Currently, containers have become visible due to technological advancement. Mobile technology has brought the emergence for smart containers that have made information more available to the freight companies and their customers while subsequently creating a new market for big data in freight management. The era of “dark, dumb and disconnected” containers has come to an end ushering a transformation into “visible, smart, and interlinked” containers.
How GPS positioning technology has impacted container visibility
Installation of Global Positioning System technology has been widely adopted by freight companies to act as control systems for tracking the movement of containers in their fleet movement. It has enhanced their visibility in transit or when an incident or theft occurs. Freight companies have extensively adopted the use of GPS to ensure that all the containers in the fleet are well tracked. Freight companies are also using the visibility ability to gain a competitive advantage in the market while offering competitive rates. Freight companies that have adopted container visibility in the market have positioned themselves as excellent players by enhancing.
- Improved security for containers that is enhanced by efficient monitoring of containers that would prevent instances of contamination, theft and other risks related to their location.
- The real-time positioning of goods on transit through the GPS systems so that customers and the freight companies can know the exact location of the containers on transit.
- The ability to capture and recognize the environmental conditions such as humidity and temperature on a real-time basis.
- Results to cost savings through improvement of efficiency and reduction in the holding costs.
- Visibility leading to improved security and processes.
Visibility has also led to improved security and improved processes. Customers have improved security enhanced by real-time positioning and can easily detect any tampering of their cargo in the containers. It is easier to note the time each container is opened, whether it is loaded and any handling of the container while in the warehouse or transit. The customers can easily identify whether authorized or unauthorized personnel accessed the container.
Moreover, customers can easily enhance their networks and processes because the freight company websites contain tools that enhance real-time location of cargo by the customer. Therefore, customers can make their decisions in a better way and have enhanced planning. GPS technologies such as “Mission Control” can grant freight companies real-time container intelligence that is crucial for facilitating quick and smart decisions that grant the companies a competitive advantage.
Is the investment is worth it?
The GPS positioning system is a crucial tool in improving operations efficiency in the freight companies’ right from their warehouses, in transit and delivery to their customers. Therefore, these companies can save costs due to the efficient handling and quick delivery. Freight companies also gain value through this system through reduced time and labor costs that are needed in tracking containers until they reach to the customers. The cost savings are subsequently transferred to the customers. It is also crucial in reducing holding costs by reducing the holding period that is crucial in cost savings.
What lies ahead for Container Visibility?
The main goal of container visibility is to ensure that customers have sufficient information on the containers. Also, there will be improved usability in the freight companies’ websites by the customers through the Mission Control System. Customers will also get notifications upon the delivery of their containers. Therefore, customers can be settled and have peace of mind as their goods are in transit.