TrakLok innovation offers secure and visible tracking of shipments across US-Mexico border
TrakLokTM Corporation (TrakLok) successfully completed its first international test of its GeoLokTM locking and tracking solution for shipping containers. Multiple companies support first international test Knoxville, TN—TrakLokTM Corporation (TrakLok) successfully completed its first international test of its GeoLokTM locking and tracking solution for shipping containers. Along with Kansas City Southern Railway Company (KCS), Kansas City SmartPort, Inc., and EDS Systems, Inc., TrakLok Corporation successfully tracked a shipment containing Samsung electronics from San Luis Potosi, Mexico, to Charlotte, North Carolina. The shipment crossed the US-Mexican border at Laredo, Texas. The GeoLokTM system transmitted the position and condition of the container continuously throughout the entire transit, even in areas of no cellular coverage. Stakeholders were also successfully able to view the information through TrakLok Corporation’s web portal, TrakLogTM.
By employing the TrakLok solution, KCS will address the issue of increasing cargo theft in Mexico. “We are thrilled to be working with a visionary company like KCS” said TrakLok’s CEO, Eric Dobson.
According to a report from Latin Business Chronicle, cargo theft in Mexico “has taken on new and more sophisticated patterns” as the “nexus between organized crime and the drug trade continues to expand.” With this increased theft comes increased cost.
According to the Mexican Association of Insurance Companies, insurance premiums increased by almost $1 million last year for policies covering material damages and cargo theft. The introduction of TrakLok’s security and visibility solution stands to significantly reduce this risk. TrakLok Corporation is commercializing a combined container locking and tracking solution. With the GeoLokTM, only an authorized person at the right time and place can access the contents of the container. This solution provides real-time information about the condition and location of high valuable cargo and provides a means of securing entry to the container in order to reduce losses and enables better utilization decisions. The GeoLokTM solution provides physical security and container/cargo tracking throughout the entire supply chain with road, rail, and marine segments all interacting fluidly throughout the full life-cycle of a container shipment.
“TrakLok offers a unique and proven system for tracking and securing international cargo” said Chris Gutierrez, President of Kansas City SmartPort. “We were pleased to work with the team on this test and on future integration with SmartPort’s Trade Data Exchange.”
Asset visibility information provided through the TrakLogTM can be used in Transportation Management Systems to increase efficiency in shipping and supply chains. The GeoLokTM system provides information on idle containers that can put into use, if a shipment is ahead or behind schedule, if a container has deviated from its predetermined course or if a shipment needs to be triaged and unloaded quickly. It also can give information on the condition of the shipment itself by communicating with sensors that detect temperature, humidity, light, even spoilage.
TrakLok has integrated physical security technologies with several wireless technologies to track containers globally, and has developed a web accessible information-technology based global tracking system. The information provided by the GeoLokTM is accessible through TrakLogTM where users can obtain the location and condition information of a given container from any computer or web enabled device. TrakLogTM solves problems for companies managing cargo and containers in the supply chain including asset security, asset visibility, condition and inventory monitoring, and asset utilization with an audit trail.
“I have worked with many technology applications and devices. TrakLok is by far the most impressive option I have seen offering an integrated solution of tamper indicative robust barrier seal with GPS monitoring. Kansas City Southern de Mexico will be deploying this device with many customers” said Jim Kniestedt, Head of Security, KCS.
For more information contact:
Eric Dobson, Ph.D., CEO and Director,
TrakLok
2450 E.J. Chapman Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996
(865) 332-1813
Media Contact
Marketing Specialist
Kansas City SmartPort
(816) 374-5640
