Growing its presence across Latin and Central America to serve the region’s unique demands, ACL Airshop is partnering with experienced Ground Handling Agents (GHAs) to strategically manage ULDs close to its customers’ operations while expanding company-owned facilities and expertise.
Recent expansions from ACL Airshop in the Latin American market include establishing a dedicated GHA network and placing ULD stock in strategic locations like Bogotá and the newly added Felipe Ángeles International Airport in Mexico.
With peak demand during events like Valentine’s Day and cherry season, their locally tailored services ensure that customers have the necessary ULDs to manage cycles.
ACL Airshop’s flexibility in providing both short-term leases and long-term ULD management services gives clients comprehensive solutions to optimise supply chains.
“Our regional coverage spans Colombia, Ecuador, Brazil, Peru, Chile, and Panama to name a few. This setup allows us to respond effectively to the growing demand driven by e-commerce, especially from Asia and the US,” Bill Mullholland, ACL Airshop’s Director Sales and Business Development, the Americas, stated.
“This region’s seasonal peak times, including fresh produce and flower exports, require agile ULD repositioning, which we manage by utilising our extensive local network and agile operational framework.”
Growth despite regional instability
Latin America’s growing middle class is driving consumer demand for global products, even as political fluctuations periodically impact regional stability. By leveraging local relationships and intelligence to monitor and adapt to any risks that may arise, ACL Airshop has remained agile, establishing contingency plans and flexible service agreements that allow the company to respond to changes swiftly.
Collaboration with local GHAs and close alignment with freight forwarders helps mitigate potential disruptions, ensuring a steady flow of ULDs across the region and reliable support for our customers.
“In Latin America, we leverage our Bogota-based team and work closely with our Miami and Los Angeles teams to support cross-border cargo demand. This approach enhances flexibility in both regions, allowing us to adapt to diverse regional demands while maintaining the consistency and reliability of services,” Mullholland outlined.
Product portfolio
ACL Airshop seeks to set itself apart with its extensive suite of ULD management services and logistics, supporting everything from full-service ULD management to short-term leasing for one-off orders. This includes ULD leasing, logistics coordination, maintenance and repair (MRO), and consumables such as nets and straps – enhanced by ULD Control software and tracking solutions that track ULDs through their lifecycle.
By incorporating logistics as a key offering, ACL Airshop provides a competitive advantage in a market where larger competitors focus primarily on asset quantity. The company’s logistics model ensures precise tracking, positioning, and flexible availability, catering specifically to pure cargo and mixed carriers to optimize their utilisation. This tailored approach enables clients to have the right ULD, at the right time and place, without the need for excess inventory. Its agile, customer-focused solutions help carriers maximise operational efficiency, whether they need complete ULD management services and logistics or short-term leases.
“Over the years, ULD management services have expanded from basic leasing to encompass an integrated suite of solutions designed to optimise ULD performance,” Bernhard Kindelbacher, ACL Airshop’s CEO outlined.
“We pioneered the ULD Control system, which now includes advanced tracking, maintenance data, and analytics capabilities. Our FindMyULD app and Bluetooth tracking integration allow multiple stakeholders to monitor ULD status, dwell times, and repositioning needs in real time. By consolidating ULD services under one umbrella, we provide customers with enhanced data insights, cost efficiencies, and reduced operational complexity, keeping us ahead in an increasingly data-driven industry.”
Efficient position
Investing in digital tracking and real-time technologies is essential to ACL Airshop’s IT strategy. The company’s tracking solutions coupled with the FindMyULD app, provide detailed tracking and enhanced data visibility. This allows customers to manage their inventory accurately and proactively, which is crucial in today’s high-speed environment.
“Our digital suite is also set to incorporate generative AI to improve our knowledge base, automate routine tasks, and streamline our decision-making processes. These advancements reflect our commitment to leading digital transformation within the ULD management industry,” Kindelbacher highlighted.