Descartes Systems Group, the global leader in uniting logistics-intensive businesses in commerce, has acquired Nelson-based Core Transport Technologies NZ Limited, an electronic transportation network that provides global air carriers and ground handlers with shipment scanning and tracking solutions.

CORE actively researches, develops and deploys new technology and is currently deploying real-time tracking technology of Unit Load Devices (ULD), cargo, and mail tracking. CORE has a strategic R&D partnership with Callaghan Institute, the New Zealand Government Innovation Investment arm that provides CORE access to scientists and facilities at Callaghan.

CORE is a Strategic Partner with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) as well as ULDCARE. CORE is directly involved in developing the next set of industry standards for tracking ULDs, aviation ground service equipment, cargo and more.

CORE has been certified for more than a dozen years by worldwide postal organisations to send and receive EDI data transmissions, allowing CORE to manage traffic dollar volumes well over $50 million annually. CORE has also successfully undergone regular security audits by government agencies and postal organisations around the globe.

“As US domestic and international ecommerce continues to grow, more demands are being placed on carriers and their partners to deliver efficiently and report events in real-time,” said Ken Wood, EVP of product management at Descartes. “The CORE acquisition complements our recent investment in Velocity Mail, helping us to better serve the logistics service provider community working with postal authorities around the world. CORE‘s solutions also extend beyond mail and parcel shipment tracking, with air cargo tracking solutions that we can add to our Global Logistics Network.”

Descartes‘ CEO Edward J. Ryan said the company continues to look for opportunities to add customers, solutions and content to its Global Logistics Network to help customers manage the lifecycle of shipments.

“By combining with CORE, we‘re strengthening our position in the growing domestic and global ecommerce market. We‘re also adding new solutions to our Descartes Global Air Messaging Gateway that we believe will present a compelling opportunity for our global air cargo community to enhance real-time tracking and visibility of air shipments.”

Ian Craig and Annette Schleiss have been running CORE Transport Technologies out of Nelson since 2008, building up their company with graduates from the Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology.