How Queclink's GL33 Navigates Through Challenges and Retrieves Stolen Cargo

According to the National Association of Freight and Logistics, cargo theft in Brazil has reached alarming levels, with a staggering 13,000 occurrences reported in 2022. The survey indicated a persistent trend of this issue, incurring substantial financial losses of up to $1.2 billion USD for Brazilian companies per year. Products such as electronics, medicine, food, beverages, cigarettes, and fuel have been the most targeted, as they are more valuable and easier to sell on the black market, making them more attractive to criminals.

In light of these concerning facts and statistics, there is an urgent demand for a robust solution that can effectively combat cargo theft and assist in stolen cargo recovery. Queclink’s GL33, the 2G RF433 Box-Disguised Rechargeable Tracker, offers the ultimate defense against cargo theft. Employed by a company that provides solutions for risk management and cargo security in Brazil, the device has demonstrated its effectiveness in real-world scenarios. 

Challenges

Recovering stolen goods is a complex process influenced by various factors. First and foremost is the vast searching areas where cargo thieves are on the run. Assisted by the dense distribution channels, the thieves can quickly divert stolen goods through a series of intricate manoeuvres, including changing ownership, concealing identities, or even smuggling across borders, all of which makes it challenging for businesses to track and locate their stolen items.

The second is the inaccessibility when the goods are hidden in walled buildings. Cargo thieves often transport the stolen goods to remote locations, concealing them within warehouses, private properties, or underground markets. These places can be challenging to locate using conventional methods like GPS tracking, as the signals can hardly penetrate through the walls. Besides, gaining entry to private residences may necessitate coordinating with law authorities, which further complicates the situation.

Solution

Queclink has provided its GL33 as a reliable solution for cargo recovery. The device can be inserted in expensive merchandise packed mainly with carton boxes.  Disguised with a box cover, the GL33 is barely noticeable and enables covert monitoring without criminals being aware. Using a combination of GPS, LBS, and RF433/434 positioning, the device can guide the owner and the police to the exact place where they can retrieve the goods.

The GL33 transmits the GPS/LBS location information via GSM/GPRS to the server and can also be detected by a search device (detector device) operating through RF 433/434 MHz signal. In case of robbery or theft, the GPS function acts as a first layer of protection and uses a network of satellites to calculate the whereabouts of a tracking device. 

However, GPS’s effectiveness can be hindered in closed buildings. This is where Location-Based Services (LBS) come into play. The technology augments GPS tracking by utilizing cellular networks nearby to locate a tracking device. By combining GPS and LBS, GL33 can provide position information even in challenging environments where GPS signals may be obstructed or weakened, guiding owners to the building where the thieves are located.

Finally, the RF433/434 function is how the device utilizes Radio Frequency signals to offer accurate, proximity-based detection and helps retrieve the goods. The GL33’s RF433/434 mode can be automatically activated if it detects a continuous period of jamming, or be manually enabled via a GPRS or SMS command.

The owner can then pinpoint the precise location of their products with the help of a Marshall or Ayama RF433/434 pistol that continuously scans for signals emitted by the tracker. This works by first indicating the general direction in which the goods are placed with the pistol’s alert, and then narrowing in on the exact floor or room number as the sound intensifies.

The GL33 has a battery life of up to 30 days when reporting on an hourly basis; and it can still last for up to 5 days when the RF 433/434 mode is enabled and reports are uploaded every 5 minutes, leaving sufficient time for the owner to take actions and get back the cargo. The device is also rechargeable and alarms when the battery is running low, prompting a timely recharge.

In addition, when the GL33 is airborne, it can automatically switch on and off the flight mode as its built-in motion sensor detects and the algorithm identifies the take-off and landing of the plane. By doing so, the GL33 seamlessly adapts to flight regulations, ensuring compliance while providing uninterrupted tracking of goods.

Benefits

Queclink’s GL33 solution has benefited cargo owners in multiple ways:

  • Enhanced Coverage

The combination of GPS, LBS and RF433/434 function broadens the tracking coverage, so that even if the stolen cargo is hidden in areas with weak GPS signals or in urban environments with obstructed satellite views, the tracker can still provide valuable location data.

  • Improved Recovery Rate

With real-time tracking and accurate location data, the owner can now promptly coordinate with law enforcement agencies, providing them with precise information to conduct targeted operations. Combine that with the device’s disguised box cover and flight mode feature, the chances of recovering the stolen cargo are significantly increased.

  • Cost-Effectiveness

Recovering stolen cargo can be a costly endeavour for all stakeholders. By utilizing a reusable tracker that combines multiple location technologies, the costs are minimized and the financial losses are reduced.

About Queclink

Since 2009 Queclink Wireless Solutions has been “Driving Smarter IoT”.

Queclink is a pure play IoT hardware designer and manufacturer working with many well-known industrial and consumer companies to bring innovative IoT solutions to market. Its business units span transportation, asset and mobility, networks and agriculture. With 52 million IoT products delivered to over 140 countries, Queclink inspires data-driven solutions for its worldwide customers.

For more information, visit our website, LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook or contact sales@queclink.com.

Product involved