USA, Canada: The announcement was made by the North American joint venture, which comprises 11 major market players. These include operators CSX, Norfolk Southern, CPKC, Union Pacific, GATX, etc. as well as railcar builders Greenbrier and Trinity Rail.
The platform leverages data from onboard sensors, GPS, and other telematics to monitor the location, condition and serviceability of railcars. It is indicated that the system furnishes near real-time data to operators via a web portal and other interfaces and additionally provides them with access to reports for further analysis.
A Nexxiot GPS on a freight car of Union Pacific installed as part of the RailPulse project. Source: Union Pacific
The launch represents the ultimate outcome of a two-year period of development and testing, during which three telematics suppliers, Nexxiot, ZTR, and Hitachi Rail participated. Subsequently, Amsted Rail became involved in these activities, which has developed its own telematics platform.
