Southwest Airlines Cargo has purchased the AdvancedCargo Suite from Lufthansa Systems. The technology will enable the airline to offer online booking and tracking capabilities. Shippers will be able to pre-book cargo shipments online, in the same manner that passengers book seats on Southwest's website. The AdvancedCargo Suite also allows for tracking via personal digital assistants and cell phones. Southwest has also purchased the CargoMax software of Sabre Airline Solutions, to boost operational efficiency and manage bin capacity more strategically. The system allows the airline to control its available bin capacity, making use of every inch of space for customer shipments. A year ago, Southwest opted out of its U.S. Mail contract, moving instead to focus on its mainstream cargo products and services, including NFG, Rush and Freight. Subsequently, the airline increased its per-piece weight limit to 200 pounds from 150 pounds for each service. Southwest Cargo customers will have access to the new booking and tracking capabilities as early as the fourth quarter of this year, the company said.
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