GPS tracking is widely used across the logistics and transportation sectors. The most well-known applications are fleet management, asset tracking, and driver monitoring. But what about air-based logistics, specifically tracking high-value cargo throughout airports? GPS tracking for logistics also extends to monitoring and protecting these assets — with the right partner on board.

In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of airport GPS tracking for cargo, compare GPS with other technologies, and discover how this technology helps assets remain safe from theft and mishandling.

Challenges of Securing High-Value Cargo in Airports

More than $6 trillion worth of goods travel by air annually — over a third of the world’s trade by monetary value, yet only 1% by volume. Those figures highlight just how expensive goods transported by air freight can be. Without protocols to track high-value air cargo, shipments can go astray or become damaged or delayed — gouging businesses’ bottom lines. However, tracking shipments through airports is rife with complications. Let’s take a look.

High Traffic and Movement

Airports handle massive volumes of cargo, much of which is similar in terms of packaging type, size, and style. No matter how carefully labeled items are, they may get added to the wrong shipment or moved to the wrong part of the airport. Without the ability to quickly track misplaced cargo, this can represent a serious financial loss for shippers and frustration and delays for their recipients. The high traffic can also cause delays, which shippers can be unaware of without real-time tracking solutions.

Security Risks

Because air freight tends to include mainly high-value items, it’s highly targeted by career thieves. Cargo theft, in general, is on the rise. However, cargo theft caused specifically by technology failures like poorly tracked assets rose an alarming 400% in 2023, year-on-year. Finding ways to make cargo movement more secure is essential for making airport security robust enough to meet these challenges.

Operational Pressures

Running an airport leaves very little margin for error. The slightest delay to one flight can have a knock-on effect that impacts dozens more — and thousands of cargo recipients. Cargo must be where it’s supposed to be at the right time to keep flights running on time. Meeting these exacting operational standards can lead to human error and mishandling of goods. Without comprehensive tracking data, logistics providers may lose track of their cargo, particularly in airports that are understaffed or already experiencing delays.

All these challenges create a clear demand for real-time tracking and monitoring solutions. GPS trackers have emerged as one of the most reliable technologies to help manage high-value assets in airports.

Why GPS Tracking is Vital for High-Value Airport Cargo

Why is GPS becoming the monitoring solution of choice for logistics providers involved with moving cargo by air? Tracking high-value cargo in airports can take the existing principles of GPS tracking for logistics and apply them within an air freight environment. Trackers may be prebuilt devices attached to packages or even directly embedded into high-value goods. Here are just a few of the advantages of investing in airport GPS tracking for expensive cargo.

Real-Time Updates

With the right GPS tracking devices and associated software, you get real-time updates on the location of your cargo. The trackers continuously provide location information, helping logistics providers track assets at every stage. Keep customers informed and offer accurate updates to everyone on the supply chain.

Loss and Theft Prevention

When those assets aren’t where they’re supposed to be, logistics managers can take action immediately. Trackers alert users to unauthorized movements so they can alert the authorities and even prevent potential thefts.

Operational Accountability

GPS is also an essential factor in logging the movements of cargo for correct documentation and accountability. If a receiving logistics partner states that they received a shipment two hours late, historical GPS data will either corroborate this information or prove them wrong. Close down disputes fast with indisputable, accurate data on asset movement.

The overarching benefit of GPS tracking is that it provides a fully auditable trail of location data. This supports asset security and can even aid in the quick retrieval of missing goods when necessary.

Comparing GPS with Other Tracking Technologies

Of course, GPS technology isn’t the only tracking solution. However, it has benefits over alternatives — particularly for cargo applications like air freight.

GPS vs. RFID

RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification and is a popular asset management technology for warehouses and other contained spaces. RFID tags contain asset-specific data that can be tracked using specialist antennae for highly specific location information. Unfortunately, RFID only works over short distances.

GPS provides a similar level of location accuracy over incredibly wide areas, utilizing both satellite and cellular technology to create a global asset-tracking solution. This makes GPS the superior choice for airports and airfreight, as distance isn’t a limitation.

GPS Vs. Barcode Tracking

Goods can also be tracked via barcodes, either printed directly onto packing boxes, labels, or the goods themselves. Barcodes require a line of sight, so even automated barcode scanners need manual intervention to ensure the goods are scanned correctly.

GPS trackers continuously transmit real-time location data, making them a completely hands-free device. Tracking is entirely automated and powered by trackers, satellites, and any software you receive from your GPS air cargo partner. No matter how fast or slow cargo moves or how hidden boxes are, the GPS tracker will continue to log its location. In contrast, barcode scanners are ideal for a completely static inventory.

GPS tracking supports efficient, real-time management of airport assets — particularly high-value goods that require constant monitoring.

Key Benefits of GPS Tracking for High-Value Cargo in Airports

The benefits of airport GPS tracking for logistics and cargo management are countless — but here are some of the key reasons shippers, airport personnel, and supply chain managers utilize GPS solutions.

• Enhanced Security: Prevent theft, monitor asset movement, and quickly investigate anomalies via real-time location information.

• Optimized Asset Utilization: Historical GPS data reveals usage patterns, such as common holdups or areas where delays are likely. Logistics providers can use this data to plan ahead and allocate resources efficiently.

• Increased Operational Efficiency: By optimizing asset allocation, cargo handling is more streamlined and efficient — and delays are less likely. Real-time location information also helps logistics managers communicate effectively with airport personnel where necessary.

• Compliance Support: GPS tracking helps organizations meet regulatory standards for high-value cargo security. Up-to-date tracking data also aids with documentation and accountability across the supply chain.

• Cost Savings: Above all, improving all the above aspects of air freight movement helps manage budgets, cutting the costs associated with delays and the subsequent reputational damage this can cause to logistics providers.

GPS technology should make life easier for everyone involved in the air cargo supply chain. Airport personnel don’t have to deal with shippers constantly checking on the movement of their goods. And, logistics companies gain access to comprehensive data on how their assets are handled at every airport they have to deal with.

Strengthening Airport Security with LandAirSea

All of the above benefits rely on partnering with an experienced expert in GPS tracking solutions. Ideally, work with a team that understands the importance of monitoring movements throughout these complex airport environments.

LandAirSea is already working with airfield technology specialists, helping power telematics to provide real-time tracking updates on aircraft and asset movement.