Into the Clouds:
In the past year, there has been a huge focus on essential goods; in particular, perishable goods like food and medicine. With border restrictions and safety measures causing delays and shortages, the transportation industry has been under increased pressure to deliver the food and medicines we need on time and in good condition. Even before the pandemic, there was a growing concern about perishable goods being transported safely. In America, for example, the FDA introduced the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) in 2018 in an effort to prevent food safety issues due to improper transportation temperatures.
When temperature fluctuations of only a couple of degrees can have a big impact on the cargo, it’s critical for transportation companies to have real-time visibility into the conditions inside their trailers.
That’s where cargo sensors can help.
Cargo sensors, built with IoT technology, enable transportation companies to monitor their refrigerated trailers, vans and containers and the conditions within. From the volume and position of the cargo to the temperature, humidity, and door status of the trailer, IoT sensors can help prevent spoilage, improve operational efficiency and provide peace of mind for your business and customers.
Here are a few key sensors that can help protect your cargo and your business:
Volume and position sensors
Volume and position sensors enable businesses to fully utilize their trailers by monitoring load sizes in real-time. Sensors can be placed along the length of the trailer so that multiple zones are tracked. With this information in hand, dispatch can make better scheduling decisions to reduce partial loads and empty drive miles. The ability for multi-zone tracking can also aid in the unloading and delivery process drivers will be able to more quickly identify where the cargo is located in the trailer.
Temperature and humidity sensors
Temperature and humidity sensors help to ensure the appropriate environmental conditions are maintained throughout the journey. Similar to the load sensors, temperature sensors can be placed throughout the trailer so companies can monitor multiple zones and set different temperature ranges depending on the cargo being transported. When conditions in any zone go outside of a pre-defined range, drivers and management receive an immediate alert so they can react quickly to resolve the problem, helping avoid load spoilage. IoT temperature and humidity sensors also help businesses become FSMA compliant by providing the real-time and historical trip data needed for inspections.
Trailer door sensors
Trailer door sensors can be installed on both roll-up and barn-style doors on trailers. When doors are opened, drivers and management receive a notification, and the duration that the doors are open is monitored. Knowing the status of trailer doors can help prevent cargo spoilage since temperatures can fluctuate when the outside air is let in. When used alongside temperature and humidity sensors, trailer door sensors can help management identify potential issues quickly.
Visibility is key to protecting perishable goods in transit
Cargo sensors are becoming an important part of GPS fleet tracking solutions because they give companies the ability to see what’s happening inside their trailers. Real-time data is replacing manual processes and helping drivers and management better protect their cargo. Where the delivery of essential goods is concerned, IoT cargo sensors are helping to ensure that the food and medicines we need are being transported safely from pick up to delivery.
For more information on cargo sensors, click here!