Rail Cargo Group equips wagon fleet with telematics devices

By the end of 2020, the freight cars of Rail Cargo Group will feature position detection, motion sensing and shock detection. The freight division of OBB has partnered up with A1 and A1 Digital to put intelligent freight trains on track.

The project is called SmartCargo and was officially kicked off on Monday 4 February. Around 13,700 wagons are each fitted with a SmartCargo device, which provides comprehensive information throughout the entire freight transport process.S pecial telematics enables new services as well as improved and more efficient maintenance coordination, the company stated.

New data

The position sensor provides the exact GPS coordinates of the car at predefined intervals. Another sensor provides reliable motion detection independent of GPS reception, while the 3D accelerometer sensor is used to detect shocks and monitor the transport of sensitive goods. In addition, the system can use geofencing to send an instant message when it exceeds pre-defined zones, such as country borders. In the absence of network coverage for data transmission, the hardware also has an SMS fallback level, RCG explained.

As part of initial tests, around 300 cars are currently being fitted with SmartCargo. At the same time, an IT platform will be set up where all information relating to a specific transport can be accessed digitally in a clear and compact manner. It will also be possible to integrate third-party cars that are in the train line but are not owned by RCG.

Author: Majorie van Leijen

Majorie van Leijen is the editor-in-chief of RailFreight.com, the online magazine for rail freight professionals.

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Rail Cargo Group equips wagon fleet with telematics devices | RailFreight.com

Rail Cargo Group equips wagon fleet with telematics devices

By the end of 2020, the freight cars of Rail Cargo Group will feature position detection, motion sensing and shock detection. The freight division of OBB has partnered up with A1 and A1 Digital to put intelligent freight trains on track.

The project is called SmartCargo and was officially kicked off on Monday 4 February. Around 13,700 wagons are each fitted with a SmartCargo device, which provides comprehensive information throughout the entire freight transport process.S pecial telematics enables new services as well as improved and more efficient maintenance coordination, the company stated.

New data

The position sensor provides the exact GPS coordinates of the car at predefined intervals. Another sensor provides reliable motion detection independent of GPS reception, while the 3D accelerometer sensor is used to detect shocks and monitor the transport of sensitive goods. In addition, the system can use geofencing to send an instant message when it exceeds pre-defined zones, such as country borders. In the absence of network coverage for data transmission, the hardware also has an SMS fallback level, RCG explained.

As part of initial tests, around 300 cars are currently being fitted with SmartCargo. At the same time, an IT platform will be set up where all information relating to a specific transport can be accessed digitally in a clear and compact manner. It will also be possible to integrate third-party cars that are in the train line but are not owned by RCG.

Author: Majorie van Leijen

Majorie van Leijen is the editor-in-chief of RailFreight.com, the online magazine for rail freight professionals.

Add your comment

characters remaining.

Log in through one of the following social media partners to comment.