System and method for tracking a moveable asset transported by a vehicle

A system for monitoring location of a moveable asset transported by a vehicle, the system comprising:

• an active RFID tag adapted for mounting in association with the moveable asset, said RFID tag having a unique ID and a short-range communications transceiver;
• a telematics unit for installation in association with the vehicle and configured to determine a location in space of the vehicle in real time and having a short-range communications transceiver to effect short range communication with the active RFID tag associated with the moveable asset when the moveable asset is brought into proximity to the vehicle within communication range of the RFID tag so as to determine the ID of the RFID tag;
• and
• a remote monitoring center configured for long range communication with the telematics unit for receiving therefrom data indicative of an instantaneous location and time and an ID of an RFID tag associated with the vehicle and monitoring movement of the moveable asset associated with RFID tag;
• wherein:
• the telematics unit is configured to relay to the remote monitoring center the respective instantaneous location and time of the RFID tag only after the vehicle moves a distance that exceeds the communication range of the RFID tag.

A method for monitoring location of a moveable asset transported by a vehicle, the method comprising:

• mounting an active RFID tag in association with the moveable asset, said RFID tag having a unique ID;
• mounting in association with the vehicle a telematics unit configured to determine a location in space of the vehicle in real time to effect short range communication with the active RFID tag associated with the moveable asset when the moveable asset is brought into proximity to the vehicle within communication range of the RFID tag so as to determine the ID of the RFID tag;
• and
• conveying from the telematics unit to a remote monitoring center data indicative of an instantaneous location and time and the ID of the RFID tag associated with the vehicle for allowing remote monitoring of movement of the moveable asset associated with the RFID tag;
• wherein:
• the telematics unit relays to the remote monitoring center the respective instantaneous location and time of the RFID tag only after the vehicle moves a distance that exceeds the communication range of the RFID tag.