FoodLogistics.com |

Charleston, SC: The South Carolina State Ports Authority (SCSPA) and Savi Networks announced an agreement to extend the SaviTrak information service to three container terminals at the Port of Charleston to enhance the security and efficiency of in-transit cargo shipments.

The installation of SaviTrak’s standards-based Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) infrastructure at the fourth busiest container port on the East and Gulf coasts will automate visibility of RFID-sealed containers and their contents, providing the port and its customers with real-time location and status information, automated alerts, and analytics.

SaviTrak, Mountain View, CA, will link South Carolina’s Wando Welch, North Charleston and Columbus Street terminals, which account for 2 million container shipments a year, with a global network of trade lanes at partner terminals in Asia, North and South America and Europe.

“In an era of constant terrorist threats and growing trade, it's vital that we balance commerce with security,” says Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC).

“Projects that bolster the Port of Charleston's aggressive port security posture while facilitating cargo flow are exceptionally important.”

“With some of the most productive container terminals in the nation, we view SaviTrak as a best-of-breed technology solution that enhances supply chain visibility and security for shippers using the Port of Charleston,” says Bernard S. Groseclose, president and chief executive officer of the SCSPA.

“Linking the information about location, environmental and security status to the physical flow of cargo provides improved supply chain visibility to shippers using our port, while enhancing maritime security.”

“South Carolina’s port terminals are strategically critical transportation hubs, and we’re delighted that the State Ports Authority is joining our global partnership of port and terminal operators,” says Steve Sewell, senior vice president of Network Development and Government Affairs for Savi Networks.

“All users of our global information service benefit as we add new partners, and we’re pleased that Charleston’s terminals will become a significant new link in the global supply chain network.”

Savi Networks has partnerships with major port and terminal operators to build infrastructure at more than 80 terminals worldwide. The SaviTrak information service is built upon open technologies that process real-time data feeds from RFID devices such as electronic seals (E-Seals) that are based on ISO 18000-7 standards.

The SAFE Port Security Act of 2006 calls for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to define the voluntary use of container security devices in accordance with international standards, specifically referencing ISO.

SaviTrak also receives and processes information from other Automatic Identification and Data Collection (AIDC) technologies, such as barcodes, EPC-compliant passive RFID and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) used to track ships and trucks transporting ocean containers. SaviTrak provides customers with real-time status about scheduling and financial impacts on their in-transit inventory.