Implementing a Tracking and Intrusion Detection System for Transportation of Type B Packages: Implementation, Benefits, and Lessons Learned

The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Office of Radiological Security (ORS) has developed a tracking and detection system to address the difficulty of providing in-transit visibility and security of conveyances used to transport radioactive material. The Transport - Security Tracking and Reporting System (T-STAR) was developed to enhance security of high-consequence cargo by providing near-real-time tracking of cargo shipments and detection of cargo tampering using an inexpensive, modular system that provides alerts to authorized users via a streamlined web-based application accessible on a desktop or mobile device. While there are systems available to track the cab units and trailers, installing a tracking system on a Type B package inside a freight container presents a challenging environment. A T-STAR unit was installed on a 435-B package skid in order to provide real-time tracking of the package during operations (loading, transport, and unloading) as well as provide intrusion detection for the freight container using multiple motion, door, and cargo removal sensors. This presented some unique challenges requiring both battery and vehicle power supplies as well as internal and external antenna configurations in order to provide reliable short-term tracking of the package itself. In addition to the technical challenges, it was important to ensure that the system was easy to use, effective, and did not negatively impact operations during normal loading and unloading of the package and freight container. The benefits of installing such a system, such as increased visibility and understanding of operations, monitoring, and security will also be discussed.