With maritime shipping involving over 6,000 vessels transporting more than 20 million TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) globally, losing visibility into these critical assets can result in significant losses in time, money, productivity, and safety.
As companies continue to expand their supply chains across continents, the need for real-time visibility and control over container shipments has never been greater. This is where GPS technology comes into play, revolutionizing the way containers are tracked and managed. Since the global container shipping market is projected to grow at a 4% annual rate through 2027, this tool is crucial for ensuring transparency, security, and cost optimization in logistics.
GPS: Transforming the Future of Container Tracking
Traditionally, container tracking relied on manual documentation, barcodes, and RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags. Manual documentation involved recording detailed information by hand or on spreadsheets, a time-consuming process prone to errors.
Meanwhile, barcodes and RFID tags were commonly used to track containers, but these methods required manual scanning and had a limited range, providing only minimal real-time visibility. Then the introduction of GPS trackers marked a significant milestone in container tracking, providing a more efficient and reliable solution.
What is GPS and How Does It Work?
Originally developed by the U.S. military for navigation in 1973, GPS became fully operational in 1995, with a constellation of 24 satellites providing global coverage. GPS (Global Positioning System) is a satellite-based navigation system that provides location and time information to a GPS receiver anywhere on Earth. It works by using a network of at least 24 satellites orbiting the Earth, which send signals to the GPS receiver. The receiver calculates its position by measuring the time it takes for the signals to travel from multiple satellites. By triangulating the signals from at least three satellites, the system can determine the receiver’s exact position, usually within a few meters. GPS tracking systems are built on three main components:
Satellite Network: This is a network of satellites orbiting the Earth that constantly transmits signals that GPS receivers can detect.
GPS Receiver: Mounted on vehicles, assets, or shipments, it intercepts signals from several satellites to determine its exact position through trilateration.
Data Transmission: Refers to the process of sending the captured location data from the receiver to a central server or cloud-based platform using communication networks, such as cellular networks or satellite systems.
The Evolution of GPS in Logistics
In the early days, GPS was mainly used for navigation and location tracking, but as the technology advanced, it found its way into commercial applications. The shift toward real-time tracking began with the introduction of advanced systems, allowing businesses to monitor cargo location and movements with precision.
This real-time visibility transformed supply chain operations. The rise of smart containers, integrated with GPS and IoT (Internet of Things) sensors, has further revolutionized logistics. These systems collect and transmit data on a container’s position, condition, and environment, providing valuable insights throughout the supply chain.
As a result, logistics firms can optimize operations, reduce delays, and enhance overall management, ensuring smoother and more effective operations.
How GPS Enables Real-Time Container Tracking
In the mid-2000s, GPS-based tracking systems became more advanced, offering additional features like milestone tracking, transit updates, and even security alerts. A Container Tracking System refers to the use of technology to monitor the real-time location and condition of shipping containers as they travel across oceans. These systems range from basic devices to advanced solutions powered by AI.
For example, the process begins with devices attached to containers, which continuously collect data on their position. This information is transmitted to satellites and then processed by tracking software that integrates it into a central system. Users can access the information through specialized platforms and mobile applications, enabling them to instantly monitor cargo movements. They receive live updates and estimated arrival times (ETAs). As a result, many firms have experienced significant improvements and customer satisfaction through the adoption of innovation.
Major Advantages of GPS in Container Tracking
Container tracking can revolutionize business operations, offering unparalleled insights and efficiency. More than just a tool, the advancement is a powerful catalyst for change, helping companies optimize processes and meet the dynamic needs of the global supply chain
Enhance Visibility and Transparency
With GPS systems, shippers, carriers, and customers gain complete insight into the location and status of their cargo at any given moment. This level of transparency allows businesses to monitor shipments from departure to final delivery, ensuring that all parties are informed and able to respond proactively to any changes.
For example, real-time visibility reduces uncertainties for shippers, enabling better scheduling and inventory management. Carriers benefit from increased operational efficiency, as they can optimize routes and quickly address any delays. Customers also experience improved service quality, with accurate updates and estimated arrival times.
Theft Prevention
Cargo theft is a significant challenge for the maritime industry. The BSI (British Standards Institution) & TT Club Cargo Theft Report 2020 states that in 2019, in-transit cargo theft represented 37% of all cargo thefts by location, while warehouses accounted for 14% and freight facilities for 5%.
GPS plays a crucial role in enhancing the security and management of shipping containers, offering effective solutions to combat this rising issue. Here are the key features that enhance theft prevention:
Geofencing: This functionality enables firms to establish virtual boundaries around critical areas, such as ports, and trigger alerts whenever a container exits these predefined zones.
