When compared to trucking, freight rail transport is considered safer. There are several studies that indicate that rail-related injuries are 12 times lower on a per ton-mile transported basis. Besides, rail transportation is also considered better for the environment due to its lower pollution rates. Still, safety is a concern for any type of freight transportation medium. This is where railway GPS tracking systems can play an important role.
Importance of GPS & Satellite Communication
Integrating GPS technology is an important step in rail tracking systems. GPS tracking devices installed on railcars, trains, or containers, work by capturing signals from multiple satellites. They help detect the device’s precise positioning while ensuring accurate tracking at all times. The technology not only helps with real-time location tracking but also enables communication with control centers. This not only helps ensure seamless operations but also increases safety.
Satellite communication can play an important role in remote locations where conventional modes of communication may be limited or unavailable. GPS tracking systems can help maintain reliable data transmission and connectivity. This results in efficient management and monitoring of railcar or train movements across vast networks.
Railway Position Monitoring & Tracking Solutions
Some of the key components of a railway position monitoring and tracking solutions include:
- Advanced GPS tracking solutions
- Durable monitoring hardware
- Railroad mapping system
- Web-based fleet management system
Managing Railway Disasters
According to the US Department of Transportation, over 5,800 railcar crashes take place every year. Statistics show that most accidents take place at railroad crossings. Railway GPS tracking solutions can prove to be quite effective in reducing the chances of train crashes. The system can send constant data about location to all the stakeholders, including the shipper.
Track Speeds & Engineer Behaviors
When it comes to train and cargo safety, monitoring driver behavior is important. Effective tracking is also essential to comply with accountability standards. GPS railway tracking solutions can help you track engineer speeds at various points. This data can help in capturing key details for monitoring driver behavior. Using such technology can help:
- Reduce chances of accidents
- Improve the quality of customer service
- Improve accountability
GPS trackers collect and analyze key railcar information including location, speed, braking, and acceleration. Some devices can raise alerts when preset limits get breached. Certain systems allow you to set the parameters to receive alerts, allowing you to address the issues instantly. Besides safety, tracking such data can also help prevent unnecessary wear and tear caused by driving habits.
Preventing Train Crashes
More companies now focus on improving GPS tracking technology for railcars for highly precise train control systems. The latest GPS tracking devices transmit signals from multiple satellites.
GPS tracking devices can help monitor whether the engineer is driving safely and following the regulations for speed, braking, acceleration, and safety. Such systems can make you feel confident that the engineers are following the company rules to ensure optimal safety. Engineers who consistently fail to follow rules can be required to undergo training.
Rail Automation
Rail automation is changing the way trains operate. Rail freight transportation has become much safer and more efficient than before. GPS is among the most important parts of rail automation, enabling precise positioning and control of freight.
GPS technology is much superior to traditional methods of train or railcar tracking due to the frequency of location updates it can offer. This has significantly improved the efficiency with which shippers can track. This can provide shippers with a much more complete picture. You are no longer required to wait for limited data that can be received only when a scanner is passed. And this sophistication has contributed in different ways to improving safety and security.
