essentos

Etiqueta: railway

  • Why your yard is losing operational control without anyone measuring it (and how to fix it)?

    Why your yard is losing operational control without anyone measuring it (and how to fix it)?

    In many intermodal terminals and dry ports, the heart of daily operations—the yard—is managed with a mix of intuition, experience, and manual logs. Although it handles most of the physical movement of containers, trains, cranes, and trucks, real-time visibility of what’s happening remains extremely limited.

    Without clear traceability in the yard, the terminal cannot answer with confidence:

    • Where each container is located
    • Which movement occurred, when, and by whom
    • Whether an error was triggered by a crane, the TOS, or the operator
    • Whether operational times meet the standards promised to customers

    The most alarming reality is that many terminals don’t see this as a problem, because they believe there is no solution without replacing their core system.

    But there is a solution—a modular, fast one that doesn’t disrupt existing operations.

    Essentos, as a modular TOS, has digitized yard control for terminals still running legacy systems. How do we do it? By applying true traceability to operational flows without replacing what already works.

    What lacking real traceability in the yard means

    In theory, every terminal claims to control its operations. They know how many trucks enter, how many containers move, how many trains load. In practice, when you ask:

    “Where exactly is container ACLU1234567 right now?”

    The most common answer is silence or a guess based on outdated logs.

    Real traceability isn’t an Excel sheet or a system where you log movements after the fact. It’s a live system where every action:

    • Is recorded instantly
    • Is tied to a specific operator, machine, and order
    • Is verifiable, auditable, and traceable without human interpretation

    Yet many yards still operate like this:

    • Operators move a container and then log it later
    • If an error occurs, nobody knows if it was the crane, the software, or a misplaced instruction
    • Containers appear in logical locations, but not necessarily their actual spots
    • Execution times are only estimated as “fast” or “slow”

    This gap between operational reality and recorded data is one of the yard’s biggest blind spots—and it carries a heavy cost.

    How much lacking traceability in the yard costs you

    It’s no exaggeration to say a yard without precise traceability loses money every hour. Let’s look at a real example:

    MetricValue
    Daily moves400
    Error rate (5%)20 containers/day
    Correction time15 minutes
    Cost per error$45
    Daily loss$900

    This adds up to $19,800 per month (22 working days) and over $230,000 per year in rework costs alone, without counting:

    • Penalties for delayed trains
    • Customer disputes over “lost” containers that were simply mislocated
    • Reputation damage from recurring errors
    • Inability to perform accurate internal audits

    Every minute without traceability is money slipping away—and the worst enemy isn’t the error itself, it’s not knowing what’s happening in your yard.

    Why this happens: a technical deep dive

    The root cause isn’t lack of will or poor training. It’s the architecture and lack of true digitization:

    Disjointed systems

    Legacy TOS solutions were built to log events, not capture them in real time. That means:

    • Operators physically move containers
    • They then log those moves—if they remember—to a console
    • If they make a mistake, there’s no validation step
    • If they skip it, the move simply never exists in the system

    Lack of automation

    Most yards lack sensors or connected logic to verify that:

    • The container was placed in the right spot
    • The assigned crane performed the move
    • The operation occurred within planned time windows

    Everything depends on people. When pressure mounts, moving trumps logging.

    Operators without visibility

    Often the operator doesn’t know:

    • If the bay is free
    • If the container is on the correct list
    • If there’s an existing exception or hold

    They rely on verbal instructions or printed lists. The result:

    • The TOS’s view diverges from reality
    • The system records one thing, but the yard shows another
    • Nobody can prove what really happened

    Terminals often assume “no complaints means everything’s fine,” but in reality, they operate with a steady 3–5% error rate simply because:

    • There are no automated alerts
    • Movements aren’t audited in real time
    • There’s no verifiable execution log

    It’s like driving without a dashboard: everything seems fine—until it’s too late.

    How Essentos delivers total yard traceability

    Essentos’s Depot module was built precisely to bridge the gap between yard reality and the TOS’s record.

