Final answer:
The primary system to track and trace cargo involves technologies like GPS, barcoding, RFID, and supply chain management software. Cargo ships represent a significant part of this system, contributing to global trade and requiring efficient tracking for economic and environmental purposes, as discussed in studies by Kaluza et al. (2010) and Keller et al. (2010).
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary system used to track and trace cargo is a complex network that includes various technologies such as GPS tracking, barcoding, RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification), and sophisticated software systems for supply chain management. Tracking cargo involves monitoring the movement of goods through different modes of transportation, and it is crucial for managing the global supply chain efficiently. Cargo ships are one significant mode of transportation in this network and contribute to the globalization of trade by enabling the shipping of goods across the world's oceans.
A few decades ago, the focus was mainly on tracking solid or physical items that were transported by planes, trains, and trucks between countries. Economists refer to this measurement as the balance of trade. Studies, such as those by Kaluza et al. (2010), highlight the importance of tracking systems in understanding the complexities of global cargo ship movements. This tracking is essential not only for economic measurement but also for environmental monitoring and controlling invasive species, as discussed in the publications by Keller et al. (2010).
The implementation of global cargo ship movement analysis, as depicted in Figure 1.9 by Raul Valdez, illustrates how cargo ships integrate into the broader networks of global trade. Technological advancements have enhanced our capability to monitor these goods, ensuring their timely delivery and security throughout the transit process. These advancements have become vital tools for businesses and economies that rely on the efficiency and integrity of their shipping goods operations.