China’s Freight Tracking Solutions

International freight shipments might seem risky, especially if you’re a beginner. Fortunately, advanced freight tracking systems have changed the way businesses trade with China. So you can now forget about the risk of shipping from China if you choose the right freight tracking system. 
In this blog post, we will talk about everything you need to know about China’s freight tracking solutions. If you want to know the benefits of using a tracking system, you’d better read the article to the end. Also, if you have any questions about DDPCH’s freight tracking system, you can contact our team right now.

Why Use A Freight Tracking System?

First and foremost, let’s see why exactly you need to work with a shipping company that provides advanced tracking services for your freight.

Imagine if you’ve ordered cargo from China and you have to take care of the warehouse, the stores, the customers, and legal requirements like customs. If you don’t know the time your cargo arrives, you’ll face lots of problems and this increases the risk of your business.

So timely decision-making using the location of your cargo is the most important reason why you have to use a freight tracking system.
Famous shipping companies like DDPCH give you accurate and 24/7 details about the location of your cargo. So you can devise an efficient business plan for managing your cargo when you receive it in your country.

Key Advantages of Using a Freight Tracking System

Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of using a freight tracking system:

1. Visibility: A tracking system gives you real-time location data to track your cargo’s exact whereabouts whenever you want. This reduces the risk of shipping and brings peace of mind, which is great in business.

2. Fast Problem Solving: When you know the place and condition of your cargo, you can take immediate measures if it faces any problems.
3. Customer Satisfaction: If you share shipment tracking information with your customers, you can gain their trust and make them loyal to your brand. Remember that transparency brings a more positive customer experience.

4. Efficiency: Insights are now key to financial profit. Freight tracking systems give you valuable time and location data. This way, you can optimize your supply chain procedure to get the maximum profit possible in a cargo.

3 Main Technologies for Freight Tracking System

Shipping companies are using three main technologies for freight tracking. Here is a detailed explanation of these tracking systems to help you choose the best one:

GPS Tracking

The most famous freight tracking technology is GPS, the tech you’re using on your mobile to find your address.

Global Positioning System (GPS) technology is used in most freight tracking systems. GPS devices are easily attached to your cargo and transmit location data using a satellite and a central tracking platform to your monitoring system. You can easily track the location of your cargo on a map.

Benefits of GPS Tracking:

• Global Coverage: As you know, GPS has global coverage so you can be sure that you can track your cargo wherever you want.

• Real-Time Updates: GPS gives you real-time location data and lets you monitor your shipment’s movements closely.

• Cost-Effective: GPS technology is affordable and is great for basic tracking needs.

Limitations of GPS Tracking:

• Signal Interference: GPS signals are sometimes weak or even blocked. For example, if GPS devices inside metal containers or underground can’t work properly.

Limited Data: Basic GPS tracking primarily provides location data, with limited insights into other shipment parameters.

RFID Systems

The next common freight tracking system uses radio waves. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology emits unique identification signals.

You just need to scan the FRID tags with RFID readers to get precise tracking at specific checkpoints. This can be done in strategic places such as warehouses, ports, and customs.

Benefits of RFID Systems:

• Accuracy: RFID can provide highly accurate location data. So you can locate where exactly your cargo is.

• Fast Scanning: The scanning process of RFID tags is so fast and efficient. This is ideal when you have a high-volume freight movement.

• Additional Data: Some RFID tags can store additional data apart from location. For example, you can get information like temperature to make sure everything is OK.

Limitations of RFID Systems:

• Cost: Installing an RFID system has a higher initial cost compared to GPS systems.

Reader Network Reliance: You need a network of RFID readers at the important points of your shipment route.

IoT Integration

The Internet of Things (IoT) is one of the brand-new techs that are going to revolutionize all aspects of life and business. Freight tracking can also benefit from IoT.

You just need to connect various sensors and devices to the Internet and integrate them with your cargo.

Each sensor detects specific data. For example, factors like temperature, humidity, pressure, and even light exposure can be measured along with location.

