Thermo King on Tuesday launched an expansion of its telematics offerings. The TracKing Smart Trailer telematics delivers comprehensive visibility into trailer health and cargo operations, the company says.
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"As cargo management gets more and more complex, the need for reliable, real-time data becomes critical," says Adam Wittwer, president of Thermo King Americas. "The TracKing Smart Trailer telematics system empowers fleet operators to make smarter, faster decisions that help minimize costs, all while reducing environmental impact. This comprehensive solution can enable fleets to operate more efficiently, keep trailers on the road longer, and help their businesses to remain competitive in today's market."
TracKing Smart Trailer gives fleet managers and drivers real-time, 360-degree visibility of critical trailer components such as tire pressure, brake health, door position, lights and axle weights.
"Our customers are continually looking for ways to streamline operations and reduce costs," says Paul Kroes, trailer innovation leader at Thermo King. "The TracKing Smart Trailer telematics solution was developed in response to this demand, allowing fleet managers to monitor and maintain every aspect of their trailer's performance, helping prevent costly repairs and avoidable downtime."
The platform supports the company's sustainability goals, aiming to reduce customer carbon footprints by one gigaton by 2030. It also helps customers reduce fuel use and cut back on emissions by minimizing idle time and supporting proactive maintenance.
The system uses sensors and integrates video cameras and advanced analytics to provide fleet operators with deep insights into trailer performance. Features of the new telematics platform include:
- A dashboard delivering remote monitoring, diagnostics and real-time alerts of relevant trailer components, while advanced GPS provides route history and live trip monitoring. The system includes wireless sensors for accurate cargo temperature monitoring and a cargo camera to provide visibility inside the trailer to capture open- and closed-door events.
- Dynamic tire inflation keeps tires optimally inflated, reducing drag and emissions while extending tire life.
- Enhanced monitoring features include an anti-lock brake system health monitor, trailer backing camera and door position sensors, and video recording and playback from both the rear camera and interior cargo camera.
- A fleet health dashboard to help with predictive maintenance, including tire pressure, brake health and temperature monitoring. Using these datapoints can reduce unplanned stops by allowing operators to address maintenance needs before they become expensive.
- Lights-out detection, brake monitoring and weight monitoring to help with regulatory compliance.
The Smart Trailer platform integrates with Thermo King's existing refrigeration telematics platform.
"We saw the value of Smart Trailer telematics immediately," says Michael Job, director of safety, fleet maintenance and facilities for JBS Carriers. "Our first trailer we installed it on, the air pressure sensor detected low tire pressure that our driver hadn't been aware of. This allowed us to safely bring the trailer back to the shop, repair it and get back on the road quickly. Without Smart Trailer telematics, the tire could have blown out, requiring a costly mobile technician repair. Now, we can monitor trailer performance and address maintenance needs before they hit the road."
