Asset trackers for trailers and non-powered equipment

Manage non-powered equipment with asset trackers

Put a stop to blindly walking equipment lots in search of containers, trailers, or the machinery you need to get the job done. Fleets of all sizes use asset trackers to help locate and manage the whereabouts of non-powered assets. Stop theft in its tracks with automated alerts whenever a piece of equipment leaves a specified zone. Track maintenance, utilization, and distance traveled with the help of our suite of asset trackers from Geotab GO Anywhere, Flex, and Phillips Connect. 

ORBCOMM LOGO

Orbcomm GT 1220 asset tracker

Orbcomm GT 1220

Solar-powered GPS asset tracker with global LTE connectivity (fallback); real-time and historical tracking; motion detection; configurable geofences and alerts; BLE support for sensors; tamper detection; integrated accelerometer and temperature sensing; IP67 enclosure

ORBCOMM LOGO

Orbcomm SC 1000 asset tracker

Philips SolarNet Asset Tracker

Solar-powered satellite asset tracker; global satellite connectivity (OGx network); real-time and historical GPS tracking; geofence and alert reporting; motion detection (start/stop); utilization, dwell and door monitoring; BLE sensor support; rugged IP67/IPX9K enclosure

ORBCOMM LOGO

Orbcomm CT 1000 asset tracker

CT 1000 Orbcomm asset tracker

Built for containers and dry-van trailers, the ORBCOMM CT-1000 is a rugged solar-powered asset tracker designed for global supply chain visibility. It combines GPS tracking, 4G LTE connectivity, and environmental monitoring in a durable outdoor enclosure.

Geotab logo

Geotab GO Anywhere asset tracker

Go Anywhere angle_Device

From trailers and containers to generators and operational equipment — how you track them matters. Geotab GO Anywhere helps fleet managers answer critical questions about their assets for more efficient management.

Geotab logo

Geotab GO Anywhere Plus asset tracker

Go Anywhere Plus by Geotab

Stay connected to your assets wherever they operate with Geotab GO Anywhere Plus. With satellite connectivity, wired power, and sensor capabilities, it provides continuous visibility and detailed utilization insights to help fleet managers track, manage, and optimize mixed fleets.

Geotab logo

Geotab GO Anywhere Next Gen asset tracker

Geotab GO Anywhere Next Gen asset tracker

Simple, long-life tracking for trailers, containers, and equipment. Geotab GO Anywhere Next Gen delivers hourly location updates, up to 10 years of battery life, and a High Frequency mode to help recover stolen assets.

Asset tracker comparison chart:

Which asset tracker is right to monitor your non-powered equipment? It all depends on how much information you need. Compare our selection of asset trackers to find the option that meets your requirements.

Specs & features
Reporting frequency
Data collected
Power source
Longevity
Operating temperature
Application
Ideal use case
Dimensions
Orbcomm GT 1220
Configurable reporting intervals; supports multiple messages per day and frequent updates (e.g., as often as every few minutes depending on configuration and power conditions)
GPS location; motion/start-stop events; geofence activity; dwell/usage insights; temperature data; battery status; door sensor data (via BLE or wired sensors)
Solar-powered with internal rechargeable lithium-ion battery
Up to 10 years (depending on usage)
-40°C to +70°C
Outdoors; designed for trailers, containers, and transport assets; installs quickly with tape or rivets (no wiring required in most cases)
Dry-van trailers, containers, and fleet assets requiring cellular-based tracking with strong coverage; ideal for fleet optimization, dwell time tracking, theft prevention, and operational visibility
16.37" × 3.62" × 1.00" (17.03" length with connector)
Orbcomm SC 1000
Every 30 minutes while in motion*; once every 24 hours when stationary* (configurable based on movement and settings)
GPS location; geofencing; motion events (start/stop); asset utilization/dwell; device temperature; optional door sensor data (BLE); shock/accelerometer events
Solar-powered with internal rechargeable lithium-ion battery
10+ years, designed for long-term, maintenance-free deployment
-30°C to +70°C
Outdoors; mounts via rivets, tape, magnets with tether, or zip ties; requires clear line-of-sight to sky for satellite connectivity
Remote or low/no cellular coverage areas; high-value assets; containers, trailers, heavy equipment and global assets requiring reliable satellite tracking and continuous visibility
8.8" × 3.0" × 1.1"
Orbcomm CT 1000
Configurable reporting intervals depending on asset movement and configuration (movement-based or scheduled reporting)
GPS location; geofencing; ambient temperature; motion detection; asset movement alerts; optional Bluetooth sensor data
Solar-powered with internal rechargeable lithium-ion battery
Upto to 10 years (depending on usage), can operate up to ~3 months without sunlight depending on configuration
-20°C to +70°C
Outdoors; mounts to containers or trailers (typically riveted or screwed to container corrugation)
Container fleets; dry containers; long-haul shipping assets; global supply chain monitoring; solar-powered asset tracking requiring location visibility and cargo monitoring
7.76" × 2.00" × 2.00"
Geotab GO Anywhere
Every 2,4,8,12 or 24 hours (default reporting every 24 hours) The tracker can operate in two modes: time based or movement based reporting
GPS; geofencing; battery level;
3 AA lithium iron disulfide batteries (not replaceable)
Up to 10 years (depending on ping rate and use)
-40˚C to +60˚C
Outdoors; adheres with magnet or screws
Asset doesn't move very often; time or movement based reporting is enough; just need location data
4.37” x 2.79” x 1.18”
Geotab GO Anywhere Plus
When unpowered, various time and movement reporting modes available (Including High Frequency every 15 minutes). When powered, reports in “Near Real Time”, leveraging Geotab’s patented Curve Logic algorithm
GPS, Geofencing, battery level and optional Starlink Satellite Connectivity option available
Hybrid, supporting both wired power and a field-replaceable Lithium battery
3-5 years, optimized with wired power
-40°C to +85°C
Adheres with self tapping screws or magnets
Asset that needs monitoring for ignition events, location, and unauthorized movement. Supports external Bluetooth sensors/beacons
4.92" × 2.80" × 1.18"
Geotab GO Anywhere Next Gen
Hourly location updates as standard, with High Frequency mode (a ping every 15 minutes) for critical events like theft
Multi-constellation GNSS (GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, BDS) location over LTE (CAT-M1); timely alerts for theft prevention and recovery
Li-MnO2 battery pack (non-rechargeable)
Up to 10 years operational life
-40°C to +70°C
Simple slap-and-track install; rugged IP67/IP69K enclosure tested against SAE J1455 standards
Non-powered assets that need simple, long-life location tracking and theft recovery with minimal maintenance
4.92" × 2.80" × 1.30" (125 × 71 × 33 mm)

