There’s no doubt that technology is entering the transportation industry at an increasingly rapid pace. Yet when it comes to tracking and reporting on transported goods, the intermodal industry has often fallen behind methods such as GPS-enabled trucking. According to Transport Topics, however, the IoT and cloud software revolution are shifting the gears on that with new tracking devices for intermodal containers. Using cloud-based data management and analysis tools, this technology allows trackers to record a variety of information, including location, whether a container is loaded or empty and if a container door is open. Some can even send alerts if a container temperature or humidity is outside the desired range. This real-time information is then transmitted to operations planners, drivers and customers through a transportation management system.
Optimized, more efficient processes
“Smart” containers allow transportation companies to optimize their process and fully utilize all assets. Real-time tracking means less time spent locating containers and communicating with drivers about logistics and container checks. It also enables operations planners to make decisions and plans more efficiently, and any problems that arise can be spotted and managed quickly. The data can even be compiled with driver mobile app data and customer information into a cohesive dashboard. All of this adds up to less time wasted and more efficient — and profitable — operations for drivers, planners and customers alike.
Increased security and visibility for customers
This technology boost offers valuable benefit to customers as well in the form of increased visibility and security. Tracking devices can send updates to customers at chosen intervals, transmit alerts to quickly resolve problems and even allow them to follow their shipments’ locations on an aerial map. In short, customers never have to wonder where their products are or if they’re safe and secure.
With over 20 million intermodal containers in use worldwide and an estimated 1.2 million installed intermodal remote tracking systems at the end of 2017, this new wave of “smart” transportation doesn’t show any signs of slowing down. According to Schneider CIO Shaleen Devgun, it’s the transportation of the future: “It’s an ecosystem where the smart container is an essential part of the equation. We are leveraging this to make near real-time decisions to run our network.”
SmartWay Transportation is a third party logistics company located in the Kansas City area. Visit our website to learn more about our shipping services.