    1. Automated move capture: every time a crane moves a container, the action is logged in real time—linked to operator, machine, device, and timestamp—and validated against yard rules.
    2. Optional sensor & OCR integration: connect cameras, position sensors, and mobile devices to verify that the physical container matches the digital record, complete with images for audit trails.
    3. Unified mobile interface: operators use tablets or handhelds to view, accept, execute, and validate moves instantly, reporting conflicts in seconds.
    4. Seamless TOS/ERP integration: no duplicate work—Essentos feeds data into your core system, and incoming orders become clear, auditable tasks for yard staff.

    With this operational traceability you can:

    • Eliminate phantom moves or unlogged activity
    • Detect and resolve errors before they cascade downstream
    • Speed up incident response
    • Automate documentary traceability—who, when, where, and why
    • Generate reliable reports for customers and auditors

    Real case: how one terminal cut yard errors by 90%

    A Spanish rail terminal averaging 120 daily yard moves faced constant misplacements, unlogged moves, manual searches, and shift-change stress.

    Initial diagnosis

    • Over 25 unreported moves per week
    • 4.7% placement errors (>10 containers/day)
    • 7-minute average search time per container
    • $7,000+ monthly cost from operational interruptions

    Deployment

    In under three weeks, mobile devices were networked, crane and operator profiles configured, ERP integrated, and smart task rules activated—without downtime or data migrations.

    Results after three months

    MetricBeforeAfter Essentos
    Weekly placement errors283
    Unlogged moves>250
    Search time per container7 min< 1 min
    Monthly incident cost$7,000+< $800

    “We used to live in contained chaos. Now we have control, visibility, and traceability that lets us sleep easy. We never thought it could be this simple.” — Operations Manager

    The hidden cost you’re bearing without yard traceability

    Example: a medium terminal with 100 daily yard moves:

    • 4% placement errors → 4 containers/day mislocated
    • 15 minutes to detect and correct each → 1 hour/day lost
    • $50/hour operating cost (personnel + equipment) → $50/day direct loss
    • 2 weekly errors reaching customers → $300–600/week in penalties
    • 10 minutes lost per operator in searches → 3 hours/day
    • $1,000/month in extra downtime, debates, and uninformed decisions
    ItemEstimated cost
    Rehandling misplaced containers$1,100
    Errors reaching customers$2,400
    Operational inefficiency$1,000
    Downtime from lack of visibility$900
    Total monthly$5,400+

    And that excludes lost customers due to repeated errors, damage to your terminal’s reputation, and higher staff turnover.

    The false sense of control

    Many terminals believe they have everything “under control” because errors go undocumented or the system “never complains.” But if your traceability depends on an operator’s memory, a scribble on paper, or a supervisor’s phone call, you don’t have traceability—you have well-intentioned uncertainty. That uncertainty costs you every single day.

    Audits and claims: can you prove what happened in your yard?

    When damage, loss, or a discrepancy occurs, the first request is always for clear traceability. That’s when many terminals realize they can’t prove anything with precision.

    Real scenarios without traceability

    • A container arrives damaged
      • Did it arrive that way?
      • Was it damaged in handling?
      • Who moved it?
      • At what time?
      Without traceability: guesses, disputes, and absorbing the cost.
    • A customer claims the wrong container
      • Was it correctly logged at entry?
      • Was it placed in the right spot?
      • Was it released as intended?
      Without traceability: you rely on the operator’s word or handwritten notes.
    • An auditor requests last month’s yard moves
      • Can you generate a full report with locations, timestamps, operators, and exceptions?
      Without traceability: the report is handwritten, error-prone, and late.

    What happens with Essentos

    With total traceability:

    • Every move is logged with time, operator, crane, and location
    • Every exception is documented with photo and notes
    • You can reconstruct each operation step by step
    • Automated reports by customer, week, container, or event generate in seconds

    And none of this requires operators to “write more” or duplicate work.

    Quality and compliance benefits

    • Faster internal audits—no paper, no excuses
    • Customs-ready traceability for global standards
    • Claims resolved in minutes with data, not guesses
    • Fewer handoffs and disputes across shifts

    What if you can’t prove anything?

    • The customer wins by default
    • You absorb the cost (even if it wasn’t your fault)
    • Your terminal becomes unreliable
    • Internal stress and turnover rise
    • Client relationships deteriorate

    Data-driven decisions: flying blind versus using radar

    In a modern yard, every choice matters—from which crane to allocate where to which truck goes first. Yet many decisions rely on outdated or incomplete data.

