The recently launched system will not only relay the coordinates of the vessel but record any deviation from the route, monitor container temperatures and ensure no unwanted tampering occurs undiscovered.
The new system has been given the name 'smartbox', and freight forwarder Db Schenker (ranked third largest ocean freight forwarder) has began implementing the new service amongst its impressive network of carriers, IT specialists, insurance companies and major customers.
Direct from the DB Schenker website; Innovation > GPS for more transparency>
In ocean freight operations, as part of the DB SCHENKER smartbox service, containers with valuable goods are tracked in real time. Sensors measures parameters such as temperature, humidity, door alarm and shocks which are linked with the position data of the GPS receiver and transmitted via a data connection. This telematics data is stored in the CIS customer information system and can be retrieved by the customer at any time, creating a new dimension of transparency within the transport chain. This enables immediate identification and rectification of any weak points, faster processes and better data quality.
Freight status can be retrieved at any time
More than 60 percent of the freight transports handled by DB Schenker cross a national border at some point. To ensure that we can also offer our customers full information on such international routes, 15,000 freight cars have meanwhile been equipped with GPS. These GPS devices transmit the exact location of the consignment as well as certain defined freight parameters by mobile radio: Has the freight car been exposed to shocks in the course of the journey? Has it deviated from the intended route?
This means that shock-sensitive goods such as laptops and other valuable items can be monitored at all times. If shocks occur in the course of the transport, it is possible to ascertain afterwards where and when the goods were exposed to what shocks. It is also possible to determine when and where a door was opened. If a door is unexpectedly opened by force, this triggers an alarm as well as other security measures. The GPS applications also help to monitor the timetable for the freight cars: At the start of the transport, the timetable is transmitted to the GPS device and a comparison of the target/actual times is conducted throughout the transport.
GPS and RFID – for even more security
In combination with modern radio frequency identification technology (RFID), this makes the localization data even more accurate. Schenker Deutschland AG is currently fitting 3,500 swap bodies throughout Germany with modern RFID technology to ensure automatic inventories management and monitoring at all German locations. While the data obtained from the RFID devices indicates which locations the freight has passed, only the GPS system provides the exact location of the freight.
Author Unknown; DB Schenker (November 13th 2008). Keeping an eye on your consignments - GPS for transparence, control and efficiency. DB Schenker [online] dbschenker.com Available from: SOURCE [Accessed 5 Aug 2009].
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