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The Federal Board of Revenue, or FBR, frequently has shipping containers that are lost or stolen while in transit in Middle Eastern countries. This issue first came to light in 2010 when the board made discoveries about this happening, and vowed that it would not continue to happen. The FBR started to use GPS technology at this point, and began tracking the containers as they were shipped. This equipment was provided by PCE, a local consulting firm that has provided the FBR with GPS technology that allows workers to track the containers with the cell phone networks on the shipping route.

With the equipment provided by PCE, the FBR was able to determine if the containers were moving to an area where they should not be, and they could also determine if the containers had been opened or tampered with. This device was made in the Middle East, and it had the capability of housing a microphone or speaker for recording conversations or sounding alarms. This enables those controlling and tracking the GPS to listen in on those near the equipment, or talk to them if needed. The FBR has also hired people for the project and has begun tracking these containers, but has yet to disclose information as to the success or failure of these tracked containers.

Afghanistan is a dangerous region, and deliveries need to be made on time so that necessary supplies can be received on time. With the containers being stolen, supplies like food, shelter, and other essentials can often go missing for long periods of time. These GPS tracking devices should enable the authorities to successfully track and monitor the delivery of shipping containers to ensure that they arrive safely and in a timely manner.

By monitoring whether or not the containers have been opened, the FBR can prevent tampered goods from being used, and the speakers and microphones could provide clues that can help those in charge figure out who is behind the disappearing containers. Meanwhile, shipping companies in Afghanistan continue to wait to hear from developments to find out what progress has been made and how the containers will be protected.

Article Written by Nichole DeCoust