J&R improves visibility of cold chain operations
J&R Schugel, a truckload carrier based in New Ulm, Minnesota, recently selected Orbcomm’s cold chain telematics solutions for tracking, monitoring, and controlling its refrigerated trailers.
Orbcomm telematics provide wireless connectivity through industry-leading hardware and a single, unified cloud-based analytics platform that helps fleets streamline their operations across multiple asset classes, the company said.
“Orbcomm’s cold chain solution fulfills our requirements for ensuring we have complete visibility over our fleet and are able to preserve the quality and integrity of our high-value loads at every point in the supply chain,” Sean Claton, J&R Schugel general manager and executive vice president, said in a news release. “We are focused on significantly reducing our risk for insurance claims and increasing our profitability, but most importantly, we look forward to delivering an even higher level of service to our customers.”
J&R is using Orbcomm’s cold chain solution for two-way monitoring of temperature control and location of its refrigerated shipments, helping ensure the visibility, security, and integrity of its freight from origin to destination, the companies said. J&R can remotely initiate trailer pre-cooling, change the reefer state and adjust the temperature of reefers on the road for added convenience and control of its operations. The carrier can also determine if the trailer door is open or closed and monitor idle and dwell times, eliminating manual yard checks. If out-of-range conditions such as deviations from the target temperature range or set geofences occur, alarms are triggered, enabling J&R to take immediate corrective action and avoid lost revenue from spoilage claims. The enhanced visibility into its operations helps J&R increase profitability by optimizing asset utilization, turn times and tractor-to-trailer ratios.
With mapping, reports, alerts, and exception management, Orbcomm’s platform provides real-time data and business intelligence integrated with J&R’s internal transportation management system for more efficient operations. Orbcomm’s solution also promotes compliance by allowing J&R to compile, store, and access temperature data at any time for proof of cold chain integrity in accordance with the FDA’s Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). In addition, Orbcomm’s solution helps J&R detect rapid fuel loss, theft and improper invoicing, and prevent wasted spend from unnecessary, continuous idling and extended reefer usage.
“For cold chain carriers, there are a number of issues impacting their refrigerated cargo in transit—from supply chain disruptions to new regulatory compliance requirements, making Orbcomm’s cold chain telematics solutions critical to their operations,” said Chris MacDonald, Orbcomm’s senior vice president of North America Sales. “We’re pleased to work with J&R Schugel to enhance their operational efficiency through our leading IoT technology by maximizing asset utilization, minimizing downtime, and ensuring compliance for their temperature-sensitive loads.”
