Trailer telematics and the 'smart' trailer evolution

Trailer telematics and the ‘smart’ trailer evolution

Trailers are in a unique position. No, I don’t mean behind the tractor (hey-O!). I’m talking about the current phase of the trailer telematics evolution. While trailer telematics has mostly revolved around GPS location tracking (and that’s still important), the amount of data that trailer components are generating—from wheel ends and tires to lighting and even the cargo space—is growing.

With more data comes more intelligence.

We’ve seen it happen on the tractor side—a massive data lake is filled with operational information that can be analyzed and acted upon to impact everything from operation to serviceability. That’s coming to trailers. The question is: How? Or perhaps more importantly: How can you ensure the trailer industry creates data-rich solutions that meet your fleet management and data integration needs?

Let’s find out. I connected with Rob Phillips, president and CEO; Jim Epler, general manager; and Jessica Smith, director of business intelligence and analytics, Phillips Connect. We talk about the current state of trailer telematics, what makes a “smart” trailer smart, and how fleets can work with their service providers to ensure solutions are developed with their needs in mind. Watch the video above.

No script? No plan? No problem. Welcome to Fleet Equipment Unscripted—the video interview series that connects you with the greatest minds in the heavy-duty trucking world.

Bookmark the Fleet Equipment Unscripted page to catch all of our Unscripted episodes, and subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here to have the latest news and in-depth trucking stories delivered straight to your inbox.

Fleet Equipment Unscripted is sponsored by Hendrickson.

You May Also Like

Online truck parts buying is happening, but are you getting what you need?

Buying truck parts online is more complicated than a Prime impulse purchase.

Fleet-Pride-Online-Parts-Buying-1400

There’s no debate: Online truck parts buying is happening, but not without its challenges. Truck part purchasing demands the correct specs. When you have websites offering a single, blurry product image, with specs that are kind of correct, you roll the dice on an attractive price for a part that may or may not fit.

Peterbilt previews PACCAR’s hydrogen internal combustion engine powertrain

The decarbonization potential of hydrogen-fueled powertrains in the heavy-duty trucking Industry.

2-peterbilt-1400
Buying a truck goes beyond the transaction

With insurance and preventative maintenance part of the package, financing a truck means more than handing over the cash for the keys.

2-navistar-1400
Volvo Trucks N.A. president on the market, EV growth and a Super Truck

It’s an ATA MCE tradition that we catch up with Volvo Trucks North America President Peter Voorhoeve. Here’s what he had to say.

Volvo-ATA-Supertruck-Unscripted-1400
Staying safe in the truck service shop

And other top truck service tips from Jake Schell, FE’s resident truck service columnist and Mitchell 1 associate product manager.

Truck-shop-service-safety-1400

Other Posts

Five truck trend takeaways from November

The biggest stories from November focused on the latest truck trends, all in one place.

Clarience Technologies brings Fus1on data platform to trucking fleets

The company also initiates development of Fus1on 2.0, aiming to enhance digital fleet solutions.

Great Dane recognizes top suppliers

The Supplier Awards recognize excellence in categories including flatbed, refrigerated, large and small suppliers.

Great-Dane-Small-Supplier-of-the-Year-1400
Trailer orders remain strong in October, ACT reports

October net orders, at 35,300 units, were 26% higher year-over-year, and 4,000 units more than were booked in September.

trailer-generic