8 Problems Trailer Telematics Solve for Midsize Fleets

Improving Trailer Visibility with Actionable Data

Improving visibility with trailer telematics is crucial for small to midsize fleet managers. Gaining control over assets helps with day-to-day operations and future growth. Trailer telematics uses vital data to help managers get more from their assets without extra labor. This technology automates tasks, alerts maintenance teams to issues, and provides better ETAs for customers. In this article, we’ll explore how trailer telematics can solve common problems that cost fleets time and money, ultimately helping them increase revenue.

1. Where are my trailers right now?

Real-time cargo location is essential for customer satisfaction. Trailer telematics tracks valuable information like a trailer's status (mobile, idle) and movement. This data helps fleet managers set accurate ETAs, improving customer relationships and accountability. The technology also simplifies managing a growing fleet by providing a centralized view of all assets, so you can expand without needing more staff.

2. Which trailers are idle at customer yards?

Having hidden trailers at customer yards wastes resources and confuses operations. With remote location data from trailer telematics, fleet managers can easily see which trailers are idle and for how long. This eliminates excessive downtime, freeing up trailers to be used for revenue-generating trips.

3. Where am I spending the most money on detention?

Detention is a major problem for fleet managers, leading to uncompensated wait times and safety risks as drivers rush to make up time. This also causes stress and hurts driver retention. Trailer telematics helps solve this with geofencing to enable accurate detention billing and visibility into turn times. Door sensors and idle reports track loading/unloading, ensuring trailers get back into rotation faster.

4. Which trailers are full or empty?

It's tough to know a trailer's cargo status just by looking. Instead of manual checks, fleet managers can use camera cargo sensors. These devices provide visual records and use machine learning to determine cargo volume and if a trailer is loaded or empty. This improves daily operations by ensuring drivers get the right trailer and helps with intelligent routing to avoid running empty or half-full.

5. What is the condition of the trailer cargo?

Camera cargo sensors allow fleet managers to remotely take photos inside any trailer. This helps ensure loads are properly secured, improving driver safety. It also provides proof of cargo condition for customers and can be useful for insurance claims, potentially reducing premiums.

6. Are any tractors in my fleet pulling the wrong trailer?

Attaching the wrong trailer wastes time and money, causing late deliveries and operational chaos. With tractor ID sensors, fleet managers can remotely verify that each tractor is connected to the correct trailer. This simplifies yard management and saves valuable time by eliminating manual checks and preventing costly errors.

7. How many trailers should I have in my fleet?

Before trailer tracking, fleet managers often over-purchased trailers. Simply increasing utilization could have met demand without extra capital. Now, with utilization, idle, and location reports, managers know their exact trailer count, informing buying and selling decisions.

8. How can I compare data from different fleet makes and models?

Quality trailer telematics simplifies managing mixed fleets by providing a single, centralized platform for all tractor and trailer data, regardless of make or model. This saves time, energy, and supports business expansion, while offering comprehensive asset data for accurate business representation and performance insights.

Simplifying Fleet Management with Trailer Telematics

Managing trailer fleets is challenging, costly, and lacks remote visibility. Trailer telematics offers significant value by providing fleet visibility, automating processes, and generating data-driven insights. This improves operational efficiency, reduces costs, and frees up time for growth. ORBCOMM telematics helps fleet managers collect crucial data to solve pressing industry problems.