How can containers be tracked during shipping?

Containers can be tracked during shipping through a variety of technologies that provide real-time information about their location & status The choice of tracking technology depends on factors such as the shipping route, the level of precision required, cost, & the specific needs of the shipping .company or logistics provider. Integration of these technologies into a comprehensive tracking system enables better visibility and management of container movements. Some common methods used for container tracking are RFID, GPS, Cellular tracking, Satellite tracking, IOT Devices & Blockchain Technology.

AIS onboard vessels constantly broadcast location data. Carrier APIs provide additional details like container IDs, schedules, transhipment information and often terminal events. Platforms such as BlueBox Systems and data aggregators such as Vizion API combine AIS and API data to paint a real-time picture. With the above data, you're able to see containers move across maps, track delays, and anticipate issues such as port congestion. Essentially, AIS is the constant chatter, APIs offer context, and the data aggregators are the translators, presenting you with a clear, actionable picture of your cargo's voyage.

Containers during shipping can be tracked using GPS or RFID. GPS provides real-time location data, while RFID tags enable identification and tracking at various points in the supply chain.

There are three phases of container tracking - 1 .Inland movement in origin country. 2 .Tracking between port of loading to port of destination . 3. inland movement in destination country till the delivery and return back of empty CNTR to yard. Currently in India we have ULIP platform - which facilitates robust logistics data infrastructure through which different stages of inland movement of EXIM CNTRs can be tracked - this platform is using API data of different Govt. Platforms like Fast tag , port Authorities etc. For port to port tracking we can rely on liner’s tracking data and some liners provide D-D tracking. liner tracking is the only option if destination country does not comply with ULIP data gateway like India .

The use of radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags for container tracking is a practical and efficient approach. The ability to store detailed information like container number, origin, destination, contents, and transit history allows for comprehensive monitoring. Installing RFID readers at various points, such as ports, terminals, warehouses, trucks, or ships, facilitates real-time data acquisition, enabling swift identification of container location and status, while also addressing any potential issues or anomalies in the logistics process.

Containers during shipping can be tracked using various technologies. RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) tags provide real-time data on container location and condition. GPS tracking enables global positioning, enhancing visibility. IoT (Internet of Things) sensors monitor factors like temperature and humidity. Container shipping companies often employ telematics systems for remote monitoring. Advanced software integrates data from these sources, offering a comprehensive view. Blockchain enhances security and transparency in tracking by recording each transaction. Combined, these technologies optimize efficiency, reduce risks, and streamline the entire shipping process.

One of the current blockers to applying this technology, is still whether the cost-effective battery power GPS transponders are able to produce a sufficiently strong signal with if stacked under several other Containers, especially on a voyage last several weeks. Technologically speaking, this can be solved. The question is whether this cost is deemed acceptable when passed onto Traders and Roasters, in the current inflationary climate.

Last year, we faced an issue with our delivery. We couldn't reach our driver, and it felt confusing, like being in a maze. But we had a tool called GPS tracking. It's like a map that showed us where our driver was, even at night. Just when we were getting worried, our map worked, and we could talk to our driver again. Everyone in our team talked about it, and we learned that GPS is like a tool, helping us during deliveries.

Tracking container during shipping in my point of view GPS tacking …. Which will help the real time update and can forecast the estimated time of shipping

In addition to all the upcoming technologies, the most effective and widely used tool for tracking at sea is where containers are typically tracked through a combination of satellite communication systems and shipping schedules. GPS devices on vessels provide real-time location data, while shipping companies use software to manage container movements and update their positions as ships travel along established routes.

Blockchain technology is the next big thing it can be utilized for container tracking in the shipping and logistics industry. By using a decentralized and tamper-resistant ledger, blockchain ensures transparency and security in the tracking process. Each container's movement and status can be recorded on the blockchain, providing a reliable and immutable record for all involved parties. This enhances efficiency, reduces fraud, and minimizes errors in the container tracking process.

While still in its early stages, blockchain technology has the potential to revolutionize container tracking and logistics management. Its ability to create a secure, transparent, and tamper-proof record of container movements and events holds significant promise for enhancing supply chain efficiency, visibility, and trust. As the technology matures and adoption increases, blockchain is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of global trade and logistics. Use Cases in Container Tracking: Provenance Tracking: Verifies the origin, authenticity, and ethical sourcing of goods. Temperature Monitoring: Records temperature data for perishable goods, ensuring compliance with regulations and maintaining product quality.

Blockchain technology can enhance shipment tracking by providing a transparent, immutable record of a product's journey. It enables real-time updates, improves transparency among involved parties, minimizes fraud, and ensures accurate traceability by securely recording every transaction or event in a decentralized ledger. Smart contracts can automate certain processes, triggering actions when predefined conditions are met, streamlining logistics and reducing delays.

