Japanese freight transporter Aikai Butsuryu is using Orbcomm’s solar-powered asset management technology for its container chassis fleet.

Based in Ama-Gun, Aichi, Japan, Aikai Butsuryu specialises in cargo operations for large bulk vessels shipping raw materials and fuel. It has selected Orbcomm’s IoT technology to improve its fleet’s operational efficiency and service levels, while optimising work productivity.

The technology features a high-sensitivity solar panel with long-lasting battery life and charging capabilities. It lets Aikai Butsuryu continuously track and manage its container chassis, which have no power supply when disconnected from the tractor.

Aikai Butsuryu can access live and scheduled status updates whether its chassis are in transit, at the distribution centre or in the container terminal, so it always knows where its assets are located in real time.

Through the platform, Aikai Butsuryu can share details on the chassis’ operational status with multiple users in the organisation, including driving history, mileage, maintenance requirements and inspection schedules, improving use, turn times, safety and compliance, while reducing costs.

In addition, the Orbcomm devices were installed on the chassis in about ten minutes, which made Aikai Butsuryu’s deployments quick and efficient with little disruption to its operations.

“We are excited to provide our state-of-the-art chassis management to Aikai Butsuryu, an industry leader in freight logistics in Japan, to enhance the efficiency, productivity and performance of their fleet,” said Sunil Sharma, chief operating officer for Orbcomm in Japan. “We look forward to working with Aikai Butsuryu for many years to come to set the standard for container chassis operations and provide maximum visibility throughout the supply chain.”

Keiko Uemura, managing executive director with Aikai Butsuryu, added: “Orbcomm”s IoT has become an integral part of our freight transport operations, seamlessly delivering valuable data and deep insights about the location and status of our chassis fleet so we can make more informed business decisions. We are very pleased with our partnership with Orbcomm and the bottom-line benefits we have achieved by deploying their reliable, proven and cost-effective chassis management across our entire fleet.”