Background

In 2022, CargoNet recorded a total of 1,778 supply chain risk events throughout the United States and Canada, reflecting a 15% year-over-year increase. These risk events, as defined by CargoNet, involved either the theft of one or more heavy commercial vehicles or the theft of cargo within the vehicle. According to their estimates, $223 million worth of cargo was stolen, with an average value per incident amounting to $214,104—a notable increase of 24% compared to the previous year.

Positioning Universal’s connected car devices have geofence and “after hour” alerts which provide immediate notifications if assets are stolen. Our connected car technology also provide real-time notifications, such as open/closed door monitoring alerts via sensors. If your assets have a tracker, real-time tracking will enable fleet companies to secure them and minimize losses.

Background

The U.S. is in the process of modernizing its Global Positioning System (GPS) network with the January 2023 launch of its 6th of 10 GPS III satellites designed by Lockheed Martin. Once this GPS III network is fully deployed over the next several years, it will provide the following improvements over existing GPS technology:

1. Greater Accuracy: GPS III satellites are designed to be 3x more accurate resulting in an accuracy range improvement from 5- to 10-meters to 1- to 3-meters.
2. More Powerful Signals: GPS III signals are more powerful, allowing them to better overcome interference that degrades existing signals.
3. Increased Interoperability: GPS III satellites will be compatible with international global navigation satellite systems, which allows users the ability to receive signals from any country’s satellites.

The remaining 4 satellites are in storage at a Lockheed Martin facility in Colorado with the next GPS III satellite scheduled to launch in mid-2024. The U.S. Space Systems Command is already working with Lockheed Martin on next evolution of the GPS III satellite technology which is GPS IIIF (F = Follow On). GPS IIIF will feature a fully digital navigation payload and even greater accuracy.

At Positioning Universal, we continuously monitor relevant technological advancements, including the evolution of GPS satellites. As this modernized GPS network is implemented, we are committed to thoroughly assessing and revising our device architecture as needed, ensuring that we are fully prepared to extend the value we provide to our customers.