This way, you have a comprehensive understanding of the situation of your cargo. This is very important for special and dangerous goods.

Benefits of IoT Integration:

• Real-Time Monitoring: You can get real-time insights into different variables of your shipment’s condition.

• Immediate Alerts: In case you have any potential issues like temperature fluctuations or unexpected movement, you’ll soon be alerted by IoT.

• Data-Driven Decisions: You can analyze large amounts of data to optimize future shipments. This way, you can improve the efficiency of your supply chain.

Limitations of IoT Integration:

• Complexity: IoT-based freight tracking systems are relatively complex compared to other systems.

• Battery Dependence: Sensors and devices need a considerable amount of energy and you have to think of batteries.

Now that you know all three main techs used for freight tracking from China, it is good to have an overall comparison of them:

Feature	GPS Tracking	RFID Systems	IoT Integration
Technology	Satellite navigation	Radio waves	Network of sensors and devices
Tracking Data	Primarily location	Location (highly accurate)	Location, condition (temperature, humidity, etc.)
Cost	Relatively affordable	Higher initial investment	Most expensive
Real-time Updates	Yes	Yes	Yes
Global Coverage	Yes	Limited by reader network	Yes
Additional Data	Limited	Stores additional data	Richest data
Implementation Complexity	Relatively simple	Requires reader network setup	Most complex
Suitability	Basic tracking needs	Precise location tracking, high-volume movement	Perishable goods, proactive condition monitoring

Cost Analysis of International Freight Tracking Systems

The cost of implementing a freight tracking system for your China shipments will vary depending on several factors, including:

1. Technology: GPS tracking is the most affordable freight tracking system you can use. On the other hand, IoT needs the highest initial cost. Also, RFID systems are somewhere in between. The cost of these systems depends on the tag type and reader network infrastructure.

2. Volume: It’s obvious that higher volume shipments benefit from discounted bulk pricing.

3. Tracking Features: Of course, basic location tracking is less expensive than comprehensive solutions. You can get real-time condition monitoring and also advanced data analytics for extra money.

4. Contract: Many companies offer discounts for longer-term contracts of freight tracking services.

Now, it’s good to take a look at the comparison of the cost of different freight tracking techs:

Feature	GPS Tracking	RFID Systems	IoT Integration
Technology Cost	Low (US$20-100 per device)	Medium (US$1-10 per tag, depends on reader network)	High (US$50-200+ per sensor)
Software Subscription	Low-Medium (US$10-50 per month)	Medium-High (US$20-100+ per month)	High (US$50-200+ per month)
Installation Cost	Low-Medium (May be included in device cost or DIY)	Medium (Varies depending on reader network setup)	High (Requires technical expertise for sensor integration)
Data Usage Fees	Low-Medium (May vary depending on data volume)	Medium (May vary depending on data volume)	High (Typically involves real-time data transmission)

How To Choose The Right Freight Tracking System For Your Business

Here are some tips on how to choose the best tracking system for your business:

• Cost: Think realistic and choose a tracking system that you can afford.

• Type of cargo: You have to choose the technology that matches your cargo type. For example, devices and machinery just need location tracking so GPS is enough. On the other hand, perishable foods need some more control over conditions like temperature. So you might need IoT and real-time monitoring.

• Future-Proofing: You need to choose a system that can be upgraded in the future. Ensure that the system integrates with your existing software and also can be upgraded for future needs.

Customer support: Last but not least, you have to pay special attention to the customer support the tracking company offers. Make sure that they have a responsive team and answer your needs 24/7.

Conclusion

Freight tracking is now a must in international trade, especially when it comes to importing from China. As a result, lots of shipping companies offer different freight tracking services using various technologies. DDPCH provides you with the most advanced tracking system to bring peace of mind and optimization of your logistic procedure. If you have any questions about our 24/7 freight tracking service, you just need to contact us right now.

FAQs

Here are some common questions people ask about China’s Freight Tracking Solutions: