Led by industry giants Schneider National and J.B. Hunt, fleets are increasingly turning to asset-tracking technology, according to a new report from Technology Assessment Associates.
Because asset tracking can reduce fleet capital costs through fewer lost trailers, containers and railcars and through higher equipment availability, it is now perceived as an investment in lower business costs by many fleets.
"Cost control is a big issue for transportation companies," said Technology Assessment managing director George Perros. "Managers are turning to asset utilization in increasing numbers, trying to squeeze more loads, more stops and more shipments out of the same equipment."
While trailer tracking has been largely confined to aftermarket installations by third-party suppliers, trailer OEMs are actively pursuing strategies to include trailer tracking capabilities as original equipment.
"We now expect trailer tracking to mirror the trend we've seen in the cab, with third-party aftermarket electronics establishing the market, and the large equipment OEMs stepping in to take control of the market at the factory," Perros said.
In addition to reporting a trailer's exact location, premium trailer tracking systems incorporate onboard sensors to enable carriers to access information such as load status, trailer temperature, and door status.