal resources in real time. The tool helps freight terminals to increase the throughput since it reduces unnecessary movements and synchronizes handling processes based on given shipment priorities. Lödige claims that Cargo Direct, once implemented and utilized, streamlines container and pallet flows and leads to significant efficiency gains without the need to enlarge existing ground infrastructure.
Closing a gap
“Digitalization in air cargo must go beyond data visibility,” notes Philippe De Backer, CEO of Lödige Industries.“The real opportunity lies in intelligent, real-time operational orchestration – where shipment data, equipment and resources are managed as one coordinated system. By closing the gap between equipment automation and true process automation, Cargo Direct helps terminals deliver consistent, repeatable operational throughput while supporting hub connectivity and schedule resilience.”
Historically, large-scale automated terminals have often struggled to match the operational transparency and responsiveness of smaller facilities. By introducing structured, system-guided process automation, Cargo Direct enables large hubs to deliver visibility and control traditionally associated with smaller terminals – but at significantly higher scale.
According to Lödige, using a hand-held scanner connected to WiFi or 5G, its software identifies every single cargo unit, whether ULD, in-house pallet or individual package. Based on the scanned data, Cargo Direct automatically directs cargo to its next optimal position such as storage location, inspection station, X-ray screening or build-up workstation. User interaction is reduced to a structured ‘scan-and-confirm’ workflow, while exceptions such as damaged cargo or partial shipments are managed within the system logic.
One size fits all
Intelligent orchestration of shipment flows within a warehouse delivers consistent, repeatable operational throughput while equipment automation increases mechanical performance. Cargo Direct consolidates shipment data, special handling codes, terminal layout, equipment availability and personnel resources into a single, continuously updated activity plan. Instead of merely recording user actions, the system actively determines and instructs the next optimal process step for each cargo unit.
Process automation
Landside processes benefit from early door and gate assignment based on shipment content, layout constraints and operational priorities. Additional data sources, such as volume and weight information captured via smart gates with 3D scanning, can be integrated to improve ULD build-up density and increase overall terminal capacity.
This process-automation approach increases throughput per square meter, per automated machine and per man-day of labor – transforming scale from a complexity driver into a performance advantage. Despite widespread equipment automation across the industry, many terminals still rely heavily on manual decision-making and individual experience. Lödige claims that Cargo Direct closes the gap between mechanical automation and true process automation, reducing operational variability and strengthening predictability at hub level.
