Supply chain security is dependent upon real-time visibility. In turn, visibility is dependent upon reliable, controllable tracking devices.
There are several different types of tracking devices, and each comes with advantages and disadvantages. To help you pick the right device solution for your business, here’s a breakdown of the most common types.
Different types of IoT tracking devices
Driver phones
Almost everyone has a phone, making it an easy solution for tracking and reporting. More specifically, a driver’s phone can transmit a shipment’s location data without the need for additional hardware. In the short-term, this can be a cost-effective and easily accessible solution for shippers. However, in terms of security, there are several drawbacks.
“The biggest issue with using a driver’s phone is that the shipper is reliant upon the driver’s compliance,” said Greg Dragonetti, Overhaul’s Director Sales Engineering. “If the driver chooses to close their tracking app, the shipper can no longer use that phone to track them. Additionally, spoofing apps can easily interfere with location accuracy. If a driver downloads one of these mobile apps onto his phone, it could easily falsify his location–and in turn, the shipment’s.”
To rephrase, driver phones provide a cheap way to track and find cargo. However, due to their dependence on driver compliance, they’re not the best choice for prioritizing security.
Electronic logging devices
Electronic logging devices (ELDs) enable shippers and 3PLs to track several driving activities. Unlike cellphones, ELDs are essentially hardwired GPS trackers that offer more reliable, real time data. For certain travel distances, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires that drivers use these devices.
“By recording driving time and tractor movement, shippers can more easily identify where their cargo is headed,” said Dragonetti. “However, when tracking a shipment using ELD data, you are limited in your ability to track other segments of a multimodal shipment. Additionally, because ELDs are required by the FMCSA, criminals know to expect them in a tractor. They also know where to find them and how to remove the devices.”
This significant threat of removal by thieves poses a challenge, as the second an ELD is pulled out of a vehicle, its tracking capabilities stop. Additionally, the ELDs only track cabs/tractors, not trailers. Thieves will often re-power a trailer, or just take the cargo, which renders the ELD moot. Thus, while ELDs are sometimes mandatory and should be part of your tracking solution, they should not be your only device.
Trailer telematics
ELDs and trailer telematics share much in common. However, whereas ELDs are found in tractors, trailer telematics are used in trailers. Though seemingly small, this difference makes trailer telematics a far more secure solution.
“A potential drawback of ELDs is that thieves may not steal the tractor along with its cargo,” Dragonetti explained. “Instead, they might take the trailer but use a different tractor to move it. In this case, even if they didn’t pull the ELD out of the tractor, it is no longer tracking the stolen shipment.”
In other words, knowing the location of a tractor may not be sufficient for recovering a load, as the tractor may not remain with the stolen trailer or cargo. Ultimately, the cargo is what must be tracked, and trailer telematics provides a more reliable method for doing so. However, covert devices offer an even more dependable solution.
Covert tracking devices
Covert devices are the best devices for tracking a cargo’s location. These devices will always remain with the cargo, which means they’re far more reliable than cell, ELD, or telematics.
“A covert device can provide more accurate and reliable location information, even if the tractor or trailer changes,” said Dragonetti. “If you transport a multimodal shipment, you may lack visibility as it crosses the ocean or shifts between road and rail. Additionally, if a shipper’s cargo leaves a facility, they may not know if it will be pulled by the same tractor the entire time. It could be dropped off with someone else. But that’s not the case with a covert device–that device will always be there, right alongside the cargo.”
Covert IoT devices can come in various forms, such as reusable, disposable, or with Bluetooth seals. They can easily be embedded and hidden within cargo, making it difficult for a thief to find and dispose of them. Additionally, using more than one covert device can allow for even better tracking and security capabilities.
At the same time, covert devices are a more expensive solution, and they can be limited in their abilities. Many are only able to provide location tracking, whereas other devices can monitor temperature, shock, etc. If these functionalities are important to a shipper, it’s essential to use a covert device that can provide them. Otherwise, they should use the device in tandem with another solution.
How do these devices report location?
Although “GPS device” is a common term, the devices above report their location through a variety of means including cell, Wi-Fi, and GPS. There are some distinct differences between the three methods. For example, a device locating itself via GPS will drain battery too quickly for most shipments, so the cell and Wi-Fi locates can be used during the majority of a shipment. This saves the battery for situations where you need more accurate GPS locates, e.g. recovering cargo. Additionally, GPS devices use satellite signals for location, whereas Wi-Fi and cellular devices use local networks to determine location.
In all three cases, the device will receive signals in order to determine location. It will then transmit the tracking information and other sensor data back to stakeholders. These stakeholders can then use this data to monitor the location and condition of their cargo.
Through these insights, shippers and 3PLs can optimize their supply chain operations. Simultaneously, they’re able to reduce the risk of cargo loss or damage. However, it’s critical that your devices have the right reporting capabilities for your needs.
Fortunately, Overhaul tracked $1.4 trillion of customer cargo last year using over 40 devices. Greg and our IoT team constantly identifying and testing new devices and can help advise you on the best options for your supply chain.
Overhaul’s holistic approach to device tracking solutions
When choosing a tracking device, it’s important to consider both its abilities and limitations. It’s also key that you understand what information your company is looking for. At Overhaul, our core focus is helping companies avoid cargo theft and cargo loss due to integrity and temperature issues. This is why we consider a variety of factors when recommending a device solution. This includes everything from transportation modes and cargo type to the shipper’s desired device controllability.
In short, at Overhaul, your high risk, high value, and/or temperature-sensitive cargo is our top priority. We offer the customer service and support you need to mitigate cargo theft and temperature spoilage.
To learn more about how the devices above can support your cargo, Overhaul is happy to offer a consultation.
