I was recently involved in a rail-based cargo security test in Mexico. The test began in San Luis Potosi, Mexico (220 miles northwest of Mexico City in the mountains) at 1:00 CST on Wednesday the 10th. The GeoLokTM was installed to track and secure Samsung electronics in a standard intermodal shipping container. The Geolok crossed Laredo, Tx on Friday the 12th demonstrating that it can secure containers against theft and acts of terrorism on the very spot DHS Sec. Napolitano announced that the Dept. of Homeland Security could not meet the mandate of 100% cargo inspection by 2012.
This test proved the GeoLok device can track (in real-time) and secure cargo between Mexico and the US. These containers are usually a target for thieves who live off inside information on the contents of the container. The railway asked if an escort on the train to babysit the device was required. That is how concerned they were that attempts would be made to access that container. This was politely declined, and the device performed exactly as expected. The test completed in Charlotte, NC on the 18th.
The device is combines a total asset visibility platform (sat, cell, and RFID) with a "geolock" - only opens at a predetermined time and location with the right personalized access code. So, only the right person at the right time in the righ place can access the contents of the container. And, the device has a 30 minute defeat threshold making it idea for securing rail shipments in Mexico. The technology exists to track in real-time and secure the contianer from unauthorized entry and it appears ready for prime time.
Clearly this type of device is targeted at the high value, high interest, and hazardous material shipping portion of the industry. The quesiton of the day is - what level of value, interest, or hazardness justifies this type of security? Where does this fit in the industry? Short of an terrorist event in the shipping industry, what are the drivers for commercial adoption?