The transportation of reefer cargo across borders has always been a challenging task for the food industry. Ensuring that the goods remain fresh and fit for consumption until they reach their final destination is a top priority. However, freeze injuries and other temperature-related issues during transportation can cause serious problems for both carriers and shippers. But now, new technology has emerged that can help prevent these issues and provide real-time monitoring for reefer containers.
Maersk introduced Remote Container Management (RCM) in 2017, which allows carriers and shippers to track the temperature and atmosphere of a reefer box at any time and point during its journey. The technology utilizes SIM cards, Wi-Fi, and GPS to provide real-time monitoring. With RCM, carriers can take corrective action to fix any issues before they cause damage to the cargo, either by being physically present or by fixing the problem remotely. If the cargo is beyond repair, the shipper can at least notify the end receiver ahead of the container’s arrival.
The benefits of RCM are significant. With the ability to monitor reefer containers in real-time, shippers can better plan for the future and coordinate with the end receiver to replace the order or return or destroy the cargo. Additionally, carriers can take immediate action to restore the correct settings of the container and save the cargo. Overall, RCM provides greater visibility in the supply chain and helps shippers and carriers better plan for the future.
The introduction of RCM has made the transportation of reefer cargo more reliable than ever before. The technology is especially beneficial for chilled cargo, which is more sensitive to temperature discrepancies. With RCM, seafood players in Boston and other food industry players can sleep better at night, knowing that their reefer cargo is being monitored in real-time and issues can be addressed immediately.
As the seafood industry continues to grow and evolve, new technologies like RCM are becoming essential tools for carriers and shippers. The emergence of RCM and other real-time monitoring technologies is sure to be a hot topic at industry events like the Seafood Expo, where industry players can discuss the latest innovations and advancements in the industry.
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