How is Trailer Tracking Changing Logistics Operations?

The core process of logistics operations has remained relatively constant for some years. Various advancements have been made over to improve supply chain efficiency and those in the logistics industry have gotten fairly comfortable with how those advancements are used within their daily processes. Because of this, companies haven’t spent much time searching for newer technology solutions that can further improve their operations. While they may not think they are missing out on anything, they are. A recent advancement that has started to transform the logistics industry is trailer tracking. Companies only know what their operations look like without trailer tracking, but what could your operations look like with a trailer tracking solution? We have the answer to that question. 

Increase Your ROI by Investing in AirFinder Everywhere

• Loss Prevention. Reduce the amount of loss that occurs during the supply chain process
• Location Coverage. AirFinder Everywhere uses a combination of GPS, Cellular, and WiFi to determine location everywhere
• Security Alerts. Know when a delay in shipment has occurred so the problem
  can be addressed immediately.

What Logistics Operations Look Like Without Trailer Tracking

Loss/Theft

The absence of a trailer tracking system makes it difficult for fleet managers to determine the exact location of each of their trailers and other important assets. If you’re a fleet manager for a company that uses reusable pallets, knowing where those pallets are is an important part of reusing them. Sometimes, when you’re in a rush, pallets can be misplaced. Those pallets that got misplaced still need to be used but now you have to waste time and resources searching for or replacing them. Another common struggle fleet managers face is loss of both trailers and cargo. Without the visibility of your trailer or the cargo on it, you might not find out it has been stolen until the culprits are long gone, making it difficult to retrieve the stolen asset. Your non-powered assets are the most difficult to keep track of since they are not connected. Thieves are aware of the lack of visibility companies have of their non-powered assets, making them popular targets. 

Difficulty in Compliance

For companies with the responsibility of transporting perishable items, monitoring the temperature inside of your trailer is essential. Regulatory bodies impose requirements on logistics operations regarding the tracking, monitoring, and reporting of sensitive goods transportation. Without having complete visibility of the temperature, there is a risk that the temperature changes without management’s knowledge, leading to spoilage and waste. Without the use of a trailer tracking device with temperature monitoring software, there is not a way to truly determine if the temperature inside the trailer is safe for the cargo being shipped. Compliance regulations often mandate not just precise tracking, but precise documentation of cargo movement, including details on shipment origin, transit routes, and delivery timelines. Without a system that consistently monitors the temperature inside the trailer, logistics managers encounter difficulties in providing accurate and verifiable information about the safety of the contents inside the trailer. This lack of real-time visibility and data on trailer movements makes it challenging to comply with regulations that demand precise reporting and documentation throughout the transportation process. 

Underutilization of Assets

Trailers, being vital components of the transportation portion of the supply chain, require effective management to optimize their usage and maximize their potential. However, without a trailer tracker, companies struggle to gain real-time visibility and control over their trailer assets, leading to underutilization and process inefficiencies. One of the primary issues is the inability to accurately monitor and track the movement and availability of trailers. This lack of visibility makes it difficult to identify idle trailers or those underutilized in the fleet. As a result, trailers may remain stationary for extended periods or be used well below their capacity, leading to lost opportunities for revenue generation and increased operational costs. These underutilized assets tie up capital without yielding optimal returns, impacting the company’s bottom line. This lack of visibility causes some trailers to be overutilized while others remain underutilized, resulting in an uneven distribution of workload among the fleet. This imbalance not only diminishes efficiency but also increases wear and tear on some trailers while leaving others in a state of disuse, affecting their overall longevity and value. Without trailer tracking, companies miss out on the opportunity to streamline their operations and optimize asset usage effectively. 

What Logistics Operations Look Like With Trailer Tracking

Loss Prevention

Trailer tracking software plays an important role in fleet management by providing visibility of non-powered assets to fleet managers. This tracking system significantly improves security measures by mitigating the risk of theft or loss of your valuable assets. A GPS trailer tracker monitors trailers’ exact locations, routes, and movements throughout the supply chain. Through continuous monitoring and geofencing capabilities, these systems instantly alert managers of any unauthorized activities, deviations from designated routes, or unexpected stops. This immediate notification empowers swift action, enabling managers to quickly intervene in case of suspicious activities, thereby preventing potential theft or unauthorized access to trailers. In the case of theft, a trailer tracking system facilitates improved asset recovery capabilities. The real-time location data provided by the tracking devices assists companies and law enforcement agencies in swiftly locating and recovering stolen trailers. This not only minimizes losses for the company, but also increases the likelihood of retrieving stolen assets intact, reducing financial impacts and potential disruptions to logistics operations. 

