Adaptive wireless node-implemented systems and methods are described for detecting an environmental anomaly related to a shipping container and reporting a layered alert notification to an external transceiver on a transit vehicle transporting the shipping container. The system has ID nodes within the container (a portion of which being associated with objects transported in the container), a primary command node within the container, and a designated survivor command node mounted to the container. The primary command node monitors signal activity from the ID nodes, identifies the environmental anomaly based upon the signal activity, generates the alert notification (identifying a targeted mediation recipient and mediation action, and establishing a mediation response priority), and transmits the alert notification to the external transceiver to initiate a mediation response. The designated survivor command node takes over as the primary command node when unable to communicate with the primary command node.