Oct/Nov 2006

Whilst truck manufacturers have been fairly quick to come up with their own telematics packages to rival the proprietary systems, trailer makers have been slower off the mark.

However, Schmitz Cargobull, Europe's biggest trailer maker, is offering a system that could present a credible challenge to the most professional third-party products. It's been around for a while on the Continent, and is now getting a stronger push in the UK.

It is built round an on-board data acquisition unit called a "bluebox", which has been developed in association with Bosch-Blaupunkt and T-Systems. This incorporates a GPS receiver for positioning and a GSM mobile phone module for transmitting data via SMS messages or GPRS.

The box is linked to sensors monitoring the performance of brakes, tyres, axles and load temperature, and can report on these as well as location. The company says it has used the latest technology for the casing, cable loom and plug system, which have a working temperature range of minus 40 deg C to plus 85 deg C, as well offering high resistance to impact and vibration.

The system can be configured remotely via the Internet, and Cargobull says it can be integrated into operators' merchandise planning and control systems.

Reporting is also handled via the Internet, and in addition, there is an automatic report generator, which the company says will send out prepared or customer-specific evaluations to users by email. Information can also be sent direct to a customer's mobile phone.

A range of temperature monitoring features is included, providing data on the status of the refrigeration unit, defrosting cycles and the refrigeration unit's operating hours.

The system can be configured to report at customer-specified intervals. There is also a "watchbox" function to monitor door activity during loading and unloading and define corridors that must be passed through.

To enhance security, hardware and cables are concealed, and the coupling status of the trailer is recorded and documented.

The German-owned Schmitz Group says it produces 36,000 units a year at manufacturing plants in Germany, Spain, Lithuania and Great Britain. Its UK factory, once owned by York Trailer, is at Harelaw in County Durham, where it employs over 350 staff.