DB Schenker, a global logistics services provider, has introduced a service known as Smartbox in Hong Kong and China. The offering allows for the real-time monitoring of ocean containers from that region, utilizing sensor technology. DB Schenker Smartbox transmits a shipment's current global positioning system (GPS) coordinates, along with any deviation from the predetermined route. It also provides information on security parameters such as temperature, vibrations, activity at the container door and light inside the container. The technology is especially well-suited for products that are of high value and environmentally sensitive, such as consumer goods, electronics and healthcare items, DB Schenker said. Smartbox has been in use on the rest of world's major trade lanes since 2006. DB Schenker's China operations date back to the establishment of a Hong Kong office in 1966. The company comprises the business units DB Schenker Logistics and DB Schenker Rail, with 91,000 employees spread over some 2,000 locations. In a related announcement, DB Schenker Logistics has made available a shipment-tracking application for the Apple iPhone. It is available free of charge in the App Store under "DB Schenker" in English and German. Additional languages, include Chinese, Czech, Spanish, Turkish, Portuguese, Norwegian and Swedish are to follow, the company said.
