An asset tag apparatus and methods of monitoring assets with an asset tag are provided. The asset tag apparatus includes a housing and a wireless transmitter located within the housing. A processor is located within the housing, wherein the processor is in communication with the wireless transmitter. An accelerometer is positioned within the housing, wherein the accelerometer is in communication with the processor, wherein a wake-up signal is transmitted from the accelerometer to the processor in response to an activation of the accelerometer, and wherein the wireless transmitter transmits a signal externally from the housing in response to the wake-up signal received by the processor.