Small Asset Tracking (Bluetooth Beacons)

For tracking tools, equipment, inventory, and personnel within facilities, small Bluetooth beacons provide cost-effective, real-time visibility at scale. Unlike satellite or cellular trackers, these devices are designed for indoor environments, short-range tracking, and high-volume deployments.

Link Labs E8 Asset Tag

Link Labs E9 Industrial Puck

Link Labs E9 Asset Puck

Link Labs Temperature Tag

Matrix iQ Tag iQ Card

Matrix iQ Industrial Tag iQ Puck

Matrix iQ Industrial Tag iQ Puck

Small Asset Trackers Comparison

Compare small asset trackers by battery life, range, durability, size, and best-fit use case to choose the right tracking solution for your equipment, inventory, and high-value assets.

Specs & Features
Battery Power:
Range:
Size:
Battery life:
Operational Temperature:
Durability:
Ideal use case:
Link Labs E8 Asset Tag
Replaceable coin-cell battery (230 mAh)
Up to 60 meters
36.5 × 23.7 × 5 mm; ultra-lightweight (6.5 g)
Upto 1 year
-20 - +60 degrees C
IP67; dustproof and waterproof
Best for tools, warehouse inventory, and small equipment tracking for for left behind reporting, and automatic asset linking
Link Labs E9 Puck Tag
CR2477, 1000 mAh
Up to 100 meters
49 × 66 × 17 mm; rugged flanged puck design
Upto 5 years
-20 to +70 degrees C
IP67; dustproof and waterproof
Best for tools, pallets, raw materials and finished goods tracking for left behind reporting, and automatic asset linking
Link Labs Temperature Tag
2 replaceable AAA batteries
Max range: 100 m; operational range: 15–25 m
70.6 × 38 × 17.8 mm
1 year+
Sensor range: -40°C to +70°C
IP65 rated; dustproof and protected against low-pressure water jets.
Best for cold chain and temperature-sensitive assets, with temperature sensing, local storage, and up to 100 m broadcast coverage.
Matrix iQ Tag iQ Card
Non-replaceable lithium battery
10–20 m indoors; 20–50 m outdoors
52 × 47 × 1.1 mm
2.5–3 years
-20°C to ~50°C
IP67; dustproof and waterproof
Best for discreet tracking in seat pockets, equipment compartments, IT assets, and high-value inventory.
Matrix iQ Industrial Tag iQ
Non-replaceable lithium battery
10–20 m indoors; 20–50 m outdoors
30 × 14 mm
2.5–3 years
-20°C to ~50°
IP68 rated; dustproof, waterproof, and temporarily submersible.
Best for rugged, hidden tracking on machinery, trailers, undercarriages, and heavy-duty assets.

How Small Asset Beacons Differ

Small asset beacons are designed for a different job than full GPS, cellular, or satellite asset trackers. Think of full asset trackers like smartphones: they are designed to collect and transmit detailed tracking data using cellular, satellite, or GPS-based connectivity.

Small asset trackers are more like business-grade AirTags. They are compact, discreet, and built to help locate tools, equipment, inventory, and other moveable assets through Bluetooth and compatible gateway networks.

