What Cargologic does

Cargologic is Switzerland's leading airfreight handling company, operating ground handling, cargo security, bonded warehousing, cold-chain pharmaceutical logistics, and ancillary services at the country's major airports. Founded in 1955 and wholly owned by German logistics group Rhenus SE & Co. KG since 2002, the company processes approximately 430,000-500,000 tonnes of cargo annually through its Zurich Airport headquarters and supplementary operations at Bern, Basel, and Lugano. It holds IATA CEIV Pharma and Swissmedic GDP certifications, giving it a defensible position in temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical handling, and in March 2025 secured an extension of Zurich Airport's third-party handling authorization (DAB) through November 2032.

The company's service portfolio is organized around three primary customer segments: airlines (cargo acceptance, dangerous goods processing, ramp transport), freight forwarders (export/import handling, bonded warehouse access, contract logistics), and pharmaceutical shippers (CEIV Pharma-certified cold chain at +2°C to +8°C plus -70°C vaccine capability). Core physical infrastructure includes a 6,000+ m² bonded warehouse, an automated 8,500-pallet shuttle warehouse managed by a modernized material flow computer with digital twin emulation (deployed in April 2024 in partnership with LplusR GmbH), and a 120-position cold storage facility. Digital offerings are limited to a web-based AWB tracking portal and a Track & Trace mobile app (iOS/Android), with no public APIs. Strategic alliances include a long-term partnership with Swiss WorldCargo (extended 7 years in 2019), a Singapore-Zurich quality corridor with SATS, and ULD handling for Envirotainer.

Cargologic generates revenue primarily through transaction-fee-based cargo handling services billed to airlines and freight forwarders, supplemented by managed-services revenue from contract logistics, professional services from Ground Support Equipment maintenance (acquired from SR Technics in 2022), and specialized handling fees for pharmaceutical, valuables, and ULD services. Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed. The business operates on enterprise field sales with dedicated customer relations managers for key accounts and is part of the Rhenus Group, which reports annual turnover of EUR 5.1-7.5 billion across approximately 1,320 sites worldwide. Cargologic itself does not disclose standalone financials.

Name

Cargologic

Legal name

Cargologic AG

Website

https://cargologic.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1955

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

Cargologic is Switzerland's leading airfreight handling company, providing airline ground handling, cargo security, bonded warehousing, and CEIV Pharma-certified pharmaceutical cold-chain services at Zurich, Bern, Basel, and Lugano airports. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of Germany's Rhenus Group.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Air Cargo Handling Services

NAICS

Scheduled Freight Air Transportation (481112), Freight Transportation Arrangement (48851), Nonscheduled Air Transportation (4812)

SIC

Airports, Flying Fields & Airport Terminal Services (4581), Air Transportation, Scheduled (4512)

akta.pro primary industry

General Cargo Air Freight Forwarding (Airport-to-Airport / Door-to-Door) (TLACAAAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

High-Value & Secure Cargo Forwarding (Valuables/Armored) (TLACAJAF), Perishables & Fresh Produce Forwarding (Food/Seafood/Floral) (TLACAJAA), Aviation Ground Handling & Air Cargo Operations (EDAOANAM)

Keywords

• Air cargo handling
• Freight forwarding services
• Pharmaceutical cold chain
• Bonded warehousing
• Ground support equipment maintenance

Headquarters

HQ city

Zürich

HQ country

Switzerland

HQ region

Europe

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Air Freight Handling Services: Core revenue from handling import, export, transit, and special cargo shipments for airlines and freight forwarders at Swiss airports. Services include cargo processing, security checks, and ramp transportation between aircraft and terminal.
2. Contract Logistics Services: Bonded warehouse operations at Zurich Airport with over 6,000 m² of storage space for customs-controlled goods. Additional cold storage for temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical shipments.
3. Ground Support Equipment Maintenance: Vehicle maintenance and Ground Support Equipment (GSE) maintenance services acquired from SR Technics in 2022, now offered to external customers at Zurich Airport.
4. ULD Handling Services: Handling of temperature-controlled Unit Load Devices (ULD) for Envirotainer, including inbound/outbound inspections, cleaning, and storage services.
5. Mail Handling Services: Mail handling services for airlines at Zurich Airport, taken over in September 2017.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Cargologic provides end-to-end air cargo handling services for airlines and freight forwarders at Zurich, Basel, Bern, and Lugano airports, including import/export processing, cargo security screening, bonded warehousing, ramp transport, and technical maintenance of ground support equipment. The company also runs specialized CEIV Pharma and GDP-certified cold-chain handling for temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals, ULD handling for Envirotainer containers, mail handling for carriers, and an AWB tracking service accessible via web and mobile app.

