Tracking technology as a sticker: DB Schenker is the first logistics provider from Europe to offer global tracking of freight shipments with the new ultra-thin tracking label by high-tech developer Sensos. The disposable label can be attached to containers, pallets, or individual cartons, enabling shipment tracking for land, air and ocean transport on a single shipment base.

David Pollender, Product Owner Business Development IoT at DB Schenker: “Tracking technology now fits into a millimeter-thin sticker. The Sensos label is so small and lightweight that it can be used for freight of any size. In conjunction with DB Schenker’s IoT solution connect2track, it offers optimal visibility and condition monitoring of consignments. This significantly improves the existing offering for our customers and makes tracking even more flexible and secure.”

Aviv Castro, CEO of Sensos: “We took on the mission to disrupt the world of supply chain by delivering infinite end-to-end parcel level visibility. Our solution enables data-driven execution, optimizing logistics for various use cases. We are grateful to have DB Schenker as a design partner from the early days, and for their contribution in achieving the product market fit.”

The label sends real-time data about location and temperature over the mobile network. The customer receives an alert if the package is tampered with during transport. The unobtrusive design of the label increases security for valuable consignments as it does not draw attention, and the tracking remains undetected.

The disposable label is equipped with a lithium-free battery that emits less CO2 in production than conventional batteries and achieves runtimes of up to six months despite its small size. Due to its low weight, the label consumes less energy during transportation, and return shipping is no longer necessary.

DB Schenker was one of the first design partners of Sensos, a group company of the Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation, and contributed to the product offering. As part of this process, the global logistics service provider helped define requirements and tested the Sensos solution in a pilot phase with land and air freight prototypes.

DB Schenker’s Internet-of-Things platform connect2track enables customers to monitor a consignment’s location and condition (e.g. temperature and humidity). It offers a continuously calculated estimated time of arrival based on real-time data, increased security through opening alarms and increased efficiency through supply chain optimization.

DB Schenker uses ultra-thin high-tech labels for shipment tracking. Image: DB Schenker

MSC has reinforced its continuous investment in Africa with the introduction of the AGL brand. Standing for “Africa Global Logistics”, AGL is the new name for the business formerly known as Bolloré Africa Logistics, or BAL.

Having developed its expertise over more than a century and with more than 21,000 employees working in 49 countries, AGL is a reference multimodal logistics operator and is now part of the Cargo Division of MSC Group.

AGL will continue to operate as an independent entity with the full support of family-owned MSC Group’s strength and scale. MSC will count on AGL as a preferred logistics partner, in addition to MSC’s existing MEDLOG inland transportation and logistics business.

Africa Global Logistics has a thriving logistics footprint in Africa, from warehousing and cold storage to other logistics solutions. AGL will also support MSC and all other shipping lines with productive maritime container terminals, as well as efficient multipurpose terminals and rail operations.

MSC is excited about the AGL brand reveal and will continue to invest in all its cargo businesses that operate in Africa, while supporting the sustainable growth and development of the continent.

As a global supply chain leader, MSC understands the critical role that logistics plays in enabling trade, and in growing economies. MSC and AGL remain committed to participating in driving the success of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), as well as connecting Africa with the rest of the world.

DP World has announced the opening of Reefer World, a new one-stop refrigerated container facility in Sydney, which will provide a wide range of reefer cleaning and repair services to customers in Australia and New Zealand.

The dedicated reefer facility is the largest of its kind in Sydney and one of the biggest in Australia, offering various reefer solutions, such as pre-trip wash, inspection and structural repairs, to enhance efficiency and ensure the quality and freshness of perishable cargo delivered to destinations around the globe.

With the opening of this state-of-the-art facility, DP World is doubling its capacity to supply empty reefers, with the ability to pre-trip and wash more than 100 reefer containers daily and capture growing demand for exports from key markets including Brisbane and Melbourne, and also in New Zealand covering Auckland and Tauranga.

Reefer World’s strategic location adjacent to the DP World Sydney Terminal provides customers not just with seamless access to end-to-end cold chain solutions, but also quicker turnaround time through coordinated container movement, cleaning, repairs, customs clearance and storage services. The mega logistics park in Port Botany is well-connected to motorways and has an on-dock rail siding improving rail access into and out of the terminal.

The announcement follows key investment and initiatives by DP World as part of its ongoing strategy to grow and strengthen its operations in Australia.

Andrew Adam, CEO, DP World Australia, said: “As businesses continue to build greater agility, reliability and resilience into their supply chains, Reefer World will help to facilitate the timely and efficient flow of perishable goods, while addressing increased export demand in the region. Its completion further expands DP World’s footprint as one of the largest container terminals and logistics park operators in Australia and cements our position as the go-to partner for customers requiring innovative, agile and scalable end-to-end logistics solutions.”