Three ways to protect intermodal shipments with real-time trackers

Intermodal shipping is a critical part of supply chains. But every transfer increases transport complexity and the risks of cargo becoming delayed, lost, stolen or exposed to damaging conditions.

Many shippers have come to recognize the value of real-time temperature reporting as well as tracking location and humidity data. For shippers still considering the benefits, here are three reasons real-time trackers are the most effective means to mitigate the recurrent risks facing your perishable products:

1. Risk is cumulative (and so are costs). The more loads you have, the more risks you're taking on - and the more likely real-time trackers will justify your investment. In many cases, the cost of a real-time tracking device can be measured in decimal points compared to the value of the load - a trivial expense.
2. Data is proactive power. With accurate location information, you'll know exactly where shipments are, how long they've been sitting in a particular location, and when they're likely to reach their destinations. You'll have a precise record of location information, plus the ability to find a container quickly if it's overlooked at a transfer point or stolen.
   This information gives you the ability to respond proactively when a shipment is delayed. If it becomes physically impossible for a driver to make a delivery appointment, you can call in a team to keep the load moving without rest time. Alternatively, loads can be rerouted to ensure you don't lose face with a customer or deliver a product that's past its prime. Fruit that's been in-transit longer than anticipated, for instance, could be rerouted to a juice plant instead of a grocery distributor.
3. Data gives you financial and legal protection. Real-time tracking provides you with the verifiable proof you need to file a claim, reject or reroute a load, or negotiate stricter compliance in the future.

If you aren't using real-time data insights, how are you:

• Protecting your product quality and brand integrity?
• Accepting or rejecting loads with confidence?
• Preventing some problems before they occur?
• Validating expense claims?
• Avoiding penalties from customers?
• Shutting down vendor attempts to blame other shippers in the chain?
• Identifying repeat trouble spots and making operational changes accordingly?

Copeland's GO Real-Time trackers and Oversight360 offer comprehensive solutions for temperature, humidity and location tracking, with monitoring options capable of providing data for up to 20, 60 or 90 days.

For more details on how you can protect your valuable intermodal shipments, visit our cold chain monitoring page.