"We can see everything at a glance"

• Spedition Bode relies on telematics from idem telematics for its intermodal transport operations
• The transport company uses the cargofleet 3 platform and has also integrated third-party suppliers
• Indispensable telematics solution for innovative day-to-day business in the transport industry

Spedition Bode has switched the telematics in its fleet to idem telematics, enabling it to master the special challenges of intermodal transport to Scandinavia, among other things.

Munich/Ulm 29.09.2025 -- "The telematics solutions from idem have become indispensable for us" says Dennis Willers, fleet manager at Spedition Bode. "Whether on my smartphone or desktop computer: I can see where each vehicle is located worldwide at any time and respond accordingly, answer questions or solve problems". The North German transport company moves goods between Germany, Southern Europe and Scandinavia every day with 1,000 loading units – 95 percent of which are used for intermodal transport. These are primarily temperature-controlled transports, including transports for a large food discounter: from fruit and vegetables, beverages, paper and steel to frozen products. According to Willers, telematics provide a comprehensive overview of location, operating hours and other vehicle data on a central platform: "That only became possible with idem telematics. We were able to integrate the systems of all manufacturers installed in out fleet".

"Full service package"

Bode became familiar with the brand through Kögel trailers. "The technology immediately won us over" reports Willers. After thorough testing in 2024, the company decided to make the switch and integrated everything into cargofleet 3, the central telematics portal from idem telematics. Existing Thermo King refrigeration units and systems from Optifleet, Krone and Volvo were also successfully integrated via API interfaces. "We received a full service package, that is not readily available elsewhere. For example, it is not a given that tractor units can also be integrated. We work very well with idem in this area".

Intermodal transport places the highest demands on technology: "When one of our semitrailers travels from Italy to Sweden or Norway, for example, it is only supplied with electricity until it leaves Verona and then travels completely without a tractor unit to the north" explains Willers. This means that the telematics box may have to continue operating for a whole week without an external power supply at temperatures ranging from 20 degrees Celsius to minus 30 degrees – for example, in the event of weather-related interruptions such as flooding and storm damage. "idem's solution can easily withstand such issues and have proven to be completely reliable", says Willers. "Everything can be imported and, if necessary, the data can also be forwarded to third-party systems such as Transporeon, Project44 or FourKites".

Automatically read out speedometer data

Bode uses TC Trailer Gateway BASIC: in addition to vehicle tracking and EBS data readout, it also offers intermodal configuration in combination with the Analyze telematics service – idle times are recorded and evaluated. "If there is a problem somewhere along the route and a transport comes to a standstill, we can see exactly where and when it happened". "TC Truck 4G" is used in the tractor units: once the tachograph has been set up, the hardware for trucks with 4G mobile communications automatically records data from vehicle and digital tachograph driver (smart) cards.

"This means we no longer have to run to the vehicles with a memory stick and read everything out individually" says Willers. "It runs smoothly, the data is recorded continuously – as soon as the driver turns on the ignition, the data is transmitted. This saves an enormous amount of time". The system also detects breaches of driving times, can evaluate and archive them, and provides a driving style analysis for fuel-efficient driving. In addition to further functions such as satellite positioning, track & trace, geofencing or door monitoring, it is also possible to read and process vehicle data from trucks and trailers.

Integrated maintenance calendar

A further component is the integrated maintenance calendar. Based on the current operating hours, the system automatically calculates the next service dates. "We immediately see which vehicle needs to go to the workshop and when" says the fleet manager, describing the efficiency gains. The live overview of all vehicles makes route planning significantly more efficient: "our dispatchers can track routes in real-time, see exactly where there are delays and when the driver is expected to arrive". The result: more precise planning and more routes per vehicle. Thanks to real-time tracking, customers know when their goods will arrive and can prepare the ramps accordingly. "Customers appreciate the fact that the location can be tracked seamlessly, especially when it comes to security transports". Drivers can also access their own data, which is a plus for Willers: "When they call with questions about driving times, we can immediately check where there is potential for optimisation".

The history of Spedition Bode dates back to 1949, when it was founded as "Hans-Hermann Bode Bahnamtliche Spedition". On behalf of the Deutsche Bundesbahn, it began long-distance transport in 1954 and has grown continuously ever since – most recently in 2023 with the opening of its new headquarters in Reinfeld, Germany, which include office and social areas as well as a five-track service station. For Bode, the telematics solutions from idem telematics are a key component of its comprehensive modernisation campaign. "We are continuously working to remain fit for the future, which is why we are currently positioning ourselves to be even more digital and modern" says Willers. "idem telematics is an important partner in this regard, supporting secure and innovative day-to-day business in the transport industry with its proven solutions".