Feb/March 2007

A 'fit-and-forget' trailer tracking system that works anywhere in the world, yet has an unusually low power requirement, has been launched in the UK by Secureseal under the brand name SecureTrac.

The company sees it as an ideal solution for automatically locating trailers, swap-bodies, containers, rail wagons and other assets, and maintains that it can offer a ten to one ratio of return on investment.

SecureTrac is a true satellite tracking system, using satellites for actually transmitting location data as well as for GPS positioning. Historically, satellite communications have tended to impose a high power requirement, but Secureseal says that because this system uses the Globalstar low earth-orbit satellite system, signals need not be particularly strong, so a relatively low power output is adequate.

As a result, the on-board device can use batteries with a projected life of eight years, which means maintenance-free operation, and a system that works virtually anywhere.

The system combines AXTracker tracking devices from US-based Axonn with Secureseal radio-frequency technology. The location information is displayed back at base on on-screen maps using Google Earth technology. Current positions can be shown on a satellite image, aerial photograph or map.

Secureseal managing director Ben Grant describes the system as 'the ideal solution for achieving reliable global coverage', adding that it also offers a solution for managing remote fixed assets.