Blockchain technology is a distributed ledger technology that records transactions in a secure and transparent manner It is a decentralized system that allows multiple parties to share the same database, which is updated in real-time Blockchain technology is used in various industries, including finance, healthcare, and supply chain management. In a blockchain network, each block contains a unique code called a hash that is used to identify the block and its contents Once a block is added to the chain, it cannot be altered or deleted, making the blockchain an immutable record of all transactions Blockchain technology has several advantages, including increased transparency, security, and efficiency .

Enhanced Transparency and Traceability: Blockchain provides an immutable ledger, meaning that once a piece of data (such as a container's location or condition at a specific time) is recorded, it cannot be altered retroactively. This ensures a high level of transparency and traceability throughout the shipping process. Reduced Paperwork and Administrative Errors: Shipping involves a substantial amount of paperwork, including bills of lading, customs declarations, and other documentation. Blockchain can digitize and streamline this process, reducing the risk of administrative errors and delays.

In my experience, Cloud Platforms are the best choice from users perspective. Shipping companies use different ways to track containers and share information with freight forwarders and shippers. Many platforms can offer that service in the maritime or road leg. It is more complex to track in rail legs.

Cloud platforms emerge as the perfect answer to the "how" of container tracking, acting as the central conductor, integrating and enhancing the effectiveness of existing technologies like RFID, GPS, and blockchain. Key Advantages of Cloud Platforms: Data Aggregation: Seamlessly collect and unify data from diverse sources - RFID tags, GPS devices, blockchain records, sensor readings - painting a holistic picture of container movement and condition. Real-time Visualization: Offer user-friendly dashboards and reports, providing intuitive insights into container status, location, environmental conditions, and potential issues.

Cloud platforms can be useful for tracking containers. For example, Google Cloud’s Cloud Trace is a distributed tracing system that collects latency data from your applications and displays it in the Google Cloud Console. It can capture traces from all of your VMs, containers, or App Engine projects, and automatically analyzes all of your application’s traces to generate in-depth latency reports to surface performance degradations . However, it is important to note that RFID and GPS can help track containers and Microsoft Azure is a additional option .

Undoubtedly one of the great technological enablers of recent times are the cloud platforms. They facilitate the interaction and creation of processes between different agents with different permissions and different systems in terms of requirements or characteristics. They are a firm step towards interaction between agents in sectors such as logistics where information silos have been responsible for many demand or service planning errors.

Cloud-Plattformen kombinieren oft mehrere oben genannte Technologien. Sie verwenden als Basis üblicherweise die APIs der Reedereien. Diese werden angereichert beispielsweise mit Schiffsdaten oder Geofancing-Informationen. Dazu nutzen diese Plattformen oft KI-Mechanismen um die Daten zu verifizieren und in eine ordentliche Logik zu bringen.

Like any tracking system, a container tracking system has to leverage a combination of 4 things- 1. Tracking devices like RFID, GPS and even other sensors for monitoring parameters like temperature, vibration, humidity, etc. 2. The system or software - several players are coming up in the market but the selection has to be based on the compatibility with the existing ERP, cost, UI, features offered where prescriptive analytics can make a difference. 3. The database - Cloud 4. Data transfer - here is where blockchain help to enhance security

Technology such as RFID and GPS Tags are all very well and good, and are particularly handy when using them for non shipping line containers, or in industries outside of direct shipping that containers are used. Within shipping itself, the majority of shipping lines offer a tracking solution, as do ports and other websites for vessels. Lots of options out there to check on.

In times of disruptions and geopolitical uncertainty, tracking containers is crucial: The global supply chain relies on seamless logistics processes. Using various tracking methods as RFID or GPS enhances visibility, enabling supply chain leader to plan and adapt to challenges such as delays, port closures, or unforeseen events. By monitoring logistics flows, risks can be mitigated and inventories can be managed efficiently. This proactive approach ensures resilience in the phases of uncertainties, maintaining operational continuity and the overall stability of the supply chain.

As technology advances, relying solely on Asset Tracking may prove insufficient. In today's fast-paced environment, a surplus of raw data, such as Location Tracking, doesn't effectively address industry-specific use cases. The crucial need of the hour is the formulation of logical frameworks and actionable insights. With the world becoming increasingly intelligent and reliant on data-driven decisions, the realm of IoT has evolved in sync. Thanks to technological developments and engineering agility, we, at LocoNav, consistently address numerous industry-specific use cases.

Honestly tracking containers during the transit on waters is fairly easy because vessels are being traced through satellites and also live location through the captain of the ship. The tricky part is tracing the container during the inland transit at origin and destination. Best way as per my understanding would be to trace them with tracking devices which should be in all the containers and linked with blockchain.