    Typical scenario without traceability

    The yard manager asks, “Where is container ABC123?” The operator replies, “I think it’s in bay 4—or maybe they moved it yesterday.” They search for 25 minutes, halt operations, delay the train by 12 minutes, and field a customer complaint. All because there’s no instant, visual traceability.

    Scenario with Essentos

    The manager opens the dashboard, looks up ABC123, and sees:

    • Current location: Bay 3A
    • Last move: yesterday by RTG 02, operator Juan
    • Status: ready for loading

    Decision made in 15 seconds—no delays, no guesswork, higher efficiency.

    The strategic value of an intelligent terminal

    A terminal without traceability is like a control tower without radar. A terminal with full traceability operates with real control, makes strategic decisions in real time, continuously improves, offers transparency to customers, and grows without adding more staff or paperwork.

    A future powered by data

    If gate traceability is the initial filter and yard traceability is the engine of efficiency, then complete terminal traceability is the only way to make smart, informed decisions. That’s how Essentos transforms an ordinary terminal into a 21st-century competitor.

  • Why the gateway is the biggest operational blind spot in your terminal?

    Why the gateway is the biggest operational blind spot in your terminal?

    In most intermodal logistics terminals, the daily flow of trucks is constant. Trucks arrive carrying containers, cargo or key documentation needed for the facility to run smoothly. Yet one area often goes unnoticed—and it generates more errors, bottlenecks and inefficiencies than any other: the gate.

    Yes, the gate. That entrance barrier, seemingly simple, is actually the first major operational filter in your entire logistics chain. When it fails—due to manual processes, validation errors or lack of integration—you don’t just lose time: you lose data, traceability, control and, worst of all, money. Lots of money.

    Did you know that an average 15-minute delay per truck can cost your terminal over $16,000 per month? Or that documentation and container‐assignment errors at the gate account for more than 60% of the conflicts that later end in claims, rework or inventory mismatches?

    This article is a complete guide: an in-depth analysis and, above all, a realistic proposal for operational improvement. If you work in a terminal, manage intermodal flows or simply want to understand why everything starts at the gate, keep reading.

    What is really happening at terminal entry points?

    Let’s get real. Every day, dozens or hundreds of trucks enter rail terminals or dry ports with little effective coordination at the gate. Although some use appointment systems or prevalidation, most still operate with manual, semi-automatic or—worse—disconnected systems.

    • Staff don’t know which container each truck is expected to deliver.
    • They can’t easily verify whether documentation is valid.
    • There are no alerts for previous incidents.
    • And in many cases, there’s not even a proper system to record arrivals.

    Meanwhile, drivers wait. Some have to get out to hand over paperwork. Others receive handwritten instructions. Some go through double validation, or pass and then have to exit again due to undetected errors. The result? Duplicate processes, cascading delays and a feeling of chaos passed directly to the end customer.

    From the operations manager’s point of view

    • There is no full control over which truck enters, with what paperwork, at what time or for what purpose.
    • Incidents are not logged in a way that supports traceability.
    • You cannot answer basic audit or claim questions with certainty.
    • Decisions are made with incomplete information.

    And at the same time, the TOS—your terminal’s heart—often isn’t connected to the gate, or only partially, without real-time validations. This means a gate failure can end up impacting weighing, yard placement or even train loading.

    The invisible consequences: operational chaos and accumulated errors

    The worst part isn’t just an occasional delay or inconvenience. It’s the domino effect. Every error or delay at the gate ripples through the entire logistics chain:

    • Uncoordinated yard: A truck that shouldn’t have entered is already in the yard and its container ends up in the wrong spot. One operator improvises a new location, and another must correct it. Result: accumulated disorder.
    • Incomplete train loads: A container is missing or the wrong one is loaded due to a bad gate validation. Customer penalty and reputation at risk.
    • Documentation errors: Wrong license plate, trucks authorized without valid papers, unrecorded times. All of this prevents robust reporting and complicates inspections.
    • Operational stress: When the gate backs up, everyone goes into “emergency” mode. Supervisors rush in, operators stop other tasks to clear queues, generating even more chaos.

