GE releases updated container security device
GE Security said it has released an upgraded version of its CommerceGuard container security device.
The device, which is placed inside the door channel of the container, is designed to detect unauthorized door openings and transmit the container status via short-range radio frequency identification signals to readers at ports and transfer locations.
GE Security said Version 3.0 comes with more rugged readers for port environments, automated XML feeds, and improved wireless communication between the readers and the central database.
GE claims the wireless network is 99 percent reliable and that the false positive rate for door openings is less than 1 percent.
Starbucks is the only major shipper known to be using the CommerceGuard product, although ocean carrier Yang Ming is a reseller and has indicated it has an unnamed customer as well. GE Security has installed readers in more than a dozen U.S. and foreign ports.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is still not convinced that the product works as advertised and is opening up competition to other companies to find a technology it can certify for use by shippers in cargo security programs. GE Security officials insist that they have corrected some minor technical problems and now meet CBP criteria.