Untethered Trailer Tracking Systems

Description

Untethered trailer tracking systems are comprised of communications and computer technologies for tracking a trailer when it is connected to and disconnected from a truck tractor. These systems use satellite-tracking Global Positioning System (GPS) technology, supplemented by satellite or cellular communications technologies to monitor and track the locations of trailers. Date and time-stamped position reports with the longitude and latitude of a tracked trailer can be sent to a carrier on a regular, event, or on-demand basis via a website, or they can be downloaded to carrier fleet management systems.

Map Interface from Skybitz using Google Earth

Some untethered trailer tracking systems may also be configured to establish geo-fence boundaries around individual trailers. A geo-fence is an electronic boundary that a user can create to monitor trailer location and movement. For example, a user could locate a trailer on a map and draw a geo-fence around the trailer position by clicking and dragging a mouse. The geo-fence may be assigned to a trailer or to groups of trailers. Geo-fences may also be removed or inactivated for trailers or groups of trailers at any time. Once the geo-fence is set and configured to provide an alert, the system will send a notification to the user if the trailer crosses the geo-fence boundary. Typically, the system will send an alert when a trailer exits or enters the boundary through an email or pager notification. Several systems also provide event-driven exception reporting. Exception-driven reporting will allow the system to monitor trailer position and check for geo-fence breaks frequently, but only send a message if a geo-fence break is detected. Frequent checking for geo-fence breaks without sending frequent messages lowers messaging costs and increases battery life. Geo-fencing can also be utilized in conjunction with some systems that provide trailer connection and disconnection notification information to the carrier's on-site personnel so that they are aware of this tractor trailer information.

As another part of the system, a door sensor can monitor an open or closed door event on the trailer. A door event is defined as the transition from open to closed or from closed to open. The trailer door sensor can work in combination with the cargo sensor, so that only those door state changes that might affect cargo are sent to the user. For example, it is possible to configure the system to send door open events if there is cargo in the trailer and to ignore door open events if the trailer is empty.

Most systems integrated with sensors generate trailer position information with every message and status report, which is provided to a fleet manager's or dispatcher's computer. Position information can be user-configured to be generated and sent at predetermined time intervals, and it can also be generated and sent upon demand from the dispatcher's computer. The position reporting frequency is configurable, and many systems have a store and forward capability, if there is a loss of signal.

Possible limitations of untethered trailer tracking systems may include a loss of signal, cellular channel traffic overload, or equipment problems, such as limited battery life.

Application

Untethered trailer tracking can provide an added measure of efficiency and security to commercial vehicle operations. In the United States, the trucking industry uses approximately three times as many trailers as tractors; therefore, loaded and empty trailers can be subject to both theft and terrorism. Trucking companies may often buy excess trailers in order to have empty ones on hand to ensure that their most expensive assets - their tractors - are kept busy, leading to the availability and accessibility of trailers and unattended cargo. Due to a lack of manpower and adequate trailer storage facilities, these trailer stockpiles may be either inaccurately assessed or unknowingly disbursed at various locations, increasing their vulnerability to misuse. When a trailer is removed from its dropped location and erroneously moved or parked, a trucking company typically conducts lengthy searches to locate it. As a result, both inefficient operations and security risks prevail in these situations. To reduce the inefficiencies and vulnerabilities relating to the lack of visibility of trailers and their cargo, untethered trailer tracking systems can provide the location of trailers along with additional information, such as cargo and door status indications, trailer movements, and trailer connections and disconnections.

Operations and Benefits

Enhanced operational efficiency and security are major benefits of untethered trailer tracking systems. Assuring the location and movement of trailers can improve security and operational efficiency by allowing timely recovery of lost or stolen trailers. Trailer yard operational performance can become more efficient through improved record keeping with the automated processes of these systems, since time is not wasted by manually searching for lost trailers. Technology for tracking trailers enables a quick response to find trailers and a tracking capability for thefts in progress. Trailer tracking also provides information about where a trailer has been and how long it was missing.

Typical operations in trailer yards involve loading cargo in trailers and parking the trailers to await a tractor to haul it away. With cargo sitting unattended, the risk of cargo pilferage from a parked trailer is high in a trailer yard. Thieves or terrorists may steal cargo by entering the yard, accessing parking areas, loading cargo in a waiting truck, and removing it from the site. Cargo may also be falsely obtained by personnel showing apparently legitimate identification and pickup orders. Furthermore, unattended cargo may be damaged or used as a potential hazardous weapon or explosive. By providing information on trailer positions with indications of a trailer's location, movement, and cargo and door status, untethered trailer tracking systems can be utilized to reduce the vulnerabilities relating to the lack of visibility of trailers and their cargo.

The untethered trailer tracking system can also be used to maintain an accurate inventory of cargo and trailers in the yard for secure and efficient operations. Yard operations can be better integrated with dock operations to efficiently transfer and accurately track the processing of both inbound cargo deliveries and outbound shipments, particularly high risk loads. Resulting performance benefits of enhanced cargo operations would be improved on-time deliveries, a reduction in yard congestion, and better cargo theft detection and recovery.

Cost

The installed cost of untethered trailer tracking systems varies depending upon the type of technology and various sensors that are included with the system. Most systems are a combination of hardware, software, installation, maintenance/service, and recurring monitoring and use fees. The cost of an untethered trailer tracking system, including software, hardware, antennas and transponders, ranges from approximately $600 to $900 for the system with monthly maintenance fees starting at approximately $12 to $70 per month per trailer, depending upon the type of plan that is purchased. Some plans include a flat fee, while others are based on a flat fee in addition to per-message or air-time usage fees. This price does not reflect the price of servers and dispatch systems, which can vary depending on the customers. The inclusion of various other sensors to the system incurs additional costs. For example, cargo and door sensors cost approximately $50 each. The systems can be installed by the manufacturer or experienced technicians utilizing detailed manufacturer guidelines.

Vendors

Disclaimer

The information provided in these guides about products and services available from private entities does not constitute an endorsement by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) of the views expressed by any non-Federal entity, or its products or services. FMCSA is publishing lists of vendors on this site solely in an effort to further public awareness of vendors identified as possible contacts for further information and possible purchase of different types of safety and security equipment. The list of vendors is not a complete list. The information in these product guides is disseminated by FMCSA in the interest of information exchange. The United States Government assumes no liability for the contents or use of these guides. These guides do not constitute standards, specifications, or regulations, and FMCSA provides no assurance that the listed vendors and their products and services meet applicable standards, specifications, or regulations. Links to Web sites outside the U.S. Government or the use of trade, firm, or corporation names within FMCSA's Web site are solely for the convenience of the user. Users who select a link to a non-government Web site leave the FMCSA Web site, and are subject to the privacy and security policies of the owners/sponsors of those Web sites. FMCSA does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of information on a linked non-Government Web site. FMCSA cannot authorize the use of copyrighted materials contained in linked Web sites. Users must request such authorization from the sponsor of the linked Web site. FMCSA is not responsible for transmissions users receive from linked Web sites. FMCSA does not guarantee that outside Web sites comply with Section 508 (Accessibility Requirements) of the Rehabilitation Act.