Schenker ocean boxes pass RFID test
Schenker has completed the first phase of testing to allow it to continuously monitor its ocean freight containers worldwide.
For the test, the German logistics firm, part of Deutsche Bahn, fitted out 10 of its SCHENKERsmartbox units in regular use between Hamburg and Hong Kong with special sensors in addition to radio-frequency identification technology.
“It is becoming clear that this technology will be ripe for serial production in the near future. At least the RFID technology promises to be suitable for use on a wide scale, from the economic point of view as well,” said Wolfgang Dr'ger, Schenker’s senior vice president, ocean freight.
“As soon as this technology is ready for serial production, it will open up new possibilities of service to our particularly demanding industrial customers. For example, the temperature of pharmaceutical products and other sensitive goods can be continuously monitored, which could come out cheaper in the long term than transporting them in refrigerated containers, provided that the appropriate temperature tolerances can be guaranteed.”