Unauthorized Movement Alerts: This feature promptly notifies operators if a container is relocated without proper authorization, mitigating the risk of theft during transit.
Tampering Detection: The system also facilitates the detection of unauthorized tampering, alerting relevant stakeholders when goods or containers are potentially compromised, thus ensuring continuous asset protection.
Cost Savings and Operational Efficiency
The advancement enables route optimization, helping businesses plan the most efficient paths, reducing fuel consumption, and cutting transportation costs.
In addition, it minimizes idle times by giving insights into vehicle movements and delivery schedules, allowing for more effective fleet management.
For example, a company using tracking was able to reduce fuel costs by 15%. Moreover, container monitoring allows for better tracking of assets, preventing costly errors, and improving delivery timelines, which leads to substantial cost reductions.
Data-Driven Decision Making and Analytics
Since the advent of GPS in logistics, the industry has experienced a significant shift towards data-driven decision-making. Today, this innovation is crucial for providing actionable insights that help optimize supply chain management.
Through instant location, companies can make informed decisions regarding route planning, cargo tracking, and delivery schedules. The innovation is also important in predictive analytics to forecast demand, identify potential delays, and adjust resources accordingly.
The adoption of this advancement with emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Big Data further enhances decision-making, allowing for deeper insights into operational trends and helping businesses streamline their processes, reduce inefficiencies, and improve overall logistics performance.
Future Trends in GPS Container Tracking
The global container shipping industry handles over 25 million Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) annually, a figure that continues to grow as demand for international trade increases. With GPS already playing a crucial role in tracking shipments, future trends in container tracking are set to further enhance this process.
Integration of GPS with Advanced Technologies
Container shipping used to be a major blind spot in the distribution network, with stakeholders unable to track their cargo during transit. Today, thanks to the advanced tracking system, shippers can immediately monitor the status of their containers.
AI and machine learning: They enhance tracking by predicting cargo movements and optimizing paths. These technologies analyze historical data to forecast delays, plan more efficient deliveries, and improve supply chain decision-making.
Blockchain: It ensures secure, transparent sharing of GPS data by creating a tamper-proof, decentralized ledger. The innovation records each movement securely, providing an immutable audit trail that reduces the risk of fraud.
IoT: This enables smart containers equipped with GPS sensors to trace locations and monitor conditions like temperature or humidity. This real-time data helps manage sensitive cargo and optimize ways.
The Rise of Smart Containers and Autonomous Systems
Smart containers and autonomous systems refer to advanced technologies that integrate GPS, sensors, and automation. They are equipped with GPS and sensors to track instant positions, monitor environmental conditions, and ensure efficient and timely transport without human intervention.
These technologies have the potential to revolutionize logistics by creating fully automated systems, where GPS plays a crucial role in streamlining operations, reducing human error, optimizing routes, and improving overall supply chain management. This shift could significantly cut costs and improve delivery speed.
Sinay Safecube: Streamlined Container Tracking
To tackle the complexities of modern shipping, our company has developed Safecube as an essential platform.
We centralize data from over 170 carriers, providing real-time, end-to-end visibility across sea freight and multimodal trade routes.
We offer features like automated email updates, interactive maps for live tracking, and custom notifications, helping businesses save time and reduce manual effort.
Additionally, our API integration supports seamless customer connections, while bulk uploads and manual order entries simplify order management.
Conclusion
The world of shipping and logistics has undergone significant evolution in recent years, with GPS technology playing a pivotal role in this transformation. As global trade expands and supply chains become more interconnected, the need for real-time visibility and precise tracking has grown significantly. GPS solutions have brought unparalleled transparency, improved security, and increased operational productivity. Looking ahead, the integration of advanced technologies like AI, IoT, and blockchain will further enhance GPS capabilities, driving innovation to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving market.
FAQ about GPS in container tracking
GPS provides real-time location data, allowing businesses to monitor the precise position of containers during transit. This visibility helps improve supply chain efficiency and reduces the risk of lost or delayed shipments.
The main benefits include real-time updates, improved route optimization, enhanced security against theft, and better customer communication through accurate delivery estimates.
Yes, GPS tracking enables businesses to identify delays, reroute shipments, and streamline operations. It also aids in better planning and decision-making by providing actionable data.
Yes, GPS tracking can be applied to various container types, including refrigerated containers (reefers) and hazardous materials, ensuring real-time monitoring and compliance with safety standards.
