We wouldn't break the news when saying that IoT technologies significantly improve supply chain and logistics management. And since shipment must go through quite a few checkpoints, constant monitoring and tracking make the journey much safer. That's why more and more enterprises have become devoted users of GPS tracking systems for locating their assets in real-time.

 

The rising demand for tracking software is bearing fruit: the global GPS tracking system market was valued at $2,193 million in 2022. And it's expected to reach $5,668 million by 2030, with a 12,50% of CAGR during the forecast period. With that being said, let's dive into the discussion. This guide will show you how to create a GPS tracking system for containers, presenting its benefits and vital features.

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global gps tracking system market volume

Benefits of GPS Container Tracking System

GPS container tracking system is a solution for transportation enterprises that helps them to operate the delivery process, making it more secure and efficient. Global positioning systems, built-in sensors and other IoT-powered tools allow us to track assets’ location, check the container conditions and ensure their security.

Still, how can businesses benefit from this container-tracking software? Before we start the discussion about how to create GPS container tracking, let’s review some of the most apparent advantages of GPS container tracking system development:

advantages of GPS container tracking system

Cost-effectiveness

Smart containers are equipped with GPS trackers that function thanks to the satellite connection. Hence, you receive a complete visual map showing your shipping container’s real-time location. It allows planning better routes to prevent costly detours and save precious time. Moreover, such asset tracking systems will provide you with automated inventory reports, meaning you don’t have to allocate additional resources to do that work manually.

Reduced loss

One of the greatest things about GPS container tracking systems is their ability to create virtual frames around specific areas —geofences. The trick is that the second shipping container leaves set borders, you will receive various notifications immediately. This way, you minimize the chance of misplacing your shipment or having it stolen. GPS tracking does its role of tracing off-the-track containers and getting them back.

Client orientation

An awareness of delivery status with frequent updates is exactly what customers want. This way, you’ll bring them nothing but comfort and a fantastic experience. GPS container tracking significantly enhances customer service and their trust in your company. Detailed information about package location, instant notifications about minor or massive changes, showing estimated delivery time — all these features will make clients rely on your services the most and prefer them over other companies.

Optimized workflow

As an outcome of previous benefits, GPS container tracking systems will streamline your delivery processes in no time. Having an opportunity to automate tasks, you can focus on more essential ones, like enhancing delivery services, upgrading transportation conditions, and making the business more profitable. With the most precise estimated time of arrival system, your competitors won’t stand a chance of surpassing you.

Difficulties With GPS Container Tracking

Although GPS tracking for shipping containers has become increasingly popular for enhancing logistics and supply chain management, there are some challenges associated with the implementation of GPS container tracking systems:

Signal interference

GPS signals can be disrupted by various factors, such as tall buildings, tunnels, or dense foliage. In urban environments or during transit through challenging terrains, the signal of container GPS trackers may experience interference, which leads to inaccurate tracking data.

Power consumption

The operation of GPS tracking containers necessitates an ongoing link and data exchange with GPS satellites, relying on the vehicle’s battery for power. However, this constant connection and data transmission can deplete the vehicle’s battery life — a potential drawback, especially for commercial vehicles.

Security concerns

If the tracking data of container tracking GPS is not properly secured, there is a risk of unauthorized access or tampering, which can compromise the integrity of the tracking information.

Regulatory compliance

Different regions may have varying regulations regarding the use of GPS tracking for shipping containers. Ensuring compliance with local laws and regulations can be complex and may pose a barrier to widespread adoption.

Main Features of Container GPS Tracking System

Logistics processes require efficiency, promptness and transparency to remain relevant within the sector. And how to create a GPS tracking system for containers if you don’t know what features to include? We got your back! Let’s take a look at some of the most essential features that your GPS container tracking should have:

Main Features of Container GPS Tracking System

Global connectivity

How to develop a GPS container tracking system without this feature? Global connectivity is why we can connect to the network whenever we are. An automatic roaming switch with minimal effect on performance allows IoT tracking devices to remain online anywhere in the world. Make sure your system provides tracking solutions such as cellular data networks (2G, LTE-M/NB-IoT), Bluetooth, LoRaWAN or Sigfox.

