skypooling approaches airlines to report ULD overstocks

April 29, 2020: skypooling, the first online platform for the global exchange of unit load devices (ULDs), is currently experiencing a significant increase in the quantities of offered and demanded ULDs. The value rose by almost 40 percent compared to the beginning of the year. Around 50 airlines currently offer and search for several thousand ULDs. 

skypooling helps to ensure that the appropriate container and pallets are available for cargo and special flights despite the enormous reduction of worldwide air traffic and short-term flight schedule changes.

"We are currently registering overstocks of ULDs in many places, but about every third entry on our platform is a search query. We are therefore calling out to all airlines to report their overstocks on skypooling. The more airlines take advantage of the service, the better the devices can be used for urgently needed freight. At the same time, storage costs for overstocks can also be reduced in some cases," says Christine Klemmer, general manager of skypooling.

To speed up the search for the right ULDs, skypooling is now offering the function for emergency inquiries, which is otherwise only unlimitedly available to premium users, to all participants free of charge. In this way, inquiries can be addressed to all users simultaneously. Leasing companies also have the option to offer their ULDs on the skypooling platform, so that users can contact the companies directly in an emergency, if they cannot find suitable matches.

Furthermore, a new Lost & Found function has been made available on the platform since the beginning of April. This allows users, including ground handling agents, to post lost or found ULDs in order to return the loading equipment to its owners as quickly as possible. Since its introduction, the first as found reported ULDs have already been successfully returned to their owners.