Guardfreight’s E-Containerlock tipped to save billions

From Logistics Update, 8 April 2015


A Midland company has launched an innovative locking device which aims to put a stop to the scourge of theft from shipping containers – a practice which is estimated to cost around £54 billion each year.

E-Containerlock has been developed by Droitwich-based Guardfreight and can be fitted to all types of shipping containers, roller shutter doors, trailer barn doors and bulk liquid tankers. The device, which has been developed by Guardfreight directors Andrew Harrison and Wayne Cressman, overcomes several security flaws experienced by conventional locks. It also features a unique, in-built GPRS tracking system that provides location updates and immediate alerts if entry is forced.

The product has just completed nine months of rigorous testing and global trials, with more than 300 journeys across the US, Asia, Africa, South America and Europe made with E-Containerlock fitted. Pre-release interest has seen a number of devices delivered and trialled by potential customers from the US and Mexico to Africa, Europe and the Middle East.

Explaining its benefits, Harrison said: “There are numerous ways of breaking into shipping containers, taking the contents and then closing them so it doesn’t look like they’ve been tampered with.

And although the device was created purely for shipping containers, other potential uses are already being explored. Government revenue authorities have expressed interest with view to clamping down on tax evasion caused by companies or individuals not declaring the transportation of transported goods through their provinces, regions or countries. Guardfreight also believe its system could be used for tackling illegal immigrants, as the operator will know the moment a lock on any trailer or even a curtainside has been breached.

Cressman said: “The trials have gone really well and we are already using the results to effectively market the product to resellers, governments and intermodal freight specialist Customers can buy the E-Containerlock as a one-off purchase or alternatively they can take out a licensing agreement where they pay a monthly fee and then use it as and when is required.

Source: http://www.logupdateafrica.com/index.php/guardfreights-e-containerlock-tipped-to-save-billions/