5 Key Things You Should Know About Trailer Tracking Solutions

Do you know where the trucks in your fleet are at this moment?

If you had a GPS tracking system installed in your trailers, you would’ve faced no difficulty tracking them to relieve any lingering anxiety. Right now, they may be parked somewhere, driver resting peacefully, or they may be on the road, carrying their cargo to their destination, but how can you be sure? 

Transparent monitoring is one of the big reasons why businesses should install a trailer tracking solution in their fleet, but it’s not the only one. The ability to track trailers, as well as other commercial vehicles reduces the chances of unauthorized use, theft, and promotes better utilization of assets. 

Let’s discuss the importance of GPS tracking for trailers before we break down choosing the right tracking solution for your trailers. 

Why Should You Track Your Trailers?

All cargo is valuable when you factor in your responsibility to keep it safe and it's likely that your business' trailers may be carrying valuable cargo that needs to be protected throughout delivery. As mentioned earlier, tracking provides peace of mind by being able to locate the exact position of a trailer at any given time. It also enhances operational efficiency, as you can update the shippers about a trailers’ location if they ask for it. Further, a battery-powered GPS tracking system can ensure efficiency in all types of weather conditions, enabling you to virtually watch over your fleet 24/7. 

Keep these 5 things in mind while investing in a high-quality trailer tracking solution. 

The Durability of the Device  

All commercial trailers lead a tough life, and the tracking systems also need to be tough enough to tolerate adverse conditions–be it the weather, moisture, or dust. Trailers should meet the IP67 standards for maximum dust and moisture rejection capability. As your vehicle may travel through bone-chilling cold or desert-like heat, the internal cells and GPS antennas of the tracking device should be optimally protected. Devices should also be able to withstand any kind of tampering. 

Flexible Network Connectivity 

Most commercial trailer tracking solutions consist of two parts: one is a solar-powered device that emits a tracking signal, and the other is the receiving software, which translates the signal into location coordinates. While buying a high-end trailer tracking system, it's vital to make sure it’s operable on a 3G cellular network and able to make the most of High-Speed Packet Access or HSPA. Additionally, devices that ensure over-the-air serviceability should be chosen. It should also employ both CDMA and GPRS networks for maximum efficiency. This level of redundancy is necessary because of the unpredictability of the cellular networks in the areas that your trucks travel through.

Battery Power

Most commercial trailers don’t have build-in generators or other sources of power, so a tracking system should be able to work independently. You should invest in a device that has enough battery life, even extending to about 5 years, without charging. Tracking systems should also have the provisions of low-battery alerts and similar monitoring options to ensure that the trailers never go out of sight. 

Important Alerts

Knowing the location of your trailer, irrespective of time or distance, is the primary reason for installing a GPS tracker, right? Hence, make sure that the device you’re investing in can send off-hour alerts to your software, when the trailer moves from its designated position or power-disconnect alerts, if and when a vehicle is disconnected from it. 

Operational Efficiency 

The tracking device should be able to provide a clear picture of all your trailers on a single map for maximum convenience. This will help manage all your assets–hassle-free! 

Efficient Trailer Tracking Device Features

When it comes to trailer tracking solutions, numerous features differentiate one brand from the other. Before you go out there to buy one for your fleet, you should know more about the following features so that you can choose the most efficient device. 

• Powered by battery only, rechargeable with tethering options 
• Certified by wireless carriers for maximum reliability
• Weather-resistant and over-the-air (OTA) serviceable
• Google Maps interface allowing API integration
• In-built accelerometer for sensing motion and reporting accordingly
• Compatible with both iOS and Android operating systems
• Geofencing capabilities with movement alerts 

Wrapping It Up

Although installing a tracking device in your trailers is essential to providing relief from constant anxiety, it offers several other knock-on benefits as well. For example, you may receive lower insurance rates, as providers will believe that your trailer is protected against thefts. Of course, you could also find the heart to front up some more cash to invest in more business, now that the risk is somewhat reduced. 

This also improves your customer service through proper and timely reporting. Lastly, the productivity of your drivers also increases, as they feel secure too. 

All in all, investing in a fully functional, weather-resistant tracking device for your trailers will reap you enormous benefits in the long run. Be sure you keep these factors in mind when buying a solution.