The shipping industry is full of traditions and protocols. Routes, speeds, and ports are all carefully planned and documented for each ship before it sets sail. In the modern world of technology, however, there’s no need for so much manual labor when tracking shipments, recording data, and keeping records. The shipping industry is ripe for technological improvements everywhere. There are many ways that technology can be used to streamline processes and cut back on costs associated with shipping cars across the globe. And while these methods might seem a little strange at first, they make a lot of sense once you think about them. Here are some crazy ways that the car shipping industry uses technology.
1. Electronic Logging
Logging the details of each journey is a crucial part of the shipping industry. Ships that carry hazardous cargo need to keep highly accurate records and logs of their trip, which applies to all modes of transportation. The shipping industry uses the term “logbook” most of the time. Modern ships are equipped with computers that automatically keep the records and track the ship’s position, course, speed, weather conditions, and crew activities. This is done using a system called Electronic Logging. As the name suggests, all of the data is kept electronically and can be accessed by port authorities and other relevant authorities. This also makes it easier for captains and crew to record their activities and keep track of progress throughout the journey. The system can automatically generate pre-defined reports and statistics, making it easier to analyze data.
2. GPS Tracking
GPS tracking can track shipments anywhere between point-to-point or against the clock. The choice depends on the nature of the shipment and the service provider. This is often used to track the voyage of containers at sea. Many shipping companies offer GPS tracking as part of their standard service. The modern car shipping industry uses GPS tracking for more than just tracking shipments. It can also be used to track the position of individual cars. This can be used to track specific vehicles in the port. The tracking system can mark the car’s position on the ship’s manifest. This can help ensure that the vehicles are appropriately positioned on the ship and not at risk of falling overboard. It can also track vehicles as they are unloaded from the ship. The tracking data can be used to document the progress of car shipments. This can generate automatic documentation and ensure that paperwork is correctly filled out.
3. Blockchain and Smart Contracts
Blockchain technology is being used in many industries. It’s an immutable public ledger that allows parties to exchange assets and execute smart contracts. The technology offers many benefits to shipping companies, such as reduced paperwork and lower operational costs. It also provides significant benefits to car shipping companies. Blockchain can be used to securely share data and documentation across the entire supply chain, which includes car dealerships, transport companies, and other stakeholders. This can help improve communication and ensure that all parties know what needs to be done. It can also reduce the risk of fraud and other mistakes. Blockchain can securely share data and documentation across the entire supply chain and can also be used to track the location of cars and other assets. For example, car shipping companies can use blockchain to track the location of vehicles and ensure they are delivered at the right time. This offers customers greater transparency and can help shipping companies improve their service.
The shipping industry is a complex network of vessels, ports, and stakeholders. It is crucial to keep track of all of this data, but it can be easy to lose track of things when everything is kept on paper. These industries can benefit from modern technology and use sensors, AI, and blockchain to make their operations more efficient. The shipping industry may seem strange when you first think about it, but these industries can benefit from modern technology and be more efficient.
