Transparent logistics thanks to connected swap bodies

Internationally active logistics service provider Dachser relies inter alia on swap bodies that it now connects by means of the Internet of Things.

“The tracking solution enables us not only to optimize our own processes but also offer our customers more transparency.”

Lars Relitz, Head of Corporate Digital Innovation & Development at Dachser

3 steps to a successful IoT Use Case

Challenge

Using around 8,500 swap bodies, Dachser mainly ships goods between its central facilities throughout Europe. Swap bodies – unlike semitrailers – are not restricted to specific trucks, but this flexibility made tracking them across Europe in real time a major challenge.

Solution

Dachser equipped its swap bodies with tracking modules supplied by Telekom partner Mecomo that incorporate high-end Telekom SIM cards. The trackers relay the swap bodies’ current position regularly by LTE-M to the cloud, where Dachser can evaluate and visualize the data. Thanks to Telekom networks, roaming partners and GSM fallback the trackers have connectivity throughout Dachser’s European operational area. In addition, the hardware is robust and suitable for use in both hot and cold climates.

Customer benefit

The logistics service provider always knows where its swap bodies are and can estimate arrival times accurately. If a delivery is delayed, the local drivers at Dachser’s 237 European road logistics branches do not need to wait. They can use the cargo space for other shipments that are ready to go in the warehouse and then set out to deliver them punctually and fully laden. That streamlines processes, reduces numbers of free parking bays and multiple journeys and thereby benefits sustainability. As Dachser can now provide precise arrival time information, transparency is improved from the customer’s point of view.

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