Long battery life

When developing an IoT container tracking system, keep in mind that battery life is one of the most vital features. Well, how to develop GPS tracking software that would enhance your enterprise without powerful accumulators? Robust battery capacity guarantees a continuous workflow without extra charging and spare batteries. With long-lasting batteries, you don’t have to worry about emergencies and other unforeseen problems. Ensure to include a profound battery monitoring system to get indicators and alerts about its conditions.

Advanced geofencing

This vital feature of the GPS container tracking system allows you to locate transport and remotely manage and optimize processes. Geofencing can be set near crucial locations, like warehouses, ports or airstrips. Hence, it’s possible to monitor shipments that just took off or arrived. Thus, managers receive alerts about new entries and departures, trace missing shipments and spot unusual behaviors.

Weatherability

Indeed, GPS container tracking devices are meant for long-distance deliveries, including shipping by vehicles, sea and planes. Therefore, an answer to the question “How to build a GPS container tracking device that would work in various conditions?” is quite simple — make it weatherproof! Now, no rains, storms, snowfalls, droughts or humidity can delay or stop your logistics processes. Thanks to the outstanding protection, trackers will never fail to work under no circumstances but will continue to function impeccably.

How Does a Container Tracking System Work?

The GPS device is mounted outward of the shipping container. Whether it’s a magnetic device or a locking mechanism, the tracking device is placed between the structural ribs or as a seal to the container. Every container has its unique number, a booking number, a bill of lading, and a shipping line, which allow you to track containers without substantial challenges.

With the help of sensors and cellular or satellite connection, GPS container tracking systems can determine the сontainer’s precise location. They can ascertain the сontainer’s internal temperature and transmit its coordinates and vital route information to the management platform. GPS container tracking system building is a must for the robust security of your assets. This tracking software has intelligent sensors that monitor the status of open/closed containers. Therefore, the system will quickly alert tracking managers in case of any suspicious activities.

And how do customers get all the delivery information? They are provided with digital shipment records that automatically collect relevant data about shipments, predict the arrival times and update the phase of the supply chain. In addition, GPS container tracking systems can change with the help of solar panels. And that allows them to use their batteries for longer logistics processes.

Types of Container Tracking Devices

There are various types of container tracking devices designed for GPS tracking of shipping containers. Some commonly used types are in the list below.

  • GPS container trackers are specifically designed for tracking shipping containers and providing real-time GPS location information.
  • Bluetooth container trackers use Bluetooth technology to track containers (often used in combination with GPS for more accurate tracking).
  • Satellite container trackers can provide global coverage — suitable for containers that traverse remote areas where traditional GPS signals may be weaker.
  • Cellular container trackers use cellular networks to transmit location data. suitable for areas with strong cellular coverage.
  • RFID container trackers are sometimes used for container tracking. While it may not provide real-time location data like GPS, radio-frequency identification technology is useful for tracking containers within a specific area.
  • Integrated fleet management systems combine GPS tracking with other features like route optimization, maintenance scheduling, and real-time monitoring to provide comprehensive fleet management for shipping containers.

What Is the Best GPS Container Tracking Solution?

Determining the best GPS container tracking solution depends on various factors: specific needs of the user, features offered, and the provider’s reputation. Nevertheless, some of the best GPS container tracking solutions are:

Geotab

Geotab is well-regarded for its fleet management solutions and real-time visibility into vehicle and asset data. The platform offers advanced telematics features, such as GPS tracking, engine diagnostics, and safety reports. Geotab’s open-platform approach allows for integration with various third-party applications and customization based on specific business needs.

