April/May 2002

Independent trailer tracking ­ now even smarter

Remote tracking of trailers that works when they're not hooked up to tractor units has at last become feasible, thanks mainly to advances in rechargeable battery technology. TMC Innovations, one of the pioneers of independent trailer tracking with its Susie-Track system, has added more functionality.

The company has teamed up with Smart Telematics and Cold Chain Instruments to monitor refrigerated box temperatures remotely through CCI's temperature recording device.

 

Wireless sensors that interface with door locking systems and load-security sealing systems such as Encrypta can now be included, and there is a tractor identification module which allows Susie-Track to identify which tractor is pulling the trailer. If there is no tractor ID, the unit recognises that, too.

Roland Buré, the Susie-Track designer, believes the system will help operators improve tractor and trailer utilisation, help monitor drivers and contractors more closely, and provide an audit trail in the event of trailer damage.