Why does RFID visibility fail during multimodal transfers?

RFID relies on fixed reader infrastructure (antennas and handheld scanners) typically installed at distribution centers, loading docks, and storage facilities. This infrastructure is not economically feasible to deploy on ocean vessels, rail cars, or open container yards. When cargo leaves a zone with RFID coverage, tracking signals stop entirely until the asset re-enters another RFID-equipped facility, creating a visibility gap during the most critical stages of transit.

How do autonomous GPS trackers differ from RFID for cargo tracking?

Autonomous GPS trackers use long-life batteries and operate without requiring fixed reader infrastructure. They provide continuous location data and status monitoring across any transport mode: truck, rail, or sea. Unlike RFID, which needs readers to scan tags, these trackers actively transmit their location via cellular or satellite networks, enabling real-time ETAs and alerts throughout the entire journey.

What was the impact of UPS's RFID investment on visibility?

In April 2026, UPS activated RFID sensing across its entire US small package network, including all delivery vehicles, facilities, and over 5,500 UPS Store locations. The results included a 70% reduction in misloads and the elimination of 20 million manual scans daily. However, this infrastructure only works within UPS-controlled touchpoints, highlighting why complementary tracking solutions are needed for multimodal shipments.

Do GPS trackers require complex IT infrastructure or subscriptions?

No. According to the article, Sensolus' solution does not require fixed reader infrastructure, complex IT projects, or SIM subscriptions to track containers across Europe and North America. The platform converts tracker data into reliable ETAs and alerts, providing an accessible alternative to heavy capital investments.

How many organizations are already using this type of tracking solution?

Sensolus has deployed its tracking solution to more than 500 customers across North America and Europe, demonstrating growing market adoption for autonomous GPS-based cargo visibility in multimodal supply chains.

Technology & Innovation

Moderate

Closing the Multimodal Visibility Gap: GPS Trackers Bridge RFID Blind Spots

Oct 22, 2026

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The signal

Supply chain professionals face a persistent visibility challenge: RFID infrastructure provides excellent tracking within controlled environments like distribution centers, but signals disappear once cargo transitions to ocean freight, rail, or open yards. While UPS invested over 100 million dollars in RFID rollout across its US network, achieving 70% fewer misloads and eliminating 20 million daily manual scans, this technology creates a new problem.

The moment tracked assets leave RFID-enabled zones, organizations lose real-time situational awareness precisely when cargo is most vulnerable during multimodal transfers. Sensolus addresses this gap with battery-powered GPS and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) trackers that operate independently of fixed reader infrastructure, maintaining location and condition data across every leg of the journey.

For companies managing international shipments across North America and Europe, this represents a structural shift in how end-to-end visibility can be achieved without complex IT investments or SIM subscriptions. The technology enables reliable ETAs and alerts when traditional RFID coverage ceases, directly tackling one of logistics' most persistent operational blind spots.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What This Means for Your Supply Chain

Simulation Suggestion

immediate

What if a pharma shipper requires +99% tracking compliance across all transport modes?

Simulate a pharmaceutical company deploying autonomous GPS trackers to achieve regulatory-grade visibility (99%+ uptime) on temperature-sensitive, high-value shipments crossing ocean and land borders. Model the impact of real-time cold-chain alerts on product quality compliance, customer SLAs, and regulatory risk mitigation. Compare against current scenario of partial RFID coverage and post-hoc exception audits.

Run this scenario

Simulation Suggestion

this month

What if a retailer loses visibility on 30% of ocean freight shipments due to RFID gaps?

Simulate the operational and financial impact if a mid-size retailer managing 200 container shipments monthly experiences complete visibility loss during ocean transit (typically 10-25 days). Assume current exceptions handling costs USD 500 per shipment, and delayed goods-receipt creates safety stock penalties. Model the improvement scenario if real-time tracking reduces exception handling by 80% and enables demand-responsive inventory.

Run this scenario

Simulation Suggestion

strategic

What if implementing autonomous tracking reduces exception handling costs by 60%?

Model the ROI of deploying GPS trackers on a high-volume multimodal corridor (e.g., China to US East Coast via rail and truck). Assume current per-shipment exception cost is USD 350 (manual investigation, rework, customer service). Calculate payback period, total cost of ownership, and working capital improvement if tracking reduces exceptions by 60% and accelerates cash-to-cash cycle by 3 days.

Run this scenario

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