DuPont Chemical Solutions is testing the cargo security platform from TrakLok on intermodal containers. The company already requires its for-hire carriers to use the integrated lock, alarm and tracking system on trailers, but this is the first time the company has utilized the lock on intermodal containers.
“We’ve been using TrakLok for three years to protect our chemical shipments handled by a dedicated for-hire carrier,” said Will Gockley with Global Technical Services at DuPont. “That program has been successful in helping us maintain visibility and security of our over the road shipments, so with TrakLok’s new enhancements, we decided it was appropriate to test TrakLok on intermodal containers we use to move products. Those loads can travel on a series of modes over the course of a few weeks. The most recent test included ‘truck-to-train-to-truck-to-ship-to-train-to-truck’ routes over mountains, across deserts and on the open ocean where it is difficult to get direct visibility and location data.
Recently, TrakLok added new features including improving monitoring and alerts for lock and latch status changes, enter and exit fences, and low battery issues.
“Previously, we required carriers to have on-board tracking and communications systems on tractors,” Gockley said, “but we are responsible for those shipments at all times. Since traditional tracking and communications systems may not always have visibility on open seas and in mountain ranges, the TrakLok solution is proving to be the best solution for our needs. Putting TrakLok units on trailers and our intermodal containers provides physical security and multi-mode tracking capabilities on the actual unit where the cargo is carried. In addition, unlike a permanently installed solution, TrakLok units can be moved easily to another trailer or cargo container or shipped back to go on another container.”
