GPS (Global Positioning System) came to the limelight around the mid to late 90s. With the introduction of GPS, tracking shipments and containers became universal. Therefore, when an oceanic voyage is being commenced, both the first party and second party (liners) would know the exact position of their shipment and use the information to their advantage. In the initial period of the year 2017, the number of cargo container ships was approximately 5000 throughout the world. A drastic number of first party organisations relied on these cargo ships for delivering their commodities.

Why is container tracking important?

In the shipping industry, there is always a lot of uncertainty involved. The first step is that the shipping containers are filled and locked by the First company, then the shippers are paid by the First company to manhandle the container to a port, load it onto a ship and at last a successful delivery to its intended destination point.

Next big thing in container tracking

In the shipping industry, there is a new type of tracking method on the rise. With the constant innovation in technology and networking, tech companies have developed real-time trackers and advanced GPS. Using the internet everyone can track their shipment from anywhere in the world. This advanced container tracking technology mainly consists of three parts: connectivity, sensor and application. With the help of a sensor, one can track the exact location of the shipment, the connectivity part sends a signal of that particular location in the application. Time and time again the shipping companies pick out the location inputs from an API and transfer that data into their logistics platform so that the data can be analysed for further details. Also, different shipping companies use this container tracking system in different ways.

Tracking containers are also done by using GPS equipped sensors. These sensors are attached to the container itself and sometimes get a GPS fix periodically. The GPS sensors rely on the satellites for sending out information about the location of the shipment. GPS also relies on battery life to keep itself working therefore it cannot be used for a long time without any maintenance.

Container tracking benefits

ROI (Return on Investment)

Before choosing a container tracking system, the first party needs to find out about costs, any potential disruption in the supply and distribution chain. Because disruption may cause potential casualties in the business and with help of the container tracking system the first party can prepare some additional countermeasures if anything goes wrong during the transport process.

For the second party, ROI is calculated in a more simplified way. If the second party leaves a container in the port and makes a voyage without fulfilling the ship the ROI can be calculated after deducting those left containers’ worth.

Additional cost prevention

If there is any kind of intervention that prevents the first party from going through major problems during the transportation process, in this manner, the operational cost can increase. Container tracking may not be able to solve the transportation issue but it can help the first party with information so that they can take some catholicon.

Avoidance of loss and theft

When the commodities are loaded in the container, the liner is responsible for the goods and is generally held accountable for the loss or theft of those goods. A container tracking system can help with the situation by providing valuable information about the missing shipment.

If you are new to the import-export business industry you can hire a container tracking agency to track your shipment all over the world. With the help of container tracking, you will have real-time information about your shipments and hence it will help you conduct business swiftly.