Unlike consumer tags such as AirTags or Tile, business-grade small asset trackers are designed for commercial use. They can support features such as geofencing, location history, asset linking, battery visibility, and centralized tracking within a business platform.

  • Bluetooth-based tracking: Beacons use Bluetooth and nearby gateways or compatible mobile networks to help report location.
  • Lower cost per unit: Ideal for high-volume deployments where many tools, parts, or small assets need to be tracked.
  • Small and discreet: Easy to conceal in seat pockets, equipment compartments, undercarriages, or directly on high-value assets.
  • Best for assets that are hard to track with larger devices: Useful for tools, small equipment, IT assets, inventory, and moveable items.
  • Business-grade visibility: Unlike consumer tags, these solutions can support business use cases such as geofencing, location history, asset linking, and centralized platform visibility.
  • Global visibility may be possible: Some beacon-based solutions can support broader location tracking when provisioned correctly and when compatible gateway networks are available.

When to Choose a Small Asset Tracker

Choose a small asset tracker when you need a discreet, low-cost way to monitor tools, equipment, inventory, or high-value assets that do not require a full telematics device.

For trailers, containers, remote assets, or equipment that needs GPS, cellular, satellite, utilization, or detailed operational data, a full asset tracker may be the better fit.

Find the Right Asset Tracking Solution for Your Operations

From global container tracking to indoor asset visibility, Northern BI helps you design and deploy the right solution for your business.

Get expert guidance tailored to your assets, environment, and operational goals.

Better visibility
Better visibility

Provides the highest level of detail for tracking the location of your trailers and other assets.

Reduce costs
Reduce costs

Get a clearer picture of asset utilization for individual pieces of equipment. Right-size your fleet with use and maintenance data.

easy integration
Easy integration

Integrates your asset trackers easily with the MyGeotab software system.

high durability
High durability

Built for harsh conditions, our asset trackers are reliable even in extreme environments.

Right-size fleet inventory and avoid theft

Most large fleets have underutilized trailers, containers and other equipment parked in lots for weeks and months on end. The need to find efficiencies is a key driver for increasing profits and reducing unwanted expenses. With asset trackers and Geotab, your cargo works for you by collecting utilization data to support fleet right-sizing decisions. A 1% reduction in fleet size could more than cover the first-year cost of implementation.

Knowing the exact location of your fleet’s valuable assets can save considerable time and money. By using asset trackers and the MyGeotab software system, fleet managers can track their entire inventory in one place. Geofencing capabilities allow operators to be notified when an asset enters an unauthorized location – alerting them to a possible theft. Whether equipment is on or off the road, fleet managers can rest assured their trailers are exactly where they’re supposed to be.

Power fleet productivity and management

With Geotab, fleet managers have the power to put data into action by collecting insights about equipment location, use and movement. Not only that, but the solar-powered device tracks hours of use and mileage of equipment so you can stay on top of required and preventative maintenance. By knowing the exact location of your trailers, generators and containers, you can swap timely yard hunts and costly downtime for profitable business.

Frequently asked questions

1. What types of asset tracking solutions does Northern BI offer?

Northern BI provides end-to-end asset tracking solutions using satellite, cellular, and Bluetooth technologies. This allows us to support everything from global container tracking to indoor tool and equipment visibility.

2. How do I choose the right tracking solution?
  • Global / remote assets → Satellite tracking
  • Frequent, real-time updates → Cellular tracking
  • Indoor / facility tracking → Bluetooth beacons

Our team works with you to design the right-fit solution for your operations.

3. Can I track assets in remote areas without cellular coverage?

Yes. Our satellite-enabled solutions provide reliable global coverage, making them ideal for containers, trailers, and assets operating in remote or cross-border environments.

4. What kind of visibility and data can I expect?

Our solutions provide actionable insights such as:

  • Real-time and historical location
  • Movement and utilization
  • Geofence and security alerts
  • Environmental data (e.g., temperature, where applicable)

All accessible through a single, integrated platform.

5. How are the devices powered and how long do they last?

We offer:

  • Solar-powered devices for long-term, low-maintenance deployments
  • Battery-powered devices for flexible use cases
  • Hybrid options for advanced tracking needs

Battery life typically ranges from 1 to 10+ years, depending on usage and configuration.

6. Are the trackers suitable for harsh environments?

Yes. Our devices are built for real-world conditions, with rugged, weatherproof designs (IP67/IP69K) suitable for transportation, construction, and industrial environments.

7. Can these solutions integrate with my existing systems?

Yes. Northern BI solutions integrate with platforms like Geotab, enabling you to manage all asset data in one centralized system for improved decision-making.

8. Can Northern BI support large-scale deployments?

Absolutely. Whether you’re tracking a few critical assets or thousands globally, we provide scalable solutions, deployment support, and ongoing optimization to ensure long-term success.

Learn more about asset tracking

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