CONTAINER TRACKING WITH ATX774

INTRO

Tracking industrial containers and skips is essential to improving their security and logistics. Dumpsters, portable storage units, scrap bins, mobile toilets, and large containers are often left unattended at various locations, making them vulnerable to theft and misplacement.

CHALLENGE

Construction and demolition activities generate around 40% of all waste in Europe, requiring large numbers of skips and industrial containers to be delivered, collected, and relocated between sites. These units are often left unattended at construction sites, storage yards, or customer locations, making unauthorised movement difficult to detect.

Because containers are frequently moved, manual tracking can quickly become unreliable and location records outdated. As a result, units may be misplaced, collected late, remain unused, or be unavailable when needed. Losing a container can lead to costly replacement, unnecessary transport, operational disruption, and project delays.

Manual checks alone do not provide sufficient visibility or security. Companies need a reliable way to monitor each container independently, detect unexpected movement, maintain accurate location data, improve utilisation, and support recovery in the event of theft.             

SOLUTION

To address these challenges, we introduce a tracking solution for industrial containers, skips, portable storage units, mobile toilets, and other non-powered assets that are frequently stored or moved between different locations. 

At the core of the solution is the Teltonika ATx774, an autonomous tracker designed for long-term container monitoring in demanding outdoor conditions. Its flat casing allows the device to be mounted securely on the container surface, while dedicated mounting points allow secure installation using screws. On metal containers, it can also be attached using a magnet for quicker and more flexible installation. The IP68-rated casing protects the tracker against dust, water, and other environmental conditions commonly encountered at construction sites, storage yards, and waste-handling facilities.

ATx774 is available in two fixed battery options: a primary battery version and a rechargeable battery version. The primary battery version is best suited to containers that may remain deployed for years in remote locations or where regular access for charging is difficult. Depending on the reporting configuration and operating conditions, it can support up to 10 years of operation, helping reduce maintenance requirements.

The rechargeable battery version is more suitable for containers that return regularly to a depot, warehouse, or service point, where the tracker can be recharged between deployments. It is also suitable for applications requiring more frequent location updates or movement reports. As each ATx774 is manufactured with a fixed battery type, the primary and rechargeable batteries are not interchangeable.

How it works – ATC774 is mounted directly on each industrial container, skip, portable storage unit, mobile toilet, or site cabin, allowing every unit to be monitored independently.

Periodic location reports provide regular updates on the container's location. The device sends location updates at predefined intervals, allowing operators to confirm that containers remain at the correct site. This reduces reliance on manual checks and helps companies maintain an accurate overview of container availability.

Scheduled tracking provides additional flexibility by allowing companies to select specific times and days when location data should be collected. For example, the device can be configured to report the location of each container every working day at 5 p.m. This gives operators regular confirmation that assets are where they should be.

ATC774 also supports a movement-based tracking feature. In the on-move scenario, when a container is transported or relocated, ATx774 detects movement and begins sending location updates at predefined intervals, providing visibility throughout the journey. In the on-stop scenario, once the container becomes stationary, the device detects that movement has stopped and records its location after a predefined period.

These scenarios help companies track container transfers between construction sites, storage yards, customer locations, and other facilities. They also provide faster visibility when an asset moves unexpectedly, allowing the responsible operator to check its location and respond to possible unauthorised use or theft.

All collected data is transmitted over cellular networks to a tracking platform. Operators can view both the current and historical locations of each container, monitor movements between sites, identify unexpected relocations, and make informed decisions about asset allocation and recovery.

TOPOLOGY

BENEFITS

• Enhanced container security – movement-based tracking helps detect unauthorised relocation and supports a faster response to possible theft.

  
  

• Improved container management – scheduled and periodic location reports help operators know where each container is and ensure it is available at the right site.

  
  

• Reliable long-term tracking – the IP68-rated casing supports demanding outdoor use, while the primary battery version can operate for up to 10 years.

  
  

• Reduced reliance on manual checks – automated location updates save time and help operators manage containers across multiple sites more efficiently.

WHY TELTONIKA?

Teltonika’s telematics division offers reliable IoT solutions for industries managing valuable assets such as industrial containers. ATx774 helps improve security and asset visibility, helping companies reduce the risk of theft, loss, and misplacement while focusing on their daily operations, loss, or misplacement.

With Teltonika, businesses benefit from easy-to-use tracking technology, expert support, and a broad portfolio of asset trackers designed for different operational needs. Through continuous innovation, we help companies protect their assets, improve efficiency, and stay in control of their operations.