Bill Franz, XTRA’s president and CEO, says trailer tracking without solar power is like 'spaghetti without meatballs.” (Photo courtesy of XTRA Lease)
Bill Franz, XTRA’s president and CEO, says trailer tracking without solar power is like 'spaghetti without meatballs.” (Photo courtesy of XTRA Lease)
Bill Franz, XTRA’s president and CEO, says trailer tracking without solar power is like 'spaghetti without meatballs.” (Photo courtesy of XTRA Lease)
Bill Franz, XTRA’s president and CEO, says trailer tracking without solar power is like 'spaghetti without meatballs.” (Photo courtesy of XTRA Lease)
Bill Franz, XTRA’s president and CEO, says trailer tracking without solar power is like 'spaghetti without meatballs.” (Photo courtesy of XTRA Lease)

XTRA Lease taps Telular for trailer telematics

April 25, 2017
Company plans to install the SkyBitz GXT5000 solar-powered devices on over 50,000 of its dry van and refrigerated trailers.

XTRA Lease and Internet of Things (IOT) firm Telular are partnering up to install the SkyBitz GXT5000 solar-powered fleet management system on over 50,000 of XTRA’s over-the-road dry vans and refrigerated trailers, including approximately 9,000 new trailers purchased this year.

XTRA said the GXT5000 series operates on the 3G/4G and LTE cellular networks and is ideal for operations that require near real-time reporting on trailer status, helping improve asset allocation and enhance logistics and security for XTRA’s customers.

“We’re excited about this latest leap forward in trailer tracking, which we will make available to all customers to help them better manage their rental and lease trailers,” noted Bill Franz, XTRA’s president and CEO in a statement.

“One of the most important services we can deliver to fleets is the ability to identify dormant and under-utilized rental trailers. That way, fleet managers can target low-use trailers and return them to XTRA Lease or deploy them elsewhere in their operation,” he added. “Our new trailer tracking dashboard takes this concept to a new level.”

Franz pointed out that the improved battery performance offered by the solar-powered SkyBitz trailer tracking product will be a critical benefit.

“Customers require outstanding battery performance,” he stressed. “In fact, we believe today trailer tracking without solar power is like spaghetti without meatballs.”

XTRA and SkyBitz are also collaborating to create a new web-based portal that delivers the critical trailer tracking data needed by fleet managers to better manage their rental and leasing fleets.

The new portal will feature:

  • Near real-time dynamic location reporting. Trailers report in at the beginning and end of every trip and at 30-minute intervals when they’re moving. They report in daily when not moving.
  • A more “robust” dashboard. Dormancy, utilization, a list of trailers, a map of current trailer locations and counts, plus more will be clearly displayed on one web page.
  • Customized tracking. The portal will feature custom landmarks and trailer groups that will enable fleet managers to track what’s important to their specific operation.
  • Interactive mapping. Powered by Google, interactive maps will display the current locations of trailers and number of trailers at each location.

All of those services will be offered for free on rented and leased over-the-road trailers, XTRA added.

About the Author

Fleet Owner Staff

Our Editorial Team

Kevin Jones, Editorial Director, Commercial Vehicle Group

Cristina Commendatore, Executive Editor

Scott Achelpohl, Managing Editor 

Josh Fisher, Senior Editor

Catharine Conway, Digital Editor

Eric Van Egeren, Art Director

Sponsored Recommendations

Tackling the Tech Shortage: Lessons in Recruiting Talent and Reducing Turnover

Discover innovative strategies for recruiting and retaining tech talent in the trucking industry at our April 16th webinar, where experts will share insights on competitive pay...

Stop Sweating Temperature Excursions

Advanced chemical indicators give you the peace of mind that comes from reliable insights into your supply chains. Compromised shipments can be identified the moment they arrive...

Stop Sweating Temperature Excursions

Advanced chemical indicators give you the peace of mind that comes from reliable insights into your supply chains. Compromised shipments can be identified the moment they arrive...

How Electric Vehicles Help You Prolong the Life of Your Fleet

Before adopting electric vehicles for commercial/government fleets, prioritize cost inquiries. Maintenance is essential; understand the upkeep of EV fleets. Here’s what you need...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of FleetOwner, create an account today!