Transparent transport: How to see the entire transport chain

It is just a small grey box on the door of the container - and yet it makes all the difference: the device helps to make the container's entire journey transparent using various sensors. And it does so in real time.

The outside temperature can be measured, as can the temperature inside the container. Vibrations experienced by the container, for example during transportation on land or during loading and unloading, are also recorded. Using GPS, the container's location can be identified at any time; it is also possible to check whether the container is moving or stationary, and to see when the door has been opened.

1. Warning: Temperature
Chemical products may be exposed to excessive heat, for example during transportation to South America, causing them to be damaged. Monitoring allows this to be identified early on, enabling customers to take action to ensure that the goods arrive undamanged at their destination.

2. Warning: Security
The door-opening sensor makes it possible to track whether the doors are open or closed. If they are opened during transportation, this could have an adverse effect on the cargo. In certain circumstances, the authorities could also be involved, in order to prevent theft, for example.

3. Warning: Transport Delays
GPS can provide customers with precise information on where their container is currently located. If the container does not make it onto the scheduled ship, for example, customers will know that its arrival will be delayed - arrival times can therefore be determined more precisely, and planning is further improved along the entire transport chain.

4. Warning: Vibrations
If sensitive goods such as car windscreens are subject to excessive vibrations, they can be damaged. If this happened, Hapag-Lloyd would notify the customer in order to prevent supply shortages where the just-in-time production method is utilised. For future shipments on the same route, Hapag-Lloyd can offer packaging recommendations for similar cargo or give the customer advice on which land route has the lowest risk of vibrations.

5. Warning: Moisture
If the interior of the container is subject to too much moisture, goods such as paper may become warped, meaning that their quality is below expectations by the time they reach their destination. The real-time data can help to identify such risks early on and prevent damage by relocating the container.