Southwest Airlines Cargo has purchased the AdvancedCargo Suite from Lufthansa Systems to help it optimize its air cargo booking, handling, and accounting processes. By fourth qurater 2007 shippers will be able to pre-book cargo shipments online much like customers do an airline seat at www.southwest.com. Online tracking via web, PDA and cell phone is also available.
Southwest Airlines Cargo also purchased Sabre's CargoMax software to gain operational efficiency and manage bin capacity more strategically. The system allows Southwest to control its available aircraft bin capacity, utilizing every inch of space to get customers' shipments on the next open flight.
Other changes at Southwest's cargo operation include opting out of the airline's U.S. mail contract to focus on its mainstream cargo products and services, increasing its per-piece weight limit to 200 pounds from 150 pounds for each service, and boosting its seafood weight limit from 80 pounds to 175 pounds.