    And the worst part? Nobody measures it. Without clear data or KPIs, you’re left with intuition, complaints and frustration. If it’s not measured, it can’t be improved.

    How much does an inefficient gate cost?

    Let’s use a mid-size terminal example:

    • 90 trucks per day
    • 12 extra minutes per truck due to manual validation
    • Total daily unproductive time: 90 × 12 = 1,080 minutes (18 hours)
    • Opportunity cost: 18 hours × $35/hour = $630 per day
    • Estimated monthly loss (22 days): $630 × 22 = $13,860

    That’s before accounting for contractual penalties, strained driver relationships, additional staffing costs or reputation damage. In one year, a mid-size terminal can lose over $166,000 just by keeping an inefficient gate.

    Gate as a competitive advantage

    For years, terminals have digitized their yards, trains and container tracking—but overlooked the gate. Yet the gate can become your most profitable control point because:

    • The driver, container and documentation converge at one spot.
    • You capture critical data: who enters, when, with what cargo and documentation validity.
    • You prevent downstream errors, reduce wait times and improve traceability.
    • You intervene before mistakes spread—rather than after.

    How the Fastport (Gate) module works

    1. Direct connection to existing TOS/ERP: no replacements or complex integrations.
    2. Automatically retrieves and validates appointments.
    3. Applies OCR/LPR for automatic license plate and document reading.
    4. Triggers real-time alerts on detection of anomalies.
    5. Logs all entries and exits with complete traceability.
    6. Supports integrated weighing and automatic pass generation.
    7. Notifies drivers via app, SMS or email.

    Real cases: how terminals have transformed

    Case 1 – Rail terminal in Spain

    Initial situation: manual entries, 16 minutes per truck on average, paper validation, no TOS link.

    Implementation: Fastport module live in 6 days, direct integration with appointment and weighing systems.

    • Average time per truck: 4 minutes
    • Documentation errors reduced by 93%
    • Daily throughput increased by 26%
    • Peak‐hour queues cut by 85%

    Case 2 – Dry port in southern Europe

    Initial situation: long access queues, overwhelmed staff, manual logging errors.

    Result with Essentos:

    • OCR and real-time alerts at the gate
    • Manual records eliminated
    • Complete document traceability
    • Driver satisfaction up by 2.5 NPS points

    Manual vs digital gate comparison

    Key metricManual gateDigital gate
    Average time per truck15–25 minutes3–7 minutes
    Plate captureManualAutomated OCR (99.8% accuracy)
    Appointment validationVisual/manualPrecheck automated
    Staff required2–3 operators1 operator
    Supervisory visibilityLowReal-time dashboard
    Incident alertsNoYes, in real time
    Driver satisfactionLowHigh
    Access logsPartialComplete and exportable
    Hidden costsHighLow
    Regulatory complianceVariableAuditable

    The most common misconception: assuming the gate can’t change

    Many believe digitizing the gate requires replacing the TOS, ERP or entire tech stack. It doesn’t. Essentos plugs into your existing setup without downtime, new servers or extra hardware—and can be live in under one week.

    What happens if you do nothing

    Doing nothing costs you daily: 6–12 lost operational hours, staff stuck in unproductive tasks, frustrated drivers, mounting errors, partial traceability and blind decisions. A silent drain on critical resources.

    Digitizing the gate is the first real step to an efficient terminal

    • It’s cost-effective: quick implementation and modular pricing.
    • It’s fast: up and running in one week.
    • It doesn’t require system overhauls.
    • It delivers high ROI: fewer errors, smoother flow, happier drivers.
    • And it makes a visible impact from the first truck at the gate.

    Your terminal looks modern the moment a driver crosses the gate without stepping out, paperwork or delays.

    In conclusion

    Digitizing the gate isn’t a trend, it’s an operational necessity. Prevent errors before they start, gain visibility from second one, save tens of thousands annually and make data-driven decisions.

    Want to know how much you’re losing each month by keeping your gate manual?

