In the past year, we have heard a lot about how the trucking industry is undergoing significant change, and facing challenges such as the nationwide driver shortage, brexit, and the advancement in autonomous vehicles. But with every challenge comes great opportunity. According to Brian Fielkow, president of Jetco Delivery, "Technology, including advances that we cannot even see today, will continue to make trucking more efficient and safer. It will create a new experience for tomorrow's driver, and I hope that will be a breakthrough for our industry's ability to attract new drivers."1
IoT capabilities are playing an increasingly important role ensuring cargo, vehicles, and personnel get from point A to point B safely - whilst adhering to European directives that govern the transportation of dangerous goods for rail (RID), road (ADR), sea (IMDG) and air (IATA). Lat-Lon, a BSM Wireless company that provides wireless GPS tracking and monitoring solutions for mobile assets, is a perfect example of this trend.
Lat-Lon’s onboard rail monitoring device is specifically designed for tracking high-capacity trains carrying Toxic Inhalation Hazard (TIH) chemicals. In the US, Installing TIH monitoring systems has been mandated by the Department of Homeland Security’s Transportation Security Administration (TSA). All rail-borne vehicles transporting hazardous freight are required to have solutions in place or otherwise face steep fines of $10,000 per day, per security infraction.
Lat-Lon’s patented, solar-powered GPS system provides real-time location reports of rail cars and automatically alerts shippers if a tank car has entered or exited a “high threat urban area” (HTUA) so that appropriate additional security measures can be taken. The system also monitors security and the condition of the tank car with an onboard camera, capturing visual evidence related to the security of the hazardous freight. Pictures are taken and routed wirelessly whenever a hatch is opened or if an impact beyond a certain predetermined threshold is breached.
The information supplied by the Lat-Lon solution provides increased security and safety by monitoring numerous connection points and alerting any activity related to the security of the rail car. For example, in the case of a train derailment for a car transporting chlorine gas, knowledge of the car’s orientation and whether any hatches have been compromised is invaluable to first responders.
Lat-Lon’s rail monitoring solution is enabled by KORE’s secure, managed wireless connectivity that helps ensure safety and compliance. Interested in learning more about how KORE can help your company safeguard mobile assets, vehicles, or personnel?
1. https://www.zdnet.com/article/50000-drivers-needed-can-technology-save-the-trucking-industry