Shipping container monitoring and tracking system

Abstract

The invention provides a system for monitoring a container for transporting cargo. The system includes an onboard device attached to the container and a central computer system. The central computer system processes alerts transmitted by the onboard device. The onboard device includes a processor/sensor component and an antenna component. The processor/sensor component comprises a processor for controlling the device. The processor/sensor component also includes one or more sensor in communication with the processor for sensing container conditions. A satellite modem in the processor/sensor component transmits alerts relating to container conditions and other satellite communications. The antenna component includes a satellite antenna, which is connected to the satellite modem.

1 . A device for monitoring a container for transporting cargo, the device comprising: 
 a. a processor/sensor component comprising: 
 i. a processor for controlling the device;  
 ii. one or more sensors in communication with the processor for sensing container conditions;  
 iii. a satellite modem in communication with the processor for transmitting satellite communications comprising alerts relating to container conditions; and  
 iv. a connection to a power source; and  
   b. an antenna component connected to the process/sensor component, the antenna component comprising a satellite antenna connected to the satellite modem.