In control
X-ray scanners and explosives detectors are invaluable when it comes to ensuring air freight supply chains are safe, secure, and efficient. At DACHSER, these devices screen, inspect, and analyze freight in transit, all the way to the plane’s cargo hold.
In 2016, when Hamburg Airport began testing body scanners to replace the established walk-through metal detectors, there was considerable outcry. Concerns were voiced about privacy and health risks. Tempers have since calmed. But unlike people, bags and suitcases have for years gone through every kind of security check without complaint. The same is true for goods.
State-of-the-art inspection devices
To ensure the highest possible security for air freight goods, logistics provider DACHSER also uses state-of-the-art inspection devices.
This may be with X-ray scanners or explosives detectors—both of which DACHSER uses.
Inspection devices that harness modern technology are extremely helpful in guaranteeing the required checks are performed before the goods are loaded into the hold. DACHSER owns a range of devices for use at its Munich, Frankfurt, Cologne, Dusseldorf, and Kaufbeuern locations, where they are operated by air security control teams who ensure goods inspections go seamlessly.
Security checks for efficient processing
Using X-ray scanners and explosives detectors guarantees efficiency, safety, and security when processing customers’ air freight. Explosives detectors allow samples to be taken from contaminated surfaces as well as from baggage, and shipped items. Samples may be taken from a shipment’s exterior, interior, or its contents. The particles and vapors sampled are then analyzed and a warning appears if traces of explosives are present.
These detectors are just one of several elements in a whole series of security checks that may—or sometimes must—be carried out. X-ray scanners can accommodate packages measuring up to 175 x 175 cm, making them less useful for shipments that include larger items. When it comes to high-density materials, such as products with a high proportion of metal or granulates, the X-rays sometimes cannot fully penetrate the package. This means the presence of a prohibited item cannot be ruled out and what’s known as a “dark alarm” is raised, prompting additional security checks such as visual inspection, manual searches, and the use of sniffer dogs.
These double and triple checks make sure absolutely nothing gets missed. Once it has passed inspection, air freight is loaded onto the conveyor belt and into the cargo hold—fully checked, safe, and secure.