  • Weighing integrated into your systems: eliminate risks and accelerate your terminal

    Weighing integrated into your systems: eliminate risks and accelerate your terminal

    The container-weighing process is critical for safety, billing accuracy, and operational efficiency in any logistics terminal. Yet when weighing is handled manually and in isolation, it becomes a bottleneck that creates delays, recording errors, and hidden costs that can exceed hundreds of thousands of dollars per year.

    With the integrated weighing feature in Essentos Operations, we turn this critical step into an automated, fully traceable flow—connecting scales, your TOS, and operators in real time without interrupting daily operations.

    In this article we will explore in depth:

    • How manual weighing processes currently operate and why they fail
    • The economic and operational impact of every lost minute and every recording error
    • Technical and organizational causes that perpetuate inefficient weighing
    • The architecture and components of Essentos Operations’ integrated weighing
    • Real-world implementation cases with quantitative data
    • Additional benefits: traceability, compliance, and strategic insight
    • Best practices to maximize ROI and prepare your terminal for the future

    If you want to optimize your terminal, reduce costs, and improve the experience of customers and drivers, every area—including weighing—must be optimized.

    The current state of weighing: manual and disconnected

    Despite having electronic scales and centralized management systems, many terminals still rely on manual weighing. The typical workflow is:

    1. Paper or isolated system recording: the operator writes weights on printed forms or local spreadsheets.
    2. Manual entry into the TOS: a staff member transfers the data to the control system, risking transcription errors and duplicates.
    3. Queue waiting: when the scale is in use, trucks line up, increasing dwell times and wasting minutes.
    4. Shift handover backlog: at the end of the day, a backlog of pending entries delays information availability for planning.

    This fragmented, human-dependent approach turns weighing from a support function into a bottleneck affecting the gate, the yard, and train or truck dispatch.

    Lack of scale-to-TOS integration prevents real-time data access, limiting incident response and hindering traceability needed for audits or claims.

    Economic impact: every minute matters

    To illustrate manual-weighing costs, consider a medium-sized terminal weighing 200 containers per day:

    ConceptDataCalculationResult
    Containers/day200200 × 5 min each1,000 min = 16.7 h
    Operational cost/hour$40/h16.7 × 40$668/day
    Working days/month22668 × 22$14,696/mo
    Total annual cost—14,696 × 12$176,352/yr

    These direct costs rise further due to:

    • Data entry errors (3% of records) → 200 × 3% × $6/error = $36/day
    • Fines for undetected overweight (1 incident/week × $300) = $1,200/mo
    • Administrative reconciliation time (1 h/day × $30/h = $30/day)

    Approximately $200,000/yr in hidden losses—excluding reputational impact and driver dissatisfaction.

    Root causes: technical and cultural barriers

    Manual weighing persists due to a mix of factors:

    Isolated equipment

    Scales are often standalone devices with no API or network link, forcing offline processes.

    Lack of mobile hardware

    Operators lack tablets or RFID readers in the field, causing delays and workflow breaks.

    Parallel processes

    Weighing isn’t coordinated with the gate or yard, leading to redundant waits and unsynchronized data.

    Resistance to change

    Comfort with traditional processes and lack of tech training slow adoption of automation.

    How to integrate weighing into your systems, as Essentos Operations does

    1. Plug-and-play scale connection: secure APIs send weight data instantly to your TOS, no manual steps.
    2. Mobile terminals for operators: tablets and RFID readers with intuitive interface to display appointments and capture plate and weight.
    3. Automatic validation: configurable rules alert on tolerance deviations, off-appointment loads or data inconsistencies.
    4. Full audit log: each weighing is documented with timestamp, device, operator and optional container photo.

    Implementation includes:

    • Direct integration with your TOS/ERP in 5 days.
    • Operator training in 8 hours.
    • Real-time dashboards and control panel.

