Freight and Fleet tracking and management systems and applications aim to reduce
uncertainty in every link of the multimodal transport chain and improve operational efficiency
between modes of connection. ICT management systems enable the tracking, monitoring and
controlling of cargo and vehicles: they are underpinned by the appropriate reporting tools and
based on real-time related information through the integration of various technologies such as
on-board computers, web-based tools and short-range identification technologies. For
example, the focus of the D2D project (D2D 2005) is on an integrated and global
management system for door-to door intermodal transport operations though the development
of a transport chain management system, a freight transport monitoring system and the
application of “smart technologies” to improve the efficiency of multimodal transport
operations. The main objective of the M-TRADE project (M-TRADE 2007) is an integrated
end-to-end system providing services related to tracking and tracing goods, the identification
of freight and efficient transhipment at terminals and nodes and monitoring transportation of
hazardous and perishable goods. A container door-to-door transport chain is conducted
through the use of advanced technology in the SMART-CM project (SMART-CM 2011).