Testimonials IoT SIM card makes all the difference in tank container transport

Intermodal Telematics (IMT) develops solutions for the logistics sector, focusing on intermodal tank containers – transportable by rail, water and road – and freight wagons. The core product of this Dutch company is the Communication & Location Terminal (CLT): a telematics device equipped with a GPS receiver for location tracking, a motion sensor and a shock sensor. The device also connects to other sensors on a tank container or wagon that measure parameters such as internal pressure, product temperature and fill level.

Mobile connectivity via IoT SIM card

Connectivity is the backbone of IMT’s solution. The CLT transmits all the collected data to a central server via a mobile connection using an IoT SIM card from Orange Business. The result is real-time access to valuable information for logistics providers. Through an online dashboard or mobile app, they can track every shipment in real time and review historical data on location, temperature and other sensor readings.

IMT’s solution is used to monitor the transport of chemicals, petroleum products, pharmaceuticals and liquid foodstuffs such as fruit juices and alcoholic drinks. Today, more than 60,000 tank containers and 40,000 freight wagons are equipped with a CLT. About 70% of these tank containers carry temperature-sensitive goods — such as food or chemicals — where continuous monitoring is essential for safety and quality.

“In the highly competitive world of transport and logistics, success depends on the quality and timeliness of information,” says Frits Huijgen, Director Operations at Intermodal Telematics BV. “Our partnership with Orange Business ensures that more than 60,000 tank containers and 40,000 freight wagons equipped with our technology can transmit critical data almost in real time. This enables proactive decision-making and improves both safety and operational efficiency.” 

Increased safety, lower cost

One major advantage of this IoT solution is improved safety. When a sensitive cargo exceeds predefined temperature thresholds, the logistics provider is immediately alerted and can take action. That real-time insight enhances safety during the transport of chemicals and other hazardous goods, enabling faster, and often proactive, intervention. This helps prevent accidents and cargo loss, reducing both risk and cost.

The instant availability of cargo information also benefits the customers of logistics providers. They can track shipment status directly, allowing them to plan loading and unloading more efficiently. This not only eliminates unnecessary — and costly — waiting time, but also replaces the typical flood of emails and phone calls asking whether the delivery will arrive on schedule.

Data-driven decisions

Equally importantly, the solution offers transport companies a major operational advantage. Thanks to the IoT SIM cards from Orange Business, which provide global connectivity, they can track their containers and wagons in real time and manage their fleets more efficiently. International companies can easily move across borders without any disruption in sensor data transmission. 

The IMT story clearly shows that in today’s competitive logistics and transport industry, IoT connectivity has become indispensable. Real-time data availability allows logistics companies to make the right decisions at the right time, improve service levels, and ensure transport safety. Standing next to a 25-ton tank container, you would never suspect that such a small component, the IoT SIM card, could make such a big difference.