SPONSORED FEATURE


ACW: What technological advancements has United Cargo implemented to improve tracking and efficiency of cargo shipments in Europe? United Cargo continues to invest


Carefully vetted interline partner carriers have the highest safety in technological advancements to


enhance shipment tracking, operational efficiency, and customer visibility across Europe. To improve real-time monitoring, we have approved more than 100


electronic tracking and temperature-monitoring devices for use on our aircraft, allowing customers to track shipments with greater precision. Our TempControl (TC) Tower, staffed by a dedicated team in our Houston Contact Center, provides 24/7 oversight of TempControl and LifeGuard shipments, ensuring proactive monitoring and quick response to any issues. Our TempControl Dashboard serves as a central hub for managing


temperature-sensitive shipments, consolidating booking details, station contacts, SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures), and live temperature and battery readings. This is complemented by our TC App, which enables our operational teams to scan active containers and capture real-time data, automatically sending updates to customers and our TC Tower for enhanced oversight. Looking ahead, we are working to further integrate our systems with


ground handlers in Europe, reducing manual processes and improving the speed and accuracy of cargo movements. By leveraging API connections and system-to-system integration, we aim to enhance visibility, eliminate potential errors, and streamline operations across our European network.


ACW: How does United Cargo address environmental concerns and sustainability within its European operations? Sustainability is a core priority for United Cargo and we are continuously taking steps to reduce our environmental impact across our European operations. Our approach is built on a comprehensive four-tiered strategy. First,


we are enhancing operational and fuel efficiency to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, optimising routes and aircraft performance to lower emissions. Second, we are modernising our equipment, such as introducing e-scooters for our sales team in Frankfurt’s Cargo City Süd, reducing our ground transportation footprint. Third, we are strengthening waste management and recycling initiatives,


incorporating biodegradable materials and minimising waste wherever possible. Fourth, we are actively exploring innovative carbon removal technologies as part of United’s broader sustainability efforts. Beyond these initiatives, we collaborate with industry stakeholders,


regulators, and partners to drive the evolution of sustainable aviation, ensuring that air cargo remains an essential yet environmentally responsible part of the global supply chain.


ACW: What are the key challenges faced by United Cargo in the European airfreight market? United Cargo faces several challenges in the European airfreight market, which we continue to address with strategic planning and operational adjustments. One of the primary challenges is the shortage of qualified talent in the


air cargo industry, a trend we’ve observed in recent years. This shortage is not only affecting our internal teams but also our service partners, many of whom are struggling with resource constraints that impact the consistency and quality of service across various markets. At United Cargo, we are eager to attract passionate and skilled individuals to help us meet the demands of the evolving industry, ensuring we continue to provide exceptional service and maintain our position as a leader in global logistics. Another significant challenge is the rising cost of external services,


particularly trucking, which plays a crucial role in our network optimisation efforts. Adequate ground transport solutions are essential for us to maintain smooth operations and reliable service to our customers. We are also dealing with an ageing fleet, with a notable share of Boeing


767 aircraft in our transatlantic schedule. While these aircraft have served us well, they are weight-restricted and more difficult to plan and optimise. Over the next several years, we are focused on replacing these older planes with larger, more efficient aircraft to improve capacity and performance. Finally, the evolving regulatory landscape—especially the increasing


data capture requirements for customs on both sides of the Atlantic— presents ongoing operational challenges. However, we remain committed to adapting and ensuring that we continue to meet these new demands while maintaining service excellence.


Transshipment of cargo from Europe United Cargo efficiently supports the transshipment of cargo from Europe to other continents, including Asia and Africa, through a network of global interline partnerships. Dedicated teams across various functions—Sales, Operations, Revenue Management, Specialty Products, Training, Security, and Policy & Procedure—work collaboratively to ensure seamless and secure cargo transfers worldwide.


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standards to guarantee the secure delivery of shipments. United Cargo teams implement tailored booking, transfer and delivery processes that vary by carrier, taking great care to develop (SOPs) for complex business types, such as TempControl and pharmaceutical shipments, ensuring smooth transfers and high customer satisfaction. Ongoing


training and clear communication on country-specific


documentation requirements are essential to prevent delays and ensure that customers submit the correct paperwork. When selecting interline transfer points, we prioritise stations with the same ground handling agents (GHAs) to streamline operations and reduce complexity. In 2024, interline revenue accounted for over $220 million in gross revenue, underscoring its critical role in United Cargo’s growth strategy.


ACW: How has the competitive landscape of transatlantic air cargo evolved, and what strategies does United Cargo employ to maintain its market position? The transatlantic air cargo market remains highly competitive, but United Cargo has solidified its position with a strategic approach that leverages our extensive network and customer-centric focus. We are well-positioned in Europe with flights from many cities, and our teams work closely across borders to optimise and maximise the benefits of our global network. Network selling is a key component of our commercial strategy, as we can offer flexible and reliable services from almost anywhere. Our commitment to maintaining strong customer relationships sets us


apart. We prioritise offering year-round reliability, flexibility, and specialised support through our Commercial Desk team. This dedicated team handles large cargo requests over 10 tonnes, offering tailored solutions for major projects that often surpass the capabilities of freighter operators. In fact, we regularly handle shipments of 100 tonnes or more. Additionally, we are accelerating our digital transformation by expanding


online booking capabilities. By the end of next quarter, we will offer 24/7 access to capacity via both internal and external platforms, simplifying the booking process, especially for smaller, transactional shipments. Finally, we are strengthening our position in specialty products, particularly in the pharmaceutical sector, where services like TempControl, LifeGuard, and UAPremium are central to our growing portfolio. Through these efforts, we continue to offer comprehensive, innovative solutions that meet the diverse needs of our customers while maintaining our leadership in the market.


“Sustainability is a core


priority for


United Cargo, and we are


continuously taking steps to reduce our


environmental impact across our European operations.”


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