Containers in Ports can be Tracked Smartly: Lessons Learned From a Case Study

This article introduces a web platform to monitor cargo in containers status in real time using telematics and simulation practices. The platform was the main deliverable of a research project which aimed to strengthen security in the logistics handling procedures in port terminals. A systematic approach has been followed for its development and a pilot test was applied for tracking containers in a main port terminal. Lessons learned from this pilot study are also presented and discussed. According to the results of the pilot study, the proposed platform proved to be a useful tool for management, monitoring of the status and confrontation of security threats events, transforming the container to a “smart” container that uses sensors and systems to track and report data such as contents, unauthorized access, and physical location.