Many of the technologies that were tested are commercially available and are already used in in commercial operations to enhance safety and efficiency. This research project combined the technologies in new ways to best meet the threats to hazardous materials transportation.

Tracking and Communications Technologies

• Wireless Satellite or Terrestrial Communications with Global Positioning System—in conjunction with the participants’ dispatch systems, the position/location and status of vehicles are automatically relayed to dispatchers at regular frequencies. Drivers and dispatchers are also able to communicate with each other through two-way text messaging.
• Untethered Trailer Tracking—uses sensors attached to trailers to relay reports of trailer connects/disconnects, trailer location, time, status, and other events to dispatchers.
• Routing and Geo-Fenced Mapping Software—with the vehicle/trailer position tracking technologies, sends alerts to dispatchers and provides frequent position reports if one of their trucks leaves a predetermined route (as might happen in a hijacking) or enters an area considered as highrisk (such as proximity to a national landmark).
• Panic Buttons—allow drivers to send emergency alert messages to dispatchers. If used with intelligent onboard computers, a driver-carried panic button unit can be used to remotely disable the truck.

Driver Authentication Technologies

• Biometrics and Smartcards—are used to positively identify drivers to shippers, consignees, and to their vehicles. Smartcards with predetermined driver-specific information will be used with biometric fingerprint scanners to validate drivers’ identities and record drop off, pickup, and truck start up events. When used in the truck, the “bio-login” process sends alerts to dispatchers if an unauthorized person attempts to operate the truck.
• Driver Authentication with Global Login—is an identification feature that requires a driver to enter a user id and password on a keypad in a truck. The login information is verified both locally and over the air using the wireless communication system. If this verification fails, alerts will be sent to dispatchers.

Electronic Shipping Documentation

• Electronic Supply Chain Manifest System—is a secure shipping manifest system that allows only authorized users, validated via biometric and smartcard identification to create or view hazardous materials shipping documentation or access loads. The system allows those with an essential role in the shipment to track the status of the shipments and know who had cargo access and when, from pickup to delivery.

Onboard Computers (OBCs)

• Intelligent Onboard Computers with Vehicle Disabling and Cargo Locking—integrates an OBC with wireless communications and vehicle operating systems to allow dispatcher-initiated remote vehicle shutdowns and trailer door locking/unlocking using electronic cargo locks.

Electronic Cargo Seals

• E-Seals—are intelligent cargo seals that can automatically alert dispatchers via wireless communications in the event of tampering. Alerts provide date, time, and location/position of the trailer when a seal is breached.