    Success story: 95% reduction in weighing time

    A Mediterranean port terminal deployed Essentos Operations for weighing in 5 days:

    Before implementation

    • Average weighing time: 12 minutes
    • Data entry errors: 4% of records
    • Queues of up to 10 trucks
    • Monthly incident costs: +$9,000

    After 2 months

    MetricBeforeAfter
    Weighing time12 min2 min
    Data entry errors4%0.2%
    Truck queues100
    Incident cost reduction$9,000/mo$1,000/mo

    “The change has been revolutionary: we operate without queues and trust every data point.” – Operations Director

    Strategic and operational benefits

    • No more disputes with drivers over incorrect weights
    • Real-time visibility for yard and train planning
    • Automated reporting for audits and compliance
    • Error-free data export to accounting systems
    • Improved NPS among drivers and end clients

    Future outlook: beyond weighing

    Once integrated weighing is established, the roadmap includes:

    1. Advanced analytics for predictive scale maintenance
    2. IoT integration for real-time cargo condition monitoring
    3. Automated labeling based on weight and dimensions
    4. Blockchain for immutable traceability in critical shipments

    Turn weighing into your competitive advantage

    The integrated weighing feature in Essentos Operations is more than a technical upgrade—it’s a cultural and strategic shift. Instantly cut costs, ensure data reliability, and speed up your process, positioning your terminal as a digital and efficiency leader.

    By automating every weighing step, you eliminate disputes, optimize planning, and gain the full traceability the market demands.

    Take the definitive step and transform weighing from a routine task into a competitive lever.

  • Digital vs Non-Digital terminals: What efficiency really looks like in intermodal logistics

    Digital vs Non-Digital terminals: What efficiency really looks like in intermodal logistics

    For years, many logistics terminals have continued to operate with outdated or partially manual systems. Paper-based processes, siloed spreadsheets, and verbal coordination remain commonplace across intermodal hubs, especially those not fully integrated with a modern Terminal Operating System (TOS). But what exactly is the cost of staying non-digital?

    In this article, we compare traditional (non-digital) terminals with digitalized ones to understand the tangible impact of digital transformation in intermodal logistics—and why TOS software is not just a convenience but a necessity.

    1. Visibility: From guessing to knowing

    Non-Digital terminals:

    • Lack real-time container tracking.
    • Relies on paper forms, radio calls, or walkie-talkies.
    • Operators often cannot locate a container or truck without physically checking.

    Digital terminals:

    • Offer real-time visibility of all container movements via TOS software.
    • Use sensors, cameras, and integrated data to track everything from gate entries to crane lifts.
    • Dispatchers and operators have a live dashboard accessible from any device.

    Impact: Digital terminals reduce search times for containers by over 80%, translating into faster turnarounds and fewer delays.

    2. Planning and yard optimization

    Non-Digital terminals:

    • Planning relies on manual sketches or whiteboards.
    • Yard congestion is frequent due to uncoordinated truck entries and stacking errors.
    • Resource allocation (cranes, labor) is based on guesswork.

    Digital terminals:

    • Operate with automated planning tools integrated into a logistics platform.
    • Use algorithms to optimize yard layout, container stacking, and gate appointments.
    • Predictive analytics allow for smarter labor and equipment usage.

    Impact: Through better yard planning and load distribution, digital terminals improve throughput by 20–35%.

    3. Data consistency and reporting

    Non-Digital terminals:

    • Data is handwritten or copied between systems.
    • High error rates, inconsistent formats, missing fields.
    • Reports take hours—or days—to compile.

    Digital terminals:

    • All events are logged automatically in the TOS.
    • Unified data models ensure consistency across operations.
    • Reports are generated instantly, with export options for clients, authorities, and partners.

    Impact: Reliable data strengthens client trust, supports audits, and enables evidence-based operational decisions.

    4. Operational costs

    Non-Digital terminals:

    • Labor-intensive processes increase staffing needs.
    • Unplanned downtime due to poor coordination.
    • High fuel costs due to inefficient equipment usage.

    Digital terminals:

    • Streamlined operations reduce labor and idle time.
    • Automations prevent delays and unproductive movements.
    • Monitoring tools cut maintenance and fuel consumption.

    Impact: Digital terminals report cost reductions of up to 25% in day-to-day operations.

    5. Client service and reliability

    Non-Digital terminals:

    • Communication with clients is slow and fragmented.
    • Difficult to estimate ETAs or confirm completed tasks.

    Digital terminals:

    • Share live updates via the TOS platform.
    • Automated notifications for arrivals, pickups, and status changes.
    • Self-service portals improve transparency for end clients.

