What is Container Tracking and How Does it Work?

Tags: Fleet management

The shipping industry can operate more effectively thanks to the application of technology. If you have an accurate and current communication system, you might even be able to attract new clients.

Using cargo tracking technology allows you to update your clients while meeting their shipping expectations. You may give consumers a detailed update on what is happening to their cargo at any moment of the day, month, or year. Being able to easily alert other partners is now made easy before things get out of control. Since the information is so precise, you won’t have to worry about complaints in the future regarding redundant or inaccurate information. If you’re not already container tracking, let’s walk you through how your business can benefit from implementing this feature for your partners.

What is Container Tracking?

Container tracking is an accurate tool to track container whereabouts to always provide you and your client access to its status. These tracking systems aid with supply chain efficiency by having knowledge about the many phases of the logistics and transportation process, including crucial status updates.

Companies that use technology will have an advantage since they will be able to offer their clients more comprehensive and affordable service packages. Real-time shipping visibility is crucial for developing and sustaining connections across the supply chain.

Documenting where the merchandise is and who’s possession it’s in will be the basics that need to be known at all times. Remember this: exact coordinates and possession equal real-time status.

What is a Container Number?

Using the container number is one approach to container track and trace. A container number is made up of a four-letter (the container prefix), the owner code, a six-digit serial number, and a check digit. Let’s use the container number MKLD722022 as an illustration. The container’s owner code, MKLD722022, identifies the organization to which it belongs. The final digit of the container tracking number (MKLD722022), known as the check digit, is used to spot potential typos in the number. The check digit verifies the serial number and prefix of the container.

You can access this check digit calculator to verify the number when you need.

How Are Containers Tracked?

GPS tracking devices can give you historical, interval-based, and/or real-time asset location information. GPS trackers for container track and trace provide for:

GPS tracking modules for containers are readily available: ORBCOMM is one of the biggest, most recognizable businesses that develop GPS to satellite-based systems, specifically for logistics. You can simply purchase an ORBCOMM module and start tracking right away if you don’t care about costs and need to create a container tracking system right now. However, there are many other options now, so use what works best for your needs.

Systems for tracking containers using GPS are independent: GPS-based tracking systems don’t need extra infrastructure aside from the tracking module you deploy to each shipping container. This makes deployment simple.

GPS container tracking systems have a high degree of accuracy when the asset can be found by the GPS. So accurate in fact, the location precision of roughly 10 meters can clock where the container is. Access to data and being able to manage it and visualize it will be beneficial for your methods and your clients.

The Benefits of Container Tracking

If you want real-time container ship tracking, there are a number of advantages that may come about. These advantages work best when the technology is of the highest caliber and is applied within the business through the suggested methods. Here are three advantages of investing in and utilizing real-time tracking for freight containers:

Loss Prevention and Anti-Theft

You never want to hear that your storage trailer containers have been lost. To avoid this, container ship tracking can offer useful details about what might have gone wrong.

There are numerous ways that businesses have attempted to address the problem of container shipping costs, but ultimately the answer involves attaching a tracking device to the outside of a shipping container. From here, to track container whereabouts, broadcasting its location via GPS to GSM or a specialized short-range wireless system is needed to communicate its current position.

Reduction of Majority of Manual Tasks

Time-consuming tasks are an ineffective use of resources. The use of electronic data interchange (EDI), which lessens duplication and other information that’s not needed, is an enhancement to the manual process. The need to manually visit various carrier websites to find out the status of your freight containers is eliminated with EDI.

All container-related data is centralized for simple processing and access. Your decision-making becomes simpler and more accurate as a result. When a status changes, you will be notified so you may take the necessary action to ensure the optimal delivery schedule.

Improved Customer Relations

Because they know they will receive their shipments on time, customers will appreciate these improved operations. Additionally, it enables you to communicate with customers in case of a problem so they may prepare backup plans. Customers are more likely to be understanding if they are notified of a problem before it has any negative effects rather than waiting until it has.

Customers find it useful to read all container inventory-related information since it offers them an extra sense of security. Instead of emailing each customer separately and calling to confirm information, technology now makes it possible to speak with several customers at once through electronic means.

Is Container Tracking Right for Me?

GPS tracking for containers is a terrific method to improve supply chain visibility, guarantee cargo security, and cut back on administrative costs. With real-time shipment visibility, you might be able to reduce the costs of various fees with early warning signals provided by shipment technology. These savings can be reinvested to guarantee lower prices for your clients, which will increase client loyalty. Weigh out your options and see what possibilities can open up for your company if you invest in container tracking.

Get on Track with Hale Trailer

Container tracking is a complicated process, but if you’re prepared to work through the challenges, you will come up with a plan that works for your fleet’s needs.

Hale Trailer has the experience needed for storage container maintenance and tracking. We have a selection of trailers ready for the long haul whether you need to purchase or rent. Our line-up can be found online or at one of trailer rental locations if you want to learn more about how we can get you where you need to go.