Trailer Tracking Is More Than A Security Issue!

While fleet operators might view the key benefits of trailer tracking as maintaining constant cargo visibility while trailers are constantly coupled and uncoupled or left parked unattended overnight, determination to cut fuel costs and doublecheck driver timesheet records are never far behind in their thoughts.

It's for the above reasons that over recent years, the desire to maintain constant contact with every single one of their Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGV) and articulated trailers has led to transportation companies installing a vehicle tracking solution as standard policy.

Yet beyond the safeguarding of valuable assets and shipments against loss or theft, today's highly competitive and cost-conscious, customer-service led industry cannot be underestimated. It is too often forgotten that before GPS vehicle tracking technology was available, trying to locate and speak with drivers once they were en-route, could take many long hours or even days via telephone, causing costly delays or scheduling chaos.

Maintaining control over driver movements via a realtime tracking device enables fleet managers to determine if their trailers are being used for ‘moonlighting' or other unauthorised, and possibly illegal use.

However, different freight and transportation companies will have their own requirements according to the different types of trailer being employed, from refrigerated, curtain sided to box container to even flat bed, where applications needed might be for temperature monitoring, perishable freight and bulk load transportation.

Notwithstanding, the importance of a tracking device for pinpointing vehicle location and a fast response trailer tracking can supply load security by implementing motion sensors and door monitoring. Precise data measurement of time and distances travelled can be collected from the trailer on a 20-second update and location-based reporting can be pre-set, even when the trailer is off-road, on a daily, weekly or monthly reporting cycle.

Temperature control on chilled, refrigerated or frozen goods containers can also be continuously monitored by independent probes or directly connected recorders.

Load capability has significantly expanded in recent years and it is estimated that for every HGV there are now three trailers. However monitoring was still based on operating both a trailer tracking and a separate vehicle based system at the same time. Latest technology advances now enable the same data reporting for both the trailer load and vehicle.

A trailer tracking unit can be installed in a covert and secret recess to avoid tampering or theft and is manufactured to specification, allowing the device to successfully cope with exposure to tough weather conditions, including protection from winter road salt.

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