OREANDA-NEWS. Southwest Airlines® (NYSE: LUV) Cargo is proud to announce the carrier's recent recognition at Connected World magazine's Value Chain Awards Gala, having been honored with the gold award in the Aviation category for the product, Cargo CompanionSM. Cargo Companion, a comprehensive GPS tracking device, launched in July 2012.

“We are honored and proud to have Cargo Companion recognized for innovation and excellence,” says Matt Buckley, Southwest Airlines Vice President of Cargo and Charters. “We keep the needs of our Customers top of mind, and providing real-time visibility and information to important air cargo shipments is a critical requirement for many of our shippers.”

Southwest Airlines' Cargo Companion is the industry's most comprehensive asset tracking solution that provides location and temperature information for Customer's time-critical, high-value, and temperature sensitive cargo. Designed for freight forwarders, couriers, and perishable commodity shippers, Cargo Companion improves operational efficiency and minimizes the impact of delays across the supply chain. Cargo Companion provides early-warning notifications that enable Customers to initiate contingency plans in the event of an unfavorable delay or temperature alert en route to the destination.

“Southwest Airlines Cargo is flying high these days in the area of Aviation, and for good reason. By implementing a cellular-based device, the company is now able to track shipments, as well as monitor temperature, humidity, and more, allowing Customers to receive early warning information,” says Peggy Smedley, editorial director, Connected World magazine. “Its innovative use of M2M is helping to bring its service to new heights within the markets it serves. Connected World magazine is pleased to recognize Southwest Airlines Cargo for accomplishing such outstanding achievements.”