Radio-frequency technology was cutting edge at terminals in 1990s

Every week, FreightWaves explores the archives of American Shipper’s nearly 70-year-old collection of shipping and maritime publications to showcase interesting freight stories of long ago.

This article comes from the May 1991 issue of American Shipper and celebrates the launch of what at the time was a cutting-edge technology — radio frequency. The article is a great look at the contrast from today’s ubiquitous use of RFID tech in terminals.

Matson terminal to be automated

Radio-frequency signals...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/radio-frequency-technology-was-cutting-edge-at-terminals-in-1990s

Using RFID in the automotive industry — Transmission

Most automakers rely on “just-in-time” manufacturing to optimize production. That model requires precise coordination throughout every link in the global supply chain. And that’s where AIT Worldwide Logistics comes in. AIT’s automotive logistics professionals are the experts at developing resilient, scalable solutions for OEM and Tier 1 supply chains across Asia, Europe, and North America. AIT has the expertise, technology, and carrier connections to achieve your production goals —...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/using-rfid-in-the-automotive-industry-transmission

Management ‘by surprise’

Did you know that the U.S. rail industry had a chance to be the freight industry leader in offering customers a robust cargo tracking and shipment exception service?

Yes. Between 1992 and 1994, three of the largest Class I railroads were united with American President Lines and Amtech Logistics Corp. in a venture to capture car movement data and package it for their customers’ supply chain management needs. It would have provided “freight car location messaging” (CLM in railroading terminology)...

https://s29755.pcdn.co/news/management-by-surprise