DHL Express to deploy 30,000 energy harvesting SmartULD from AviusULD in major digital transformation initiative

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AviusULD, a global leader in smart and sustainable ULD innovation, is proud to announce a strategic agreement with DHL Express to deploy 30,000 SmartULD devices in the first phase of a global rollout. The initiative represents the largest implementation of energy harvesting ULD tracking technology in the air cargo sector to date.

Built on a breakthrough energy-harvesting design, the AviusULD SmartULD technology enables infrastructure-free tracking of ULDs with real-time data on location, movement, and safety conditions – without the need for airport-installed readers or replacement of batteries. By leveraging LTE  connectivity, assisted GNSS, and indoor Wi-Fi positioning, DHL Express will gain seamless visibility across its global network.

The expected result: improved utilisation of ULDs, fewer repositioning moves, and reduced damages and losses – while simultaneously improving safety, efficiency, and sustainability.

Charles Drummond, CEO of AviusULD, commented: “This is a landmark moment not only for AviusULD, but for the entire ULD industry. DHL Express is sending a clear signal with its investment in infrastructure-free visibility, fire detection, and occupancy sensing at scale. We’re thrilled to support their leadership in digital cargo transformation and look forward to scaling these benefits across their global network.”

Frank Steinert, Senior Director Global Network Equipment of DHL Express, commented: “DHL Express is the world-leader in international express shipping. Our tagline is excellence simply delivered, and this sets a high bar for all technology supporting our operations. The AviusULD SmartULD technology, with its energy harvesting capability, is truly a breakthrough technology, and we have been directly involved in its development. The SmartULD devices will help us drive improvements in operational efficiency, sustainability and safety, and we expect to scale up and expand this program to all our reusable air cargo equipment soon.”

In addition to the core SmartULD tracking tags, the collaboration includes the Fire Tag capabilities, which detect off-gassing from lithium-ion batteries before thermal runaway events, and Occupancy Tags, which use sensors to confirm whether containers are empty or loaded – helping avoid missed cargo and unnecessary emissions.

This agreement builds on a growing trend toward data-driven asset management in air cargo, where operators seek to reduce the total cost of ownership (TCO) while improving safety and ESG performance. AviusULD’s SmartULD suite addresses these goals directly, offering:

  • Real-time location tracking via LTE & GNSS/Wi-Fi
  • Zero-infrastructure deployment – no readers, towers, or gateways
  • Energy-harvesting power supply – no battery replacement required
  • Fire detection for lithium-ion risk mitigation
  • Occupancy monitoring to prevent empty or full ULD misplacement
  • Interoperability with existing BLE fleets and legacy tracking systems

This first milestone marks the start to a long term relationship with further phases of the rollout of AviusULD SmartULD tracking technology to be announced in due course.