Compliance

A trailer tracking system does more than simply track an asset’s location. It also has the ability to monitor environmental conditions and report on location and status of the assets. These capabilities are essential for those transporting perishable assets. This tracking solution provides real-time visibility and documentation of trailer and cargo movements, addressing the need for accurate record-keeping as mandated by compliance regulations. By tracking the location, routes, and transit times of trailers, fleet managers can generate precise reports required to comply with regulatory bodies. This data not only validates adherence to stipulated transportation guidelines but also aids in providing proof of compliance during audits or inspections. For more real-time benefits, with your trailer tracking system, you can set up a “safe zone” that the perishables need to remain in. If the temperature breaches the zone on either side, an alert is sent to the fleet manager so the situation can be taken care of before spoilage occurs. This preventative action improves food safety and ensures compliance.

Optimized Asset Usage

A trailer tracking solution stands as a pivotal tool for fleet managers seeking to optimize asset utilization within their logistics operations. Through tracking and monitoring, companies are able to identify how long trailers are sitting idle and if they are being used to their full potential. You may not realize it now, but as previously mentioned, trailers often go underused without fleet managers’ knowledge. Tracking your trailers can help you solve this problem. Through tracking and reporting, you can easily identify which trailers have been sitting in your lot unused for long periods of time. Once you identify which trailers are underused, you can make changes to your operations to ensure those trailers get used. This way, you’ll be getting your money’s worth of your investment. This also helps managers to be more flexible when changing demands occur. If an increase in trailers is needed, you know which ones can be used so you can get the job done. 

The data analytics capabilities of fleet tracking also provides insights into trailer utilization patterns and performance metrics. Fleet managers can access historical data on trailer usage, enabling them to identify underutilized assets or those subjected to excessive wear and tear due to overuse. This data-driven approach aids in optimizing the distribution of loads among trailers, ensuring balanced utilization across the fleet and extending the longevity of assets. Real-time tracking data even allows managers to identify opportunities for sharing trailers among different routes or operations without compromising timelines or efficiency. This approach reduces the need for excess inventory and maximizes asset utilization by ensuring that trailers are continuously in motion and utilized to their full capacity. Additionally, these systems aid in proactive maintenance and management of trailers. By monitoring trailer performance data and usage patterns, fleet managers can schedule preventive maintenance, reducing the likelihood of breakdowns and unexpected downtime. This proactive approach ensures that trailers remain operational, minimizing disruptions and maximizing their utilization in logistics operations. 

Trailer Tracking Solution Break Down

A trailer tracking solution is a comprehensive system designed to track, monitor, and optimize the movement and utilization of trailers within logistics operations. Our trailer tracking solution, AirFinder Everywhere, uses a combination of GPS, cellular, and WiFi sniffing technologies to determine the location of non-powered assets in real time. These systems easily integrate with your existing telematics system to provide you complete visibility of your supply chain operations. The real-time tracking capabilities provide fleet managers with visibility of their operations. This visibility gives them the information they need to optimize routing, scheduling, and resource allocation, enhancing operational efficiency while ensuring timely deliveries. This solution offers a range of features and functionalities that go beyond basic location tracking, including geofencing capabilities, which establish virtual boundaries around specific geographic areas. When a trailer enters or exits these predefined zones, the system triggers alerts, allowing managers to monitor compliance, prevent unauthorized usage, or enhance security measures. 

AirFinder Everywhere also incorporates data analytics tools to process the information collected from trailers. These analytics provide valuable insights into usage patterns, efficiency metrics, and performance trends. This data-driven approach assists managers in making informed decisions to improve asset utilization. The collected data is accessible through a user-friendly interface or dashboard, providing detailed reports and customizable analytics for better decision-making. If you have an existing telematics system, the two can integrate so all of the data you need is in one area. 

Will You Improve Your Logistics Operations Through Trailer Tracking?

The evolution of trailer tracking technology has revolutionized logistics operations in profound ways. Trailer trackers provide unparalleled visibility, real-time data insights, and proactive management tools that empower fleet managers to optimize asset utilization, enhance security measures, streamline operations, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. The ability to monitor trailers remotely, analyze performance metrics, and make data-driven decisions has significantly transformed the logistics landscape. With the continuous advancements and innovations in trailer tracking technology, logistics operations are experiencing heightened efficiency, minimized risks, improved customer service, and a competitive edge in today’s rapidly evolving business environment. As this technology continues to evolve, its impact on logistics operations will undoubtedly remain pivotal, driving further enhancements, and shaping the future of the industry. Trailer tracking has become an indispensable tool, propelling logistics operations towards greater efficiency, reliability, and success. To learn more about our trailer tracking solution, book a demo with our team.