Product overview

Cargologic is Switzerland's leading air freight handling provider offering a comprehensive suite of services through a platform-plus-modules architecture. Core services include Airline Handling (export/import processing, dangerous goods, tracing), Forwarder Handling (freight forwarder logistics, bonded warehouse, contract logistics), Cargo Security Services (IATA-approved screening), Planning & Technology (material flow optimization), and Technical Maintenance (ground support equipment, vehicles, ULD handling). Specialized offerings include CEIV Pharma-certified pharmaceutical handling, GDP-compliant cold chain services, Envirotainer ULD handling, and Mail Handling. Digital services include AWB Tracking via the website and a mobile Track & Trace App. Physical infrastructure includes a bonded warehouse (6,000+ m²) and cold storage facility (120 spaces at +2°C to +8°C), plus an automated shuttle warehouse with 8,500 pallet spaces. Operations span Zurich, Basel, Bern, and Lugano airports in Switzerland, with affiliate Skylink present in Amsterdam and Brussels.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Airline Handling Ground handling services for airlines at Zurich Airport covering export acceptance, dangerous goods processing, import delivery, data documentation, self-declaration, tracing, and value services for airline clients such as Swiss WorldCargo, Air China, and Oman Air.
• Forwarder Handling (Speditions Handling) Handling services for freight forwarders at Swiss airports covering export, import, bonded warehouse operations, and contract logistics, giving forwarders access to Cargologic's customs-controlled storage and operational handling teams.
• Cargo Security Services (Frachtsicherheit) Air freight security checks and screening services compliant with national and international air cargo security requirements, including regulatory-approved screening capabilities for both airline and forwarder cargo.
• Planning and Technology (Planung & Technik) Technical planning and engineering services including material flow optimization, facility planning, and technology integration for air freight operations and warehouse modernization projects.
• Technical Maintenance (GSE Maintenance) Maintenance services for ground support equipment, vehicles, air freight pallets, and refrigerated containers, expanded in 2022 with the takeover of vehicle and GSE maintenance operations from SR Technics, now offered to external customers at Zurich Airport.
• CEIV Pharma Pharmaceutical Handling Pharmaceutical handling services certified under IATA's Center of Excellence for Independent Validators (CEIV) Pharma program, including temperature-controlled storage and handling of temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical products for shippers such as Swiss WorldCargo.
• GDP-Certified Cold Chain Handling Good Distribution Practice compliant cold-chain handling, storage, and transportation of temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals, with Swissmedic GDP certification at Zurich and Basel locations and support for -70°C vaccine shipments using dedicated dry ice capacity.
• ULD Handling for Envirotainer Temperature-controlled unit load device (ULD) handling services for Envirotainer at Zurich Airport, including inbound and outbound inspections, cleaning, and storage of approximately 180-200 empty ULDs on average.
• Mail Handling Services Mail processing and handling services for airlines and carriers at Zurich Airport, expanding Cargologic's service portfolio to include postal logistics under contract with carriers such as Swiss International Air Lines.
• Bonded Warehouse Storage Customs-bonded warehouse storage at Zurich Airport with over 6,000 m² of storage space for secure storage of goods pending customs clearance, available to airlines, freight forwarders, and contract logistics customers.
• Cold Storage Facility (+2°C to +8°C) Refrigerated storage facility at Zurich Airport with 120 spaces at +2°C to +8°C temperature range for temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical products and perishable goods.
• AWB Tracking Service Online shipment tracking service via cargologic.com and a Track & Trace mobile app (iOS and Android) allowing customers to track air freight consignments by AWB number and receive real-time consignment status updates.
• Cargologic Bern Airfreight Handling Air freight handling services at Bern Airport including import and export operations with extended business hours and airfreight security inspection capability for forwarders and airlines in the Bern region.

Quantifiable outcome

• 440,000 tonnes processed annually (2019 figure)
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability3 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered minor, core and major.

