The device, manufactured by OnAsset Intelligence, costs less than $100 per shipment, and Southwest has already seen a very positive response from customers, said Wally Devereaux, director of cargo sales and marketing at Southwest. Cargo Companion is accepted on all Southwest Airlines aircraft and can be sold either in bulk or on a case-by-case basis.
The device is switched on before beginning transit, and shippers are sent e-mail updates throughout the journey. Once loaded onto the plane, the device is remotely deactivated when the aircraft takes off, and then switches back on when the plane touches the ground. Clients receive updated information until the shipment reaches its destination.
