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What are commercial trailer tracking systems?

For growing fleets, managing a large number of trailers becomes complex. The reason for this complexity is that growth usually means the expansion of cargo types, and this requires additional types of trailers. With each different trailer, multiple sizes and weight limits are required, and trailers are typically spread out between multiple different terminals depending on the last location they operated in.

As trailer numbers grow, finding the right trailer for the job that is closest to the desired destination can be difficult, but commercial trailer tracking systems were designed to solve this exact problem.

What are commercial trailer tracking systems and why do you need them?

Commercial fleet GPS trailer tracking gives companies a real-time view of their trailer fleets, reduces theft and unauthorized use, and increases asset utilization. Commercial trailer tracking systems are battery-powered and work in many different weather conditions. Most trailer tracking systems also work for fleets that operate in Canada and Mexico.

The two elements of commercial trailer tracking systems 

There are two main elements of commercial trailer tracking systems. The first element is a battery or solar-powered device attached to the trailer which sends out a GPS tracking signal. The signal communicates with the backend of the GPS through the use of a cell modem. This communication means the user of the GPS can see where the trailer is at all times.

The second element of a commercial trailer tracking system is the software on the system’s backend, which can visually translate the trailer tracker signal onto a map. The map shows information like:

  • The exact location of the trailer
  • Whether the trailer is stationary or moving
  • Whether the trailer is tethered to a vehicle

Why asset tracking is important

Asset tracking improves the use and security of a fleet’s trailers and other valuable assets. Asset tracking also aids in physical audits companies conduct to verify the existence of each asset listed in the company’s records. 

Asset tracking also helps prevent theft and aid in the recovery of stolen assets. The National Insurance Crime Bureau states that cargo theft in the United States is a $15 to $35 billion industry, so anything companies can do to reduce theft is well worth their while. 

Benefits of GPS trailer tracking

Because trailers and the cargo they contain are essential for the operation of any trucking company, GPS trailer tracking is a critical tool for long-term business success.

The main benefits of GPS trailer tracking are:

Recovering stolen assets

If a trailer is stolen, GPS trailer tracking can instantly relay the trailer’s location to law enforcement. This real-time information reduces cargo theft losses, saving trucking companies millions of dollars.

Tracking trailers on the road

GPS trailer tracking allows fleet managers to see exactly where a specific trailer is. Companies can inform their customers of the exact time loads should arrive.  If a shipment is delayed, the fleet manager will know immediately  and take the appropriate action to handle the delay.

Increasing efficiency of operations

For logistics and asset optimization to work, fleet managers must be aware of the precise location of their trailers in real-time. By using the most up-to-date technology, fleet managers can not only know trailer location, but when a trailer is unloaded, loaded, or ready to depart.

Geofencing fleet assets

Another feature of GPS trailer tracking technology that significantly reduces the risk of theft is geofencing. With geofencing, fleet managers will automatically be notified when a trailer is unexpectedly moved from a geofenced location and can rapidly respond to recover the trailer if theft occurs. 

Improving customer service

The quality of customer service can be something that truly sets a company apart from its competitors. By using commercial trailer tracking systems, companies can provide exceptional customer service to their customers by communicating exactly when a load is outbound, where it is at any given time, and when it will be delivered.

The best trailer GPS trackers

There are a few factors to keep in mind when searching for the best GPS tracker for trailers. Companies need a reliable, easy-to-use solution equipped with the best capabilities in the market.

The best trailer GPS trackers should have the following features:

  • 24/7 real-time location tracking
  • Theft detection
  • Easy installation
  • Long battery life
  • Solar-power
  • Instant reporting capability
  • Over-the-air serviceability
  • FCC and wireless carrier certification
  • Cloud-based system
  • Interface with mapping systems such as Google Maps or other product
  • Historical view capability

Focus on the big picture with GPS trailer tracking 

Fleet management is much more than tracking tractors and trailers. It’s taking care of the entire fleet and utilizing all of its assets efficiently and providing the best customer service to stand out from the competition. 

Commercial trailer tracking systems accurately track all assets within a fleet so fleet owners can focus on the big picture and accelerate their businesses to the next level. 
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