OTA Dispatch Issue 3, 2021

27 www.ortrucking.org Issue 3 | 2021 an electronic stability program to protect against rollovers and loss-of-control accidents. Meritor WABCO’s OnGuard system offers similar functionality, relying on short-range radar for potential obstacle detection; in late October, the company announced blind spot collision protection with its new OnSide product. 5. Trailer Tracking Trailer tracking technology can make it considerably easier to locate and manage the utilization of these assets. When you think of asset tracking as it applies to truck trailers, the first thing that might come to mind is loss prevention. Adding GPS tracking and a system to monitor what’s going on with your trailers could warn a fleet if those trailers are in high-theft areas, for example, or track a trailer that’s stolen. Better visibility of these expensive assets makes solid business sense, just as it does for tracking and managing tractors. And right there, we’ve hit on the bigger reason to add trailer tracking technology to your fleet. Trailer tracking doesn’t only involve a GPS transponder that mounts physically to the trailer. It also provides yet another wireless sensor in the Internet of Things, and that means a trailer-tracking device can provide data to be fed into a fleet management system. As usual, once Big Data is factored in, there’s more that can be done. For example, MiX Telematics offers its MiX Asset Manager, which can track a shipping container just as easily as a trailer. The company said the technology can make managing assets much easier, such as billing for a trailer that’s rented out. 6. T emperature Tracking/ Record Keeping This is another category of technology that’s become mandatory for many carriers. As part of the Food Safety Modernization Act, those involved in transporting human and animal food including shippers, carriers and receivers must follow best practices for sanitary transportation. It requires things like properly refrigerating food, cleaning vehicles between loads to prevent contamination, and protecting food during transportation. Shippers are going to want to do business with carriers that have this technology. An early warning of temperature trouble could help save a load. Temperature tracking can also provide documentation of proper handling to protect those involved, for example, if people were to get sick from food that’s delivered. 2 That is just a smattering of the add-ons that are available for your fleet. A little investigation will reveal considerably more opportunities. One way to painlessly acquire some of these technologies is to look to your mandatory ELD and consider a supplier that has managed to build into a single ELD technology platform multiple value- added offerings. You might be surprised to see what you can acquire in this fashion for a small incremental cost while meeting the governmental requirement to have an ELD. To summarize, technology growth is just as certain as death and taxes. In an industry that survives on slim margins, it could very well be an emerging technology that makes the difference between a motor carrier that stays ahead of the competition as opposed to being left behind. Stay relevant and remain competitive by not letting yourself be left behind. Be vigilant of emerging transportation technologies. Consider what new technologies can offer to your fleet in terms of increased productivity or profit. Don’t neglect to consider what it might mean to your operation if you do not adopt any given technology while your competitors do engage. Stay ahead of the curve. Your staff at OTA are available to consult if you have any questions or need a vendor reference. 1. www.history.com/topics/inventions/automated- teller-machines 2. www.fleetowner.com/technology/ article/21701619/7-truck-technologies-you-need- and-why Photo: Aaron Marsh/Fleet Owner