    Impact: Digital terminals provide higher client satisfaction and retain more contracts long term.

    Why TOS software is no longer optional

    Digital transformation isn’t just about visibility—it’s about survivability. Intermodal logistics is evolving, and terminals that fail to modernize will eventually fall behind.

    A modern terminal operating system (TOS) like Essentos provides:

    • Real-time container tracking
    • Yard automation and optimization
    • Interoperability between transport modes
    • Operational analytics
    • Integrated gate and resource management

    These aren’t features—they’re requirements for any terminal looking to scale in a connected supply chain.

    Final thoughts

    Digital terminals are faster, more reliable, and more competitive. They make better use of assets, reduce overhead, and empower every stakeholder—from yard operators to end clients.

    The shift to digital isn’t about replacing people. It’s about giving them the right tools to do more with less.

    In intermodal logistics, efficiency is not a buzzword. It’s your bottom line.

  • Global container visibility is no longer a luxury-it’s the backbone of modern logistics

    Global container visibility is no longer a luxury-it’s the backbone of modern logistics

    For years, it has been considered normal for containers to get lost, delayed, or simply vanish. Trucks line up at terminals without knowing if their cargo has arrived. Coordinators make endless calls to locate assets in transit. Clients only get answers when it’s too late.

    At Essentos, we’ve seen how this lack of real-time visibility slows down supply chains and increases costs. Real-time container tracking shouldn’t be limited to isolated terminals—it should follow the asset across the entire route, from origin to destination.

    With modern industrial IoT solutions autonomous, low maintenance, and globally connected—full visibility is no longer aspirational. It’s accessible, and it’s a competitive edge.

    Real-time visibility: What it actually means

    This isn’t about spreadsheets or arrival emails. It means:

    • Knowing the exact location of every container, globally.
    • Seeing status updates across nodes and modes of transport.
    • Reacting to exceptions like idle containers or route deviations as they happen.

    This is especially powerful for companies with their own fleets, those using multimodal routes, or logistics operators needing transparency throughout the chain.

    Automated tracking for containers and cranes

    Essentos integrates autonomous IoT sensors that attach to containers, cranes, and other mobile equipment. These units don’t require cabling or ongoing maintenance, and provide live data over years of use.

    Our terminal operating system (TOS) translates this data into operational insights, delivering full situational awareness—from gate entry to final delivery—without relying on third-party reports or manual processes.

    Use case: Tracking a container across borders

    Imagine a container shipped from Southeast Asia to a distribution center in Spain. Along the way, it moves through ocean freight, rail terminals, and road transport. Traditional systems would require different updates at each step—often delayed or incomplete.

    With an integrated TOS and autonomous tracking:

    • Every movement is logged and timestamped in real time.
    • Stakeholders are alerted if the container is stationary for too long or deviates from the route.
    • All locations and events are visible in one unified dashboard.

    Use case: Crane and yard equipment visibility

    Grasping where key machines are—and what they’re doing—enables smarter resource allocation. Whether it’s reducing idle time, preventing interference, or optimizing shift usage, knowing the real-time status of your equipment changes how a terminal functions day to day.

    The cost of doing it right

    Digitizing 500 containers with long-life industrial sensors might range from $70 to $180 per unit, depending on autonomy, network, and coverage. That’s an investment of $35,000 to $90,000.

    Compare that to the cost of:

    • One lost container.
    • One missed delivery due to poor coordination.
    • One week of operational downtime from equipment mismanagement.

    ROI is typically under six months. After that, each asset you can trace is one less uncertainty in your network.

    Final thoughts

    Real-time visibility enables more than tracking—it enables decisions. And in the logistics business, better decisions are what move cargo, avoid costs, and satisfy clients.

    If your terminal doesn’t yet operate with an integrated TOS platform and autonomous tracking, now is the time to evaluate the gap. The advantage is not just in technology—it’s in timing.

    if you can’t see your container, you can’t secure your operation.

  • Types of freight railcars in railway transport:A complete guide

    Types of freight railcars in railway transport:A complete guide

    The importance of freight wagons

    Rail freight transport is one of the cornerstones of global logistics, thanks to its ability to move large volumes of cargo safely, economically, and sustainably. A key factor in its success is the use of freight wagons specifically designed for different types of goods.

