GPS tracking of Cargo Handling Equipment – what are your benefits?
A modest investment in GPS or other tracking hardware ensures resource savings and operational optimization, resulting in happier customers and employees.
Where previously people were sent out to manually view, check and report equipment locations, today this can easily be done by GPS tracking equipment.
A good example can be found at Transfennica, which operates daily shipping routes between Antwerp, Lübeck and Helsinki.
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The technology behind it – why LPWAN makes sense
LPWan means “Low Power Wide Area Network” and the following current technologies fall into the LPWAN category:
Sigfox, LoRAWan, NB-iOT
Unlike classic cellular GPS tracking (2G/4G), Sigfox uses ultra-scarce bandwidth and energy. This means:
Europe coverage without roaming agreements – a single subscription covers all of Europe.
Years of battery life – no need for cabling or frequent service visits.
Robustness – tracking devices withstand foam splashes, frost and shocks that inevitably occur in port environments.
The GPS signal is supplemented by assisted positioning, so equipment can also be tracked in halls or on ferries where the GNSS signal is weak. This provides end-to-end visibility from loading to unloading.
Transfennica uses Sigfox – Posito solution
Knowing where their cargo handling equipment is located between the different European ports is crucial for Transfennica. This is important so they can ensure that orders are shipped without delay.
Transfennica (founded in 1976) is a European fast scheduled liner shipping company offering fixed, scheduled routes between the main European ports.The fleet includes several advanced multi-purpose vessels that provide short transit times between different European ports.
Posito is our preferred asset management tracking platform. Its cloud dashboard collects location data from a wide range of low-energy IoT tags – RFID, Bluetooth LE, Sigfox, LoRaWAN, NB-IoT, barcodes – and translates it into real-time maps, geofence alerts, inventory balance graphs over time, and dwell time and return rate analysis.
GPS tracking across technologies.
Benefits of GPS tracking of cargo handling equipment
GPS tracking of cargo handling equipment creates value across the entire business.
With real-time data, planners can allocate containers, roll trailers and cassettes more accurately between ports and avoid critical shortage situations, making operational planning smoother.
The improved visibility makes delivery dates much more predictable and allows customers to track their goods themselves in a portal window, increasing customer satisfaction.
At the same time, shrinkage, replacement equipment rental costs and fuel consumption are reduced because load plans are optimized, which benefits cost control.
Security is also enhanced as all historical routes are automatically logged, simplifying reporting to authorities and insurance companies and easing compliance.
In addition, the tracking devices can be expanded with shock, temperature and humidity sensors so that maintenance is only performed when data indicates a need, reducing downtime.
Finally, better equipment utilization promotes sustainability by reducing both empty mileage and carbon footprint – a win for both the environment and the bottom line.
Rugged IP69 trackers transmit position data over a Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) with an accuracy down to 50 meters.
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Strategic necessity
GPS and LPWAN-based tracking of cargo handling equipment is not just a nice-to-have, but a strategic necessity in modern short-sea shipping. Transfennica’s success shows that the return on investment comes quickly – in the form of fewer delays, better customer experience and greener operations.
Reading capacity
For operators who use equipment to transport goods for their customers, the advice is clear:
Start with a small pilot on the most critical devices, measure the impact on turnaround time and equipment loss, and scale from there.
Companies that act now will have a clear advantage in an industry where transparency and sustainability are becoming increasingly important competitive parameters.
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STRA.com’s goal is to motivate and support companies in their efforts to reduce their environmental footprint while optimizing their operations. We believe that it is possible to achieve economic growth while taking care of the planet, and we are dedicated to supporting companies in this important journey towards a more sustainable future.
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