Welcome to the first edition of “Cover Your Asset – the Tech Column for the Transportation Industry.” Our goal is to discuss how and why companies are using M2M-based technologies to streamline their businesses and save money. 

The idea for the column started almost a year ago, at the M2M Evolution Conference in Miami. CH Robinson’s Chris McLoughlin opened a session on asset tracking technology by saying he “didn’t realize what they were doing was considered M2M…” The comment resonated with the audience, who were mostly interested in learning how to save money and viewed the technology as a means-to-an-end. 

Since that event in January, a lot’s been said (and written) about the use of M2M technology in the transportation industry:

• Industry analysts, like Compass (News - Alert) Intelligence’s James Brehm, consider transportation to be the leading vertical industry for M2M solutions.  
• Major commercial airlines, such as Southwest Airlines, have adopted M2M-based asset tracking technology for their air cargo customers. 
• Parcel delivery companies, like DHL Same Day, have embraced M2M technology to track time and temperature sensitive shipments. 
• Insurance companies, like GSIS, are offering customized policies that provide discounts to shippers who utilize asset tracking technology.
• Organizations like TAPA (the Transported Asset Protection Association) and NASCO, (the North American Corridor Collation), are setting standards and helping companies identify technology and best practices to streamline their supply chains.
• Technology providers, like OnAsset (News - Alert) Intelligence and others, continue to refine solutions that track the location, temperature and other conditions of cargo during transit. 
• And perhaps most importantly, thousands of companies (manufacturers and third-party logistics providers) are starting to view M2M technology as a way to increase the efficiency, and decrease the costs of their supply chains. 

The result is the intersection of an emerging technology, with a growing industry that’s actively seeking that technology. 

In the weeks and months ahead, this column will provide updates on emerging M2M solutions; it will highlight how companies are using M2M technology to enhance their businesses; it will include updates on the upcoming M2M Evolution Conference in Miami; and it will feature interviews with many of the industry’s leading analysts and thought leaders.

Stay tuned, and thanks for reading. 

-Todd