Transportation Tracking Software

Guide to Transportation Tracking Software

A good transport tracking system keeps tabs on your shipments
By Michael Berman

Transportation tracking is vital to shippers and customers whether it be for small packages or 40 TEU (20-ft. equivalent unit) containers. That makes it essential that you use the right type of logistics tracking software for your business.

Cargo tracking software can range from very simple to extremely complex, depending on what you want the transport tracking system to do. In fact, it can be as uncomplicated as using a bar code reader and harnessing the power of the Internet.

The various technologies used for transportation tracking include:

1. Bar code scanning combined with electronic document imaging (EDI) technology.
2. Radio frequency ID tags (RFID).
3. Global positioning (GPS) or satellite tracking.
4. Transportation log books.

Action Steps

The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Use a bar code transport tracking system Bar code transportation tracking systems working in conjunction with an RFID or EDI system are used by all of the major small package shipping companies and many retailers. Customers and shippers are able to follow the progress of their packages by accessing a specific website and entering a tracking number.

I recommend:  The Courier Ordering Processing System (COPS) from Datatrac is one of many delivery tracking software systems being used by small package couriers. It can also work with wireless logistics tracking software and RFID transportation tracking devices. Other software developers include CXT Software and IntelliTrack.

Use RFID and transportation tracking software for containers and large shipments Some of the larger retailers prefer to receive pallets or container loads of goods with RFID transponder tags used to communicate with a transportation tracking system for tracking and inventory control. RFID is also used for transportation tracking by railroads and ship lines.

I recommend:  Most RFID systems consist of transponder tags attached to the pallet, container or freight car and a receiver at a remote location that will input the information into your transportation tracking software. Developers of RFID systems that will work with shipment tracking software include Fluensee, Inc., Odyssey RFID for DoD, and Sybase.

Use a GPS system to track cargo GPS systems are being installed in fleets of trucks, containers and rail cars and can deliver extremely accurate data as to the location of your cargo. Unfortunately, the wide use of public GPS systems makes this technology less secure than others.

I recommend:  Companies providing transportation and logistics software and hardware to work with GPS systems include VehiclePath, which tracks your fleet online for a monthly fee, Vericom Technologies, SageQuest, and FleetTrackingOnline.com, which is a web-based system.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• Check with your customers before installing one of these systems. Some require that you use RFID transponder tags, and others may prefer bar codes to make your shipments compatible with their inventory control systems.
• Adequately train your employees in using these systems. One mistake could result in lost shipments. Most of the companies offering tracking hardware and software have training programs available.
• Request a demo of the products before you buy.