This guide is designed for logistics professionals, fleet managers, independent owner-operators, and shippers who are looking to enhance cargo security and efficiency of their operations. Whether you’re responsible for a large fleet or just a few vehicles, understanding the different trailer monitoring systems available can help you make informed decisions to protect your cargo and optimize your logistics processes.
By reading this guide, you’ll gain insights into the various trailer monitoring systems on the market, categorized into reactive, predictive, passive, and self-managing solutions. We’ll cover the unique advantages and challenges of each type, providing examples and highlighting the pros and cons to help you choose the best solution for your specific needs.
As a thought leader in the logistics industry, we at Level5Fleet undertook a comprehensive analysis of the current trailer monitoring landscape. Our goal was to provide clarity and guidance in a space crowded with diverse solutions. To achieve this, we developed a new categorization framework based on several key considerations:
Through this framework, we aim to help logistics stakeholders set high-level requirements, enabling them to become more targeted in exploring specific categories of solutions. This categorization is not intended to compare specific products from different vendors directly; rather, it serves as a starting point for understanding the broader options available. For each category, we provide a list of vendors to assist you in further exploring potential solutions.
Overview:
Reactive systems are designed to alert users after an event, such as theft or tampering, has occurred. These systems typically include sensors that trigger alerts when specific conditions are met, such as a trailer door opening unexpectedly.
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Predictive systems utilize data analytics and historical data to forecast and prevent potential issues. These systems are particularly useful for identifying high-risk areas, such as regions with a high incidence of cargo theft, and for planning safer routes.
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Passive systems include both traditional and standalone electronic security measures that do not integrate with broader logistics software. They require manual actions, such as locking and removal by drivers or yard/dock personnel.
Electronic systems that rely on remote decision making also fall under this category for the same reasons that they require manual intervention. While they may have telemetry capabilities similar to reactive systems, we include them in this category because they actually prevent theft before the fact.
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Self-managing systems offer a comprehensive solution by integrating the preventive measures of passive devices with the informative capabilities of reactive and predictive systems – coupled with on-vehicle decision making.
These systems are designed not only to prevent incidents before they occur but also to provide real-time alerts and detailed reporting on any attempted breaches or unusual activities.
Delegating decision-making to the asset itself make these systems highly scalable since humans are not required to be in the loop to decide the right thing to do. This provides flexibility and adaptability across different logistical needs.
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Category | System | Further Advantages | Link |
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Reactive | Phillips Connect’s Smart7™ | Integrates multiple sensors, offers real-time alerts | Phillips Connect |
Reactive | Samsara Trailer Monitoring | Comprehensive data on cargo status and location | Samsara |
Predictive | Spireon’s FleetLocate | Identifies high-risk areas, provides route alerts | Spireon |
Predictive | Roambee’s IoT Tracking Solutions | Real-time monitoring, alerts for route deviations | Roambee |
Passive | Gladhand Locks | Low cost, easy to implement | Available through various suppliers |
Passive | Air Cuff Links | Protects the tractor | Available through multiple vendors |
Self-Managing | Level5Fleet Admiral | Autonomous operation, enabling assets to take care of own security | Level5 Fleet |
For more detailed information on these systems and solutions, visit the respective manufacturers’ websites.
The Future of Tractor-Trailer Security