Qualcomm Inc. and Science Applications International Corp. (SAIC) have been awarded a $2 million contract from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for the development and field testing of an untethered trailer asset management system for high-value or high-security-risk loads.
According to Qualcomm, the system will provide on-board hardware, advanced power management, network services and data integration capabilities using tri-mode (digital cellular, PCS and analog) communications.
Qualcomm Wireless Business Solutions president Chris Wolfe said the field operational test will measure the costs and benefits associated with systems designed to track trailers when they are not attached to a tractor.
The test is expected to assist companies in their decisions to deploy this type of technology for more effective trailer utilization and improved safety and security in the movement of hazardous materials and high-value cargo.
