Horizon Lines Inc says it has established the ocean container shipping industry's first fully functional intermodal active radio frequency identification (RFID) system, providing real-time shipment visibility during all phases of transit. The system was engineered and implemented by Horizon Services Group, the information technology subsidiary of Horizon Lines.
The active RFID-based real-time tracking system, when matched with Horizon’s web-based event management system, offers shippers real-time detailed shipment information throughout the container's transit from origin loading facility through to final destination.
Horizon Lines is tagging its entire fleet of containers serving the Alaskan trade with RFID tags provided by hardware manufacturer Identec Solutions Inc. The program will also include installation of RFID readers at distribution centers, terminals, and key Alaska highway routes.
Grocery retailer Safeway has joined the carrier's effort by participating in a pilot testing program, now underway, with the new RFID-enabled visibility system to monitor shipments from its Pacific Northwest distribution centers to stores across Alaska.