• SR Technics SwitzerlandminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Business acquisition from SR Technics in January 2022. Took over vehicle maintenance and Ground Support Equipment (GSE) maintenance operations. Approximately 2,700 m² of workspace acquired at Zurich Airport. Employees transitioned to Cargologic.
• Rhenus GroupcoreOthers · 2 December 2020Parent company. Rhenus SE & Co. KG based in Holzwickede, Germany. Annual turnover EUR 7.5 billion. Cargologic has been part of Rhenus Group since 2002.
• Swiss WorldCargocoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 October 2019Long-standing strategic partnership extended for 7 years in October 2019. Swiss WorldCargo continues to use Cargologic as dedicated ground handler at Zurich hub. Quality alliance includes knowledge sharing, IT collaboration, facility development, and joint training. Temperature-controlled transport management with GDP-certified facilities.
• EnvirotainermajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 2019ULD handling partnership since April 2019 for temperature-controlled units. Services include inbound/outbound inspections, cleaning, and storage of empty containers. Approximately 180-200 ULDs stored on average.
• SATScoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 June 2016Quality corridor partnership between Singapore and Zurich established June 2016. MoU signed for collaboration in cargo handling, quality initiatives, temperature-controlled transport management, and specialized handling solutions. Both CEIV Pharma certified. Joint training, staff exchanges, and innovation workshops planned.
• IATAcoreTechnology or Integration · 15 September 2015IATA CEIV Pharma certification body. Cargologic achieved pharmaceutical handling certification through IATA's Center of Excellence for Independent Validators program.
• SwissmediccoreTechnology or Integration · 21 May 2015Swiss pharmaceutical regulatory authority that grants GDP (Good Distribution Practice) certification. Cargologic Basel first air cargo handler at EuroAirport to receive GDP certification from Swissmedic.

Scale indicators14 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Swissport International: World's largest airport ground services and cargo handling company, operating at 300+ airports. Direct competitor for airline handling, cargo handling, and warehousing services at major European hubs, including several Swiss operations that overlap with Cargologic's Zurich/Basel footprint.
• Worldwide Flight Services (WFS): Global air cargo handler and ground services provider operating at 170+ airports. Directly comparable to Cargologic across airline handling, freight forwarding support, and specialized cargo (including pharma). Both compete for major airline contracts at European hubs.
• Dnata: Dubai-based ground handling and cargo services group operating across 80+ airports. Direct competitor in air cargo handling, ramp transport, and warehousing; comparable to Cargologic in serving airline clients and forwarders with end-to-end terminal services.
• Menzies Aviation: UK-based global aviation services provider with significant cargo handling and ground operations across 200+ airports. Direct peer in airline handling, cargo warehousing, and GSE maintenance — overlapping with Cargologic's SR Technics-acquired maintenance business.
• SATS Ltd. Singapore-based ground handling and airline catering company, partnered with Cargologic under the Singapore-Zurich Quality Corridor for pharmaceutical handling (CEIV Pharma certified). Directly comparable in pharma cold-chain handling, gate operations, and airport cargo services.

Broad incumbents

• Fraport AG: Frankfurt Airport operator with integrated ground handling and cargo subsidiaries (e.g., FraCareServices, Fraport Cargo Services). Broad incumbent comparable to Cargologic's Zurich Airport operations; while Fraport operates its own airport, its cargo handling business competes for similar airline and forwarder accounts.

Others

• SR Technics: Swiss-based MRO provider that sold its vehicle and GSE maintenance business to Cargologic in January 2022. Comparable adjacent player: while SR Technics focuses on aircraft MRO, the acquired business now overlaps with Cargologic's expanded Technical Maintenance service line.
• Kuehne + Nagel: Global freight forwarder and contract logistics provider that is both a customer of Cargologic's handling services and a competitor in adjacent logistics segments. Martin Theiler, Cargologic's former board member, joined from Kuehne + Nagel's Global Aerospace Product Manager role — illustrating the deep interconnection.
• DSV A/S (formerly Panalpina): Global freight forwarder after acquiring Panalpina in 2019 (where Cargologic's Martin Theiler was previously SVP Country Head of Air Freight). DSV/Panalpina is both a significant customer of Cargologic's forwarder handling services and a comparable logistics player in air freight.
• Envirotainer: Specialist provider of temperature-controlled air cargo containers (active and passive ULDs) for pharma cold chain. Strategic partner of Cargologic for ULD handling at Zurich since April 2019, providing inbound/outbound inspections, cleaning, and storage of 180-200 containers. Adjacent player in the same cold-chain ecosystem.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/Cargologic-507318466032628

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Cargologic