Delta Cargo has extended its real-time Bluetooth tracking of unit load devices to cargo facilities based off-airport.

According to the carrier, this will enable customers to have access to end-to-end tracking of ULDs throughout the journey, starting in their own warehouses through to the final destination.

The new service eliminates all paperwork at the dock door, when units are loaned out and a digital Uniform Control Receipt is emailed directly to the shipper. In addition, customers will receive customized push notifications with full tracking available next year.

“The extension of the tracking technology directly to our customers’ facilities will ensure visibility for the whole freight journey, creating a best-in-class shipping experience,” said Shawn Cole, vice president of cargo at Delta Air Lines. “This is a genuine innovation, and we are on track to launch in January 2019, with full visibility on deltacargo.com later that year, once the customer installations are complete.”

Delta launched real-time tracking for ULDs using Bluetooth technology in March 2018 and has since deployed readers at 80 Delta and partner airline warehouse locations across six continents, including all US hubs and major trucking stations, with 70 more locations remaining. Nearly 40% of the ULD fleet has been tagged with Bluetooth asset trackers.

The tracking system will be available on nearly all of Delta’s ULDs by January 2019, with customer reader installations expected to be completed soon after that. Real-time ULD tracking information will allow the new Cargo Control Center to more accurately monitor and reroute shipments that are delayed due to irregularities like inclement weather, according to Delta.