TRI-MEX and Millers to develop transport telematics

TRI-MEX International, providers of cargo monitoring and telematics services and Thomas Miller, which specialises in managing mutual insurance clubs, have concluded a strategic agreement focussing on the transportation and intermodal cargo sectors.

They will work together to develop a new and innovative range of systems and services which will aid the management of cargo transportation by helping to combat crime, enhancing operational speed and efficiency and maintaining transported products in prime condition.

TRI-MEX, an Anglo-Norwegian company founded in 1998, carries out multi-function monitoring and telematics services for the international transport industry. A round-the-clock communications system has three key components: on-board tracking devices; communications through satellite, cellular and radio technology; and monitoring through a 24-hour control centre in Oslo. There are links with emergency response organisations, including law enforcement agencies across the UK and European mainland.

Location and security information for ships, barges, containers, trains, trucks and trailers has been extended to monitoring, assessing and managing the condition of their perishable, hazardous and valuable cargoes---in near real time.


Peter Vyvyan-Robinson, TRI-MEX managing director, put the agreement into context.

"Despite increasing sophistication in the movement of goods by land and sea---in terms of carriage, containers, stowage and loading and unloading techniques---cargo claims remain a major headache for the transportation industry and their insurers. Cargo claims exceed those for personal injury, property, collision and pollution by number and by value while cargo crime is a serious and growing concern.

"By utilising leading edge telematics capabilities, road, rail and ship operators can enhance security, condition monitoring, optimum scheduling and efficient crisis response on a global scale.

"As an organisation steeped in the intermodal transport industry," continued Mr Vyvyan-Robinson, " Thomas Miller is a first class partner, offering exceptional understanding of the market and access to the industry's leading operators."

Bruce Kesterton, Thomas Miller's commercial director, said his company made an initial investment in TRI-MEX in June 2000 and was represented on its board. Co-operation with TRI-MEX could make a major contribution to the loss prevention activities carried out on behalf of Miller-managed mutual club members.


"We are seeking low cost solutions for the transmission of management data relating to transport operations. For example, this is important between ship and shore---enhancing vessel operation and allowing data about the status and management of cargoes to be shared.

"Our clients require innovative solutions to their ever changing requirements. This alliance with TRI-MEX will allow us to provide improved added value service around the world while helping our clients to meet the needs of their own customers."