It is quite fortunate that Global Positioning System (GPS), the global navigation satellite system (GNSS) installed by the US Department of Defense and operated by the US Air Force, can be used by civilians, free of charge. It is a very useful tool in navigation, tracking, surveillance, and land-surveying. It can even be used by serious runners who want to keep a close track on their mileage and velocity. Anybody can purchase a GPS receiver suitable for their purposes and tap the awesome power of the GNSS.
It therefore comes as no surprise that most companies who either have their own shipping containers, or who rent them out to other shippers, have installed GPS container tracking gadgets on their units. These electronic gadgets continuously transmit signals to the main office using the GPS satellites.
The information transmitted include the precise location of the container so that you can readily see if it has deviated from its expected route, the speed at which it is traveling allowing you to project the precise time of its arrival at its destination, and of course, you can also see if it is traveling or if it is just sitting idly. If, therefore, you see anything out of the ordinary, you can immediately get in touch with the driver hauling it, or if it is traveling by rail, at sea, or in the air, you can call the transport company.
