Smart containers have been in the news again and we remind clients of the need to be vigilant in keeping track of their cargo and avoiding having their containers being exploited by smugglers. There are devices to assist both shippers and authorities in keeping their fingers on the pulse.
A container becomes “smart” when fitted with a telematics device that provides real-time tracking and monitoring, enabling operators to increase turn-around time of their containers, thereby improving equipment availability.
A quick Google search will reveal the great number of players supplying container tracking devices. Tracker manufacturers such as Nexxiot and Orbcomm are moving apace and expect tracking to be pivotal for carriers to retain customers.
The use of “Smart containers” has skyrocketed in recent years – a trend that really took hold with the supply chain disruptions that followed the Covid-19 pandemic. Tracking the location of shipping containers around the world has become necessary, desirable – and now affordable – for shippers, vessel operators and box leasing companies.
After a number of high-profile cases of drugs being smuggled in containers, and evidence that criminals are diversifying routes to make detection less likely, Orbcomm says smart containers could play a role in reducing shipper exposure to this risk.
German shipping line Hapag-Lloyd was the first to fit tracking and telemetry to all its containers, stealing a march on its competitors. Tracking and telemetry equipment from both Orbcomm and Nexxiot has been fitted to all the reefers and two-thirds of the dry containers – around 1.5m – in Hapag Lloyd’s fleet, in the hope that container tracking will become a global standard.
Meanwhile, last week another shipping giant, MSC, launched iReefer for its refrigerated container fleet, allowing customers to monitor and track the boxes remotely, with paid ‘Pro’ and ‘Ultimate’ tiers set to go live later this month.
In a report carried by industry publication The Loadstar last week, Orbcomm’s chief commercial officer, Christian Allred, said tracking and telemetry devices could tackle the issue from the other side – inside the containers.
“Smart containers… offer innovations like open/close sensing, using lasers and light sensors… [providing] instant alerts for unauthorised interference. Notifications of key events ensures swift responses, on land with cellular coverage, and at sea from crew using onboard networks.”
The next step for Orbcomm is to introduce infra-red motion sensors for containers, Mr Allred said – as used in locked cars – to detect movement inside containers, “promising even greater scrutiny by detecting unauthorised activity during transit.”
The future of digitising container fleets will enable shipping lines to better control maritime supply chain information flows, enhancing their “cargo visibility.” To achieve real change will require further investment to integrate smart containers into carrier IoT systems and collaboration among industry stakeholders in the logistics industry.
See our tracking page on the Colless Young website and talk to us about practical ways to keep track of your consignments – as well as keeping them safe. Contact Andrew, email enq@collessyoung.com.au Tel: +61 7 3890 0800.
