Great Dane announced updates to its FleetPulse smart trailer system and option from SAF-Holland to bring electrification to its trailers during the 2023 ATA Technology & Maintenance Council Annual Meeting and Expo this week in Orlando.
Great Dane says its FleetPulse smart trailer system now comes standard with new features including ABS fault code alerts and hub rotation mileage across all dry van, refrigerated, and flatbed trailers. ABS fault codes can be customized and sent directly to users, giving fleets data for making informed operations and service decisions, for increased productivity and uptime, the company says.
Great Dane's FleetPulse smart trailer system also will now integrate seamlessly with Thermo King’s TracKing system to deliver real-time data from the trailer refrigeration unit, to increase operational efficiency and elevate cargo integrity.
"When we embarked on this journey as the first OEM to develop a smart trailer solution, we kept an eye on ways to expand FleetPulse's product offerings to grow with the needs of the industry and the rapid advances in technology," says Rick Mullininx, president and COO of Great Dane. "Today, we are proud to elevate the valuable insights FleetPulse delivers to fleets for promoting safety, maximizing uptime, and helping them get the most out of every mile."
"We're proud to share this partnership with Great Dane to integrate with their FleetPulse solution. This is a major step forward in connectivity between the trailer and refrigeration unit, and one that will benefit fleets, their cargo, and ultimately the consumer who depends on thermal integrity to ensure the freshness of their products," adds Dominic Hand, vice president, IT and Connected Products for Thermo King Americas at Trane Technologies.
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Great Dane also is displaying an Everest trailer equipped with SAF-Holland’s TRAKr e-axle, which provides a cleaner andquieter alternative source of energy for trailer refrigeration units.
According to the companies, the TRAKr e-axle converts rotational energy from an internal driveshaft into energy that is stored in a lithium-ion battery system, providing an alternate source of power generation, for increased sustainability and efficiency.
“While electrification is not yet viable for every application, advancements like this continue to expand the possibilities,” says Colby White, electrical product manager for Great Dane. “We are fully committed to supporting our partners as they expand their capabilities on electrification and are happy to work alongside of them as a committed OEM to realizing an electric future.”
The technology is creating excitement at the trailer OEM, as the transportation industry moves into a more connected and electric future, one empowered by technology. It is a future Great Dane’s new leadership is embracing with a clear focus.
“I’m honored to lead this next chapter in Great Dane’s rich history,” says Mullininx. “We have a clear vision, and we are ready for the future.”