Container tracking enables companies to remotely track shipping containers carrying goods. It often uses trackers (IOT connected objects) which collect and transmit real-time information about the location and transport conditions of the cargo.
The tracker is connected to an online software or platform that gives access to the transmitted information. This system helps carriers gain visibility and efficiency in their logistics activities, and offer better schedules and transport conditions to their customers. These clients can access this premium data through an online cargo tracking app.
Container trackers can work in different ways. Some are placed inside the container, others are attached to the outside or are placed astride the container door.
Trackers can operate on different networks and technologies, but in general, they collect information all along the shipment and transmit it to a software platform as soon as possible.
To give you a more detailed explanation, lets take the example of one of our container trackers. It is placed on the container’s door in a few seconds. It is held in place by a magnet and, once the container closed, it cannot be removed for optimal security. When placed on a container, the tracker automatically activates and starts transmitting the data it collects to our online platform. The webapp processes and displays the collected data with the real-time location of shipments and their transport conditions as well as tools to optimize your operations. At the end of each journey, the tracker is easily removed and can be reused for the next route.
Container trackers can embed a large number of features. The basic functionality present on all trackers concerns the geolocation and geofencing of the container. However, not all trackers offer the same operational coverage, so this is an important factor to consider when choosing your tracker.
In addition, many features can be integrated, such as those concerning transport conditions: temperature and humidity monitoring, shock detection, and door opening detection.
At Traxens, our container tracker has been designed to suit the constraints of containers and therefore has a real signal efficiency. Placed on the door, it collects the information inside the container thanks to sensors and transmits it thanks to an external antenna. Our devices embed intelligent algorithms that detect with great accuracy: door openings, shocks, abnormal removal of the tracker.
These events generate real-time alerts to allow you to take immediate action.
One of our trackers also monitors the temperature and humidity inside the container. You are notified when these variables go out of the thresholds you have set according to your needs. Thanks to innovative networks selected by our engineering team, our tracker can collect and communicate data all over the world. This ensures accurate tracking, regardless of the location of the cargo. Our tracker integrates Bluetooth Low Energy technology that allows it to connect to remote sensors to be placed in the boxes or pallets. This system gives you access to even more accurate tracking conditions. Finally, on the platform, the dynamic ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival) will guide your predictions and inform your customers of the date of reception of their goods.
Tracker prices vary depending on the technology they use and the labor required to install them.
To give you an idea, the cheapest trackers on the market start at around 30€, but their price can go up to 200 or 300€. This cost will be amortized over the duration of the tracker’s use, influenced by its battery life.
Choosing a container tracker means choosing technology and digitalization to optimize your activities and improve your logistics performances.
This tracking system will facilitate the management of your operations, within your teams and with your service providers.
To track your cargo, different solutions exist on the market. They can be divided in two categories : fully digital solutions and IOT solutions which offer a tracking and a platform like Traxens. Fully digital solutions are based on data shared by ports and ships. These systems will enable you to know the status of your cargo, in which port you container stops and access predictive ETAs.
At Traxens, we have chosen to use container trackers to offer a more premium service, in accordance with our clients needs. In addition to time and location of your goods, we offer even more precise tracking thanks to information about containers transport conditions : shocks, door openings, humidity and temperature. Opting for trackers allows you to guarantee the integrity and quality of products upon arrival, but also to be informed quickly and act accordingly when damage or theft occurs. Your insurance companies will be able to easily identify those responsible for the damage, which can lead to a reduction in their rates. To choose your tracker, you should also look into the operating coverage you need, according to the departure and destination locations of your shipments.