    From heavy materials such as minerals and chemicals to consumer goods and vehicles, each type of cargo requires a specific wagon that ensures its protection and optimises the logistics process. In this guide, we will explore the main types of wagons used in rail transport and their applications.

    Types of freight wagons and their applications

    Rail freight transport is one of the cornerstones of global logistics due to its ability to move large volumes of cargo safely, economically, and sustainably. A key factor in its success is the use of freight wagons specifically designed for different types of goods.

    From heavy materials such as minerals and chemicals to consumer goods and vehicles, each type of cargo requires a specific wagon that ensures its protection and optimises the logistics process. In this guide, we will explore the main types of wagons used in rail transport and their applications.

    • Closed wagons (general cargo)


      Description: Fully enclosed wagons that protect the cargo from external factors such as rain, dust, and impacts.

      Applications: Transport of fragile goods, consumer products, clothing, household appliances, and electronic devices.

      Capacity: Up to 60 tons.
    • Hopper wagons (Bulk cargo)


      Description: Specifically designed for products such as grains, minerals, and coal. Loading is done from the top and unloading takes place by gravity through bottom hatches.

      Applications: Agricultural sector, mining, and chemical industry.

      Capacity: Up to 80 tons.
    • Flatcars (Intermodal)


      Description: They are flat platforms that allow the transport of containers, heavy machinery, and vehicles.

      Applications: Intermodal transport in logistics terminals and ports.

      Capacity: Up to 40 tons per container.
    • Tank wagons (Liquids and gases)


      Description: Specialized wagons designed to transport liquids such as fuels, oils, chemicals, and liquid food products.

      Applications: Energy, petrochemical, and food industries.

      Capacity: Up to 60,000 liters.


    • Open wagons (Gondolas)


      Description: Wagons without a roof designed for weather-resistant materials such as metals, wood, and construction products.

      Applications: Construction and heavy industry.

      Capacity: Up to 70 tons.
    • Car carrier wagons


      Description: Double-deck wagons designed for transporting vehicles. They are equipped with securing systems to ensure safety during transit.

      Applications: Automotive sector.

      Capacity: Up to 20 vehicles per wagon.

    Advantages of freight rail transport

    The use of specialized freight wagons offers numerous advantages for companies in industrial and commercial sectors:

    Cost reduction: Rail transport is more cost-effective than other modes over long distances.

    Sustainability: Lower carbon footprint compared to road transportation.

    Operational efficiency: Automated loading and unloading at specialized rail terminals.

    Security: Lower risk of accidents and theft.

    High capacity: Ability to transport large volumes in a single trip.

    Future trends in freight rail transport

    The rail sector is constantly evolving, driven by digitalization and the development of advanced technologies:

    Digitalization and automation: Use of intelligent systems for real-time management and monitoring.

    Smart wagons: Equipped with IoT sensors that monitor temperature, location, and cargo status.

    Sustainability: Introduction of electric and hybrid trains that further reduce CO₂ emissions.

    Advanced intermodal transport: Greater integration between rail, road, and sea transport to facilitate global supply chains.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    What types of goods can be transported in freight wagons?

    All kinds of goods can be transported, from agricultural products and construction materials to chemicals, cars, and consumer goods.

    How are freight wagons loaded and unloaded?

    It depends on the type of wagon. Closed and tank wagons require specific equipment, while hopper and flat wagons allow for automated operations at specialized terminals.

    What advantages does rail transport offer compared to other means?

    It is more cost-effective over long distances, offers higher load capacity, and produces fewer carbon emissions.

    Which companies primarily use rail transport?

    Companies in sectors such as mining, agriculture, automotive, petrochemicals, construction, and retail distribution.

    The future of freight rail lies in specialization

    In an increasingly globalized world, choosing the right type of freight wagon is essential to maximize operational efficiency, reduce costs, and improve competitiveness. Technology and sustainability will continue to drive innovation in rail transport, ensuring a more connected and efficient future. Companies around the world are already adopting these solutions to manage their supply chains more effectively. Are you ready to take your logistics to the next level? Choose rail transport and unlock its full potential!