Minnesota-based truckload carrier J&R Schugel has implemented ORBCOMM technology to provide it with cold chain telematics to track and control refrigerated trailers. J&R Schugel has achieved two-way monitoring of temperature control and location of their refrigerated shipments, gaining visibility and integrity of freight from origin to destination.

Using ORBCOMM technology, J&R Schugel can now remotely initiate trailer pre-cooling, change the reefer state and adjust the temperature of reefers on the road for added convenience and control of their operations. They can also determine if the trailer door is open or closed and monitor idle and dwell times, eliminating costly manual yard checks.

If out-of-range conditions occur, such as deviations from the target temperature range or set geofences, alarms are triggered immediately, enabling J&R Schugel to take immediate corrective action and avoid lost revenue from spoilage claims.

With mapping, reports, alerts and exception management, ORBCOMM’s platform provides real-time data and business intelligence integrated with J&R Schugel’s internal transportation management system for more efficient operations.

J&R Schugel can compile and access temperature data at any time for proof of cold chain integrity in accordance with the FDA’s Food Safety Modernisation Act (FSMA)”). The company is also achieving greater fuel savings as ORBCOMM’s technology helps J&R Schugel 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 maximising asset utilisation, minimising downtime and ensuring compliance for their temperature-sensitive loads.”

“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,” said Sean Claton, GM and Executive Vice President with J&R Schugel. “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.”