Samsara

Samsara is known for its IoT solutions, with a focus on fleet and industrial applications. The platform provides real-time tracking of vehicles and assets, along with route optimization and driver audio warnings. Samsara’s cloud-based system allows for remote monitoring and management, making it suitable for businesses with diverse tracking requirements.

GPS Trackit

The platform provides real-time location tracking, historical reporting, temperature zone monitoring, and alerts for events unauthorized usage or maintenance reminders. GPS Trackit aims to enhance operational efficiency through detailed insights into fleet activities.

Azuga

Azuga specializes in fleet and asset tracking solutions with an emphasis on improving safety and efficiency. Along with real-time location tracking, the platform includes vehicle diagnostics, driver rewards, and predictive maintenance features. Azuga’s solutions are designed to help businesses reduce operational costs and enhance overall fleet performance.

One Step GPS

One Step GPS focuses on GPS tracking solutions, providing instant location information for vehicles and assets. The platform offers PTO tracking, customizable reporting and alerts to meet specific tracking needs, aiming to simplify the tracking process for businesses of various sizes.

3 Steps in GPS Tracking System Development

Finding a perfect GPS tracking system that covers all your needs and demands is arduous. Thus, it is recommended to stick to the bespoke GPS container tracking development for your unique case. How to create a GPS tracking software that would significantly enhance logistics processes? Here are three main steps to take:

Step 1: Define main goals

For starters, you must figure out why you need to build GPS tracking software in the first place. If you’ve ever wondered how to build a GPS tracking system for containers, you know the variety of suggested functions. To create the tracking appliance of your dreams, ask yourself, “What do I need to achieve with this tracking solution?”. Think of the most vital components of your future device —necessary features, project prototype, UI/UX designs and its programming.

Step 2: Choose suiting hardware

Honestly, how to develop a GPS tracking system for containers without proper hardware? Depending on your requirements and wishes, the physical essence of the GPS tracking system certainly varies. If you are interested in tracking only, your requirements for hardware will be much less demanding than for a complex system. Nevertheless, to create GPS container tracking, you must consider the following aspects:

  • GPS module
  • Battery
  • Adapter
  • Microcontrollers
  • GSM module for mobile devices

Step 3: Build tailored software

With a chosen hardware, you can finally develop custom software to process all the data from GPS devices. Typically, such tracking software is coded in C language. Yet, developers might have to use other languages according to the choice of features and functionalities.

And, surely, according to the operating system. If you want to build a GPS tracking software for a web-based system, for the front-end use JavaScript with HTML/CSS, while for the back-end — Node.js or Ruby. Similarly, the best choice for creating Android-powered applications are Java and Kotlin, and for iOS — Swift and Objective-C.

Track Your Containers with Inoxoft Effortlessly

To succeed in GPS container tracking development, you should have an experienced and trustworthy partner. A partner with whom you won’t have to worry about upcoming challenges and complicated processes. Meet Inoxoft — an international outsourcing company that provides custom logistics management software development for your business needs.

We create smart software solutions for freight forwarder transportation companies, trucking service and warehouse providers that helps notably improve fleet management. Our dedicated team efficiently gathers data for vehicle tracking, barcode scanning, and other systems to create complete supply chain services. Contact us to get a profound consultation and start your GPS tracking system for container development!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can GPS container tracking optimize workflow for logistics companies?

Yes, GPS container tracking provides real-time visibility into the location and status of shipping containers, which enables better route planning, enhanced asset utilization, reduced transit times, and improved overall operational efficiency. This technology helps logistics companies streamline processes, minimize delays, and respond promptly to unforeseen events, contributing to cost savings and a more agile supply chain.

How to track container data?

With the help of sensors and cellular or satellite connection, GPS container tracking systems can determine the сontainer's precise location. They can ascertain сontainer's internal temperature and transmit its coordinates and vital route information to the management platform.

How to develop a GPS container tracking system?

Here are three main steps to create a GPS tracking software that would significantly enhance logistics processes:

Step 1: Define main goals

Step 2: Choose suiting hardware

Step 3: Build tailored software