3 Ways Trailer Technology is Evolving

As modern technology continues to evolve at a rapid rate, companies from all different sectors and disciplines are reaping the benefits that come with evolving innovations. While many are focused on the ways that our personal devices are advancing with each new release, it’s easy to forget that fields such as the trucking industry are continuously making leaps and bounds in terms of developing specialized engineering and design components.

How Trailer Technology is Evolving

From cutting-edge GPS software that tracks fleets and assets to state-of-the-art innovations in trailer safety designs, it’s no wonder why trucking companies the world over are beginning to look to the pages of leading tech magazines to get the scoop on how their fleets can be improved upon. Here are three impressive ways trailer technology is evolving in the 21st-century:

Truck Platooning Systems Are Boosting Safety and Efficiency

Asset Management Tools are Advancing

Preventative Maintenance Software Continues to Gain Traction

Truck Platooning Systems Are Boosting Safety and Efficiency

Back in 2014, TruckingInfo reported on Peloton, a Silicon Valley-based firm which first put their cutting-edge truck platooning system on display for key members of Nevada’s transportation industry. In the demonstration, these individuals had the chance to catch a glimpse of the future of trucking – a system that runs multiple trucks through routes consecutively, in the safest, most efficient manner possible.

The platooning process employs the latest in forward collision avoidance systems and vehicle-to-vehicle communication systems so that two trucks can travel as a near-connected pair. This wipes out the need for strict regulations regarding compulsory room that is usually reserved for trucks as they travel down roadways. In developing this technology, the firm has been able to eliminate brake lags and perception/reaction time for safety, which allows trucks to travel closer together than usual. This, of course, saves on fuel costs and promotes overall efficiency within the fleet.

These days, Peloton continues to master its platoon systems by adding helpful gadgets to its existing platoon technology. Each truck can be outfitted with:

Forward-looking cameras

System displays with real-time video

Driver-centric designs

Radar-based collision mitigation systems

Acceleration and braking controllers

GPS

Cellular and Wi-Fi communications

DSRC V2V communications

Asset Management Tools Are Advancing

Similar to the ongoing innovations that we are seeing in warehouses across the globe, asset management tools are continuing to become smarter and smarter for the trucking industry. By making use of leading-edge GPS technologies, companies can now keep track of the priciest technologies within their fleets–all in real-time. Advancements in Trailer Technology

This is done in several different capacities, from simple GPS units that are installed on each trailer, all the way to advanced barcoding and detection methods that link to specific software solutions that promote a more fluid end-to-end visibility. What’s even more impressive is the fact that companies with specialized, heated or refrigerated trailers are now able to detect any dangerous rises or dips in temperature, even as their trucks move across the country.

Going even further, companies are now more readily able to monitor potential changes in weight, which serves as a major breakthrough for those concerned with theft and damage prevention. As time goes on, there’s no doubt that these asset management technologies will continue to improve so that they will more seamlessly and holistically input this crucial data directly into company-wide registers.

Preventative Maintenance Software Continues to Gain Traction

For firms that handle large, versatile, and ever-changing fleets, security in the form of preventative maintenance software is definitely a big plus. It’s not a new invention – in fact, it’s been around for years – but the latest and greatest in preventative maintenance software is streamlining fleets in ways that we could have never saw coming.

Here’s how the latest in preventative maintenance software can keep trailers running efficiently:

Work orders can be scheduled from department-to-department

Needs for maintenance paperwork is almost entirely eliminated as all information exists within the software

A detailed history of all assets can be tracked in real-time

Full, transparent instructions on safety and lockout procedures are readily available

Equipment navigation is available via mobile hotspots

PMs can be viewed as needed

Meter readings can be easily managed, no matter their numerical value

Maintenance workers’ schedules can be set and changed (this includes room for on-demand service requests)

Pre-populated software that displays industry maintenance and repair standards can be referenced

Cloud-hosting technology allows all necessary team members to access the software with any device

Previous audit reports are compounded to compare with current counts and data

As you can see, trailer technology has most definitely come into its own in the 21-century. Now that these solutions are becoming more available and affordable, businesses of all sizes are able to manage their fleets without the fear of compliance issues, lag times, or human error. www.chinaaxle.cn