DHL starts ULD buildup service at Kansai International Airport

DHL launched an air cargo buildup service at Kansai International Airport that achieves speedier delivery of cargo while reducing risk of damage or theft during transit.

The export service, launched last month, is being provided by DHL Global Forwarding — a DHL business unit providing air and ocean freight services— using Frankfurt-bound flights operated by Lufthansa Cargo.

Traditionally, buildup (Bulk Unitization Program, or BUP) operations using unit load devices (ULDs) have been undertaken by airlines at the airport after cargo has been received from forwarders. Recently, however, demand for buildup by forwarders in Japan has been increasing in response to the need to reduce time consumed for cargo transfers at destinations and also to curtail theft and damage during transit.

Until now, DHL Global Forwarding’s ULD buildup (BUP) service was provided only at Narita Cargo Center, where DHL became the first foreign forwarder to receive buildup permission in 2005. Now, for the first time, the company can provide the service at Kansai International Airport. DHL Global Forwarding undertook significant investment in equipment, increasing the number of slave pallets, slave pallet racks, and forklifts to ensure effective program implementation. The company also submitted to inspections by airlines regarding matters essential to secure cargo transport, including knowledge of appropriate ULDs for each aircraft type, loading methods, and cargo security.