Satellite tracking ensures serious reduction in theft

CUTTING CONTAINER theft with electronic cargo tracking and mechanical container clamps offers a substantial, indirect cost saving in the international movement of containerised traffic.
According to Fernando de Carvalho, GM of the Manica group subsidiary, Transito Freight Protection, recent studies reveal that the use of satellite tracking and radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to secure, track and manage container shipments can ensure a serious reduction in theft.
This is particularly applicable in the group’s Southern African area of operation, where pilferage of unsupervised cargoes is a common and costly occurrence.
The added value in reducing risk exposure with satellite tracking and clamps has been confirmed by a Manica study with SA railway operators of cargo movement in the southern African region. The finding was that, over a one-month period, there were zero attempts at break-ins on protected container cargoes.
“With electronic surveillance the incidence of theft is generally reduced,” said De Carvalho, “which cuts associated losses and attracts lower insurance premiums.”
Although international studies indicated that the overall financial gain derived from added security was ultimately dependent on the value of the goods being shipped, they calculated an average saving from reduced theft of over US$200 per container for at least 80% of all shipments.
There are distinct benefits in satellite tracking, according to De Carvalho.
He highlights these as:
l Satellite to cargo as opposed to fitted to truck
l Transparent real-time positioning and reporting - 24-hours/day
l Southern African region tracking capability
l Preferential insurance premiums
l Reduction of cargo loss
l Reduction in claims.
Transito strives to understand market requirements.