Roamer Transport recently adopted Carrier Transicold’s Lynx Fleet telematics across its 39-trailer fleet with the goal of delivering “superior reliability and uptime” to shippers of temperature-controlled freight.
Based in Idaho Falls, Idaho, Roamer hauls fresh and frozen food between distribution centers across the U.S.
“Utilization is essential for a fleet our size,” Andrew Williams, Roamer manager of safety and operations, said in a news release “Our trailers are in service almost constantly. There are a lot of passive monitoring systems out there, but only Lynx Fleet lets us see how each reefer unit is performing and manage it remotely.
“It saves time and, in some instances, has saved loads.”
Standard on most Carrier Transicold transport refrigeration units (TRUs), Lynx Fleet provides GPS location data and essential monitoring, including alerts for geofenced arrivals and departures, temperature setpoint deviations, low fuel and battery levels, and unexpected changes in operating modes and power settings, Carrier said.
The Lynx Fleet monitor and enhanced control plan, the highest level of the offering’s three service tiers, adds the ability to:
- Run pre-trip inspections remotely to verify that the batteries are charged, fuel tanks are topped off, and equipment is ready to go.
- Monitor each unit’s performance and diagnostic status from the web-enabled Lynx Fleet dashboard and share reports with technicians on engine hours, operation of compressors, evaporators, temperature probes, and other vital components. This helps to ensure full operating functionality and to provide guidance when it is time for preventive maintenance.
- Update software and download operational data wirelessly, reducing the need to bring the trailer to a technician.
- Schedule service automatically. When an event is critical, Lynx Fleet can locate the nearest Carrier Transicold dealer, helping to minimize disruptions and protect the freight inside the trailer.
- Upload and manage IntelliSet control configurations, synchronizing every unit in the fleet with the same temperature configurations.
“Off the top of my head, I can think of four loads that have been saved by Lynx Fleet telling us that, for example, low battery voltage caused the reefer not to start when it was on start-stop mode,” Williams said. “Right away, the system gives us the information to determine whether to route the vehicle to a Carrier dealer for repair or manage the issue ourselves. That alone saves time and money.
“And, if we have to call the customer, we’re communicating a solution, not a problem.”
Lynx Fleet was developed for Carrier Transicold TRUs and includes a factory-equipped 4G LTE communications module, antenna, and wiring harness. Peripheral components like fuel sensors, temperature probes, door switches, and solar panels can be specified as needed, Carrier added. Activation requires a data plan and commissioning by an authorized Carrier Transicold dealer.
The Lynx Fleet web interface is just one way to view and manage data collected from Carrier TRUs. The information can be shared with most major transportation management systems for one-way monitoring and two-way control. Roamer incorporates Lynx Fleet location data into its dispatch system and shares TRU maintenance information with Carrier Transicold dealers so they can maintain service intervals and minimize downtime.
“No other telematics solution offers as much insight into the operation of Carrier units as Lynx Fleet,” said Scott Blair, Lynx Fleet telematics senior digital program manager. “Roamer Transport has high standards, and we’re pleased that our telematics solution is helping them deliver the service their customers expect.”
