Use case · Assets and containers
Container tracking with the ATx774
Tracking industrial containers and skips is crucial to improving their security and logistics. Waste containers, mobile storage units, scrap bins, portable toilets and large containers are often left unattended at various locations, making them vulnerable to theft and loss.
Image: Teltonika Telematics
The challenge
Construction and demolition work generates around 40 % of all waste in Europe. Correspondingly large numbers of skips and industrial containers have to be delivered, collected and moved between locations. These units are often left unattended on construction sites, in yards or at customers’ premises, making unauthorised movements difficult to detect.
Because containers are moved frequently, manual records quickly become unreliable and location data goes out of date. As a result, units are misplaced, collected late, remain unused or are not available when needed. Losing a container can lead to costly replacement, unnecessary transport, operational disruption and project delays.
Manual checks alone provide neither sufficient transparency nor security. Companies need a reliable way to monitor each container independently, detect unexpected movements, maintain accurate location data, improve utilisation and support recovery in the event of theft.
The solution
To meet these challenges, we present a tracking solution for industrial containers, skips, mobile storage units, portable toilets and other unpowered assets that are frequently parked or moved between different locations.
At the heart of the solution is the Teltonika ATx774, an autonomous tracker for long-term monitoring of containers in demanding outdoor conditions. Thanks to its flat housing, the device can be securely mounted on the container surface; dedicated mounting points allow it to be securely screwed in place. On metal containers it can also be attached magnetically for faster and more flexible installation. The IP68 housing protects the tracker from dust, water and other environmental influences typical of construction sites, yards and waste management facilities.
The ATx774 is available in two variants with a built-in battery: with a primary battery and with a rechargeable battery. The primary battery version is best suited to containers that remain in use at remote locations for years or where regular access for charging is difficult. Depending on the reporting configuration and operating conditions, up to 10 years of operation is possible, which reduces maintenance effort.
The rechargeable battery version is better suited to containers that regularly return to a depot, warehouse or service point where the tracker can be charged between deployments. It is also suitable for applications that require more frequent location reports or movement reports. As each ATx774 is manufactured with a fixed battery type, the primary battery and rechargeable battery are not interchangeable.
How it works: The ATx774 is mounted directly on each industrial container, skip, mobile storage unit, portable toilet or site cabin, so that each unit can be monitored independently.
Periodic location reports provide regular updates on the container’s location. The device sends location data at defined intervals, allowing dispatchers to check whether the containers are at the right location. This reduces reliance on manual checks and helps companies keep an accurate overview of the availability of their containers.
Scheduled tracking offers additional flexibility: companies can define at what times and on which days location data should be recorded. For example, the device can be configured to report the location of every container at 5 pm on every working day. This gives dispatchers regular confirmation that the assets are where they should be.
The ATx774 also supports movement-based tracking. In the “On-Move” scenario, the ATx774 detects when a container is being transported or moved and starts sending location data at defined intervals – providing transparency throughout the entire journey. In the “On-Stop” scenario, the device detects as soon as the container is stationary again and movement has ended, and records its location after a defined time.
These scenarios help companies to track container movements between construction sites, yards, customer locations and other facilities. They also provide clarity more quickly when an asset moves unexpectedly, so that the responsible dispatcher can check the location and respond to possible unauthorised use or theft.
All recorded data is transmitted to the way4net Portal via the mobile network. There, dispatchers can see the current and previous location of each container, track movements between locations, detect unexpected relocations and make informed decisions about the deployment and recovery of their containers.
System overview
Graphic: Teltonika Telematics
Your benefits
More security for containers
Movement-based tracking helps to detect unauthorised relocations and enables a faster response to possible theft.
Better container management
Scheduled and periodic location reports show dispatchers where each container is and ensure that it is available at the right location.
Reliable long-term tracking
The IP68 housing is suitable for demanding outdoor use, and the primary battery version can operate for up to 10 years.
Fewer manual checks
Automatic location reports save time and help dispatchers manage containers across multiple locations more efficiently.
Devices used
Devices from Teltonika – available from way4net to buy or rent, bundled with the way4net Portal.
Note
Content and graphics based on the use case by Teltonika Telematics (original on teltonika-gps.com), translated and adapted for way4net. Device data according to manufacturer specifications. Together, we will work out which devices and functions suit your application – and you can test the solution with a 14-day trial.
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14-day trial
Talk to us about your requirements. We will put together a suitable solution that you can test for 14 days. Prices are quoted individually based on scope and requirements.
Available Mon–Thu 09:00–17:00 and Fri 09:00–15:00.
