The Latest Developments in Trailer Telematics

The strategic implementation of telematics in utility fleet trailers is not just an upgrade – it’s a transformative step toward smarter, safer, more sustainable utility fleet operations, according to Greg Spiropulos, business development manager for Geotab (www.geotab.com)

“All of the benefits extend to the bottom line,” he said. “Telematics can generate considerable cost savings by improving various facets of utility fleet management, from utilization to maintenance and fuel consumption.”

Frank Daccardi, manager of telematics solutions for Holman (www.holman.com), agrees.

“For many utility fleet operators, trailer telematics is an often overlooked yet incredibly valuable resource,” he said. “The insight these devices provide allows you to optimize the deployment of your assets.”

In recent interviews with UFP, both Spiropulos and Daccardi expanded on the benefits utility fleets can take advantage of when implementing trailer telematics in their operations.

Safety First
Multiple factors are leading fleet managers to implement telematics systems, with safety usually at the top of the list. Recent advancements enable fleets to predict and prevent potential collisions, according to Spiropulos.

For example, Geotab, which provides connected transportation and asset solutions, uses artificial intelligence predictions for safety analytics. The Geotab Safety Center incorporates an AI-driven tool that enables safety managers to easily assess fleet performance risks. Fleet managers can identify areas for safety enhancements and develop targeted coaching programs, helping to foster a culture that prioritizes the well-being of drivers.

By incorporating telematics into its operations to enhance safety measures, Black & Veatch – an engineering, procurement, consulting and construction company – improved its average fleet safety score by 28%. Additionally, its accident rate dropped from five accidents to three accidents per million miles, and the number of high-risk drivers in its fleet was reduced by 87%, Spiropulos shared.

Tracking Assets
Daccardi said asset location tracking is the most common application for using telematics on trailers and equipment.

“These commercial assets are often left at various locations, potentially for extended periods of time, so being able to know precisely where they are at all times is critical,” he explained. “This information can be especially useful for highly specialized assets that move from job site to job site frequently.”

Using telematics to track assets can eliminate those scenarios in which a fleet simply cannot locate a particular asset and is forced to replace it, Daccardi said.

Trailer theft continues to be a problem, with the potential financial impact on fleet operations reaching up to $35 billion due to the loss of both trailers and their contents, according to Spiropulos. The use of smart trailers equipped with GPS tracking can be a powerful deterrent and recovery tool.

“These smart trailers provide real-time location data, allowing for the swift recovery of stolen trailers,” Spiropulos said. “Additionally, they can be configured to send alerts if the trailer moves beyond a designated area or if the doors are unexpectedly opened, enhancing security and response times.”

Boosting Productivity and Efficiency
Maximizing the use of trailers and other assets is an essential part of a fleet manager’s role. Predictive maintenance, which centers around identifying potential issues before they lead to vehicle failure, can help with maximization. This is achieved by monitoring an asset’s condition in real time, pulling detailed information from the asset and employing machine learning algorithms to detect subtle variations in data.

“Predictive maintenance can forecast potential breakdowns weeks in advance by comparing these variations with historical behavior patterns,” Spiropulos said. “It allows for precise scheduling of maintenance activities before an issue escalates into a breakdown, thereby improving uptime.”

Trailers with remote diagnostic capabilities can send fault code notifications and recommended action plans. These features increase uptime by allowing for proactive maintenance and quicker responses to mechanical issues.

Smart trailers equipped with load-volume sensors inform users of available capacity, helping to increase efficiency. Utility fleets can also significantly reduce fuel consumption by utilizing detailed fuel usage and idling reports.

Further, data-driven routing recommendations from telematics solutions help minimize travel distances and avoid congested routes, also reducing fuel consumption, which contributes to cost savings and a smaller environmental footprint for the fleet.

What to Expect Next
Demand for advanced data analytics and AI is increasing as fleets see significant benefits from benchmarking and predictability in managing costs, performance and operations, according to Spiropulos.

“Fleet managers can expect to integrate AI into their telematics systems, significantly enhancing predictive analytics for fleet safety and maintenance,” he said. “The integration of AI is poised to streamline operations, allowing for quicker and easier access to insights that can inform decision-making and operational strategies.”

Battery technology in telematics devices continues to improve, Daccardi said. “When these units first hit the market, the average battery life was approximately three to five years. Today, devices are getting closer to 10 years of battery life. In addition to extending battery life, improving technology is also reducing the form factor of these devices. Today, they are much smaller and easier to keep out of the way or hide.”

He also explained that while most devices are battery powered, there are some solar-powered options if the use case can support such functionality. Along that same line, most devices rely on cellular connectivity, but there are also Bluetooth-enabled options available as well as satellite connectivity for more remote locations.

Daccardi said the best advice he can offer to utility fleet operators exploring trailer telematics is to start small. “Determine which assets are most critical to your business and begin with those. You can then expand from there and even potentially explore other use cases.”

About the Author: Grace Suizo has been covering the automotive fleet industry since 2007. She spent six years as an editor for five fleet publications and has written more than 100 articles geared toward both commercial and public sector fleets.

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