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Before You Blame the Pump, Check Your Tires 

Posted on by Ashley Decollibus

I am speaking with managers right now, and the conversation almost always starts the same way: fuel. Prices are brutal, margins are getting squeezed, and everyone is looking for somewhere to claw back a few cents per mile. Most of the time, they’re looking at routes, loads, driver behavior, and equipment specs. All the right places. 

But here’s what I’ve started asking: when did you last look at your trailer tire pressure? 

Nine times out of ten, the answer is some version of “we check them when we can” or “the drivers do walk-arounds.” And that’s where the problem lives. 

The Drain You Can’t See 

A tire that’s 10 PSI low doesn’t look underinflated. It looks fine. It rolls fine. But it’s quietly costing you on every single mile. 

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a tire running 10 PSI low burns 2–3% more fuel per mile than a properly inflated tire. Get to 20–30 PSI underinflation (which happens faster than you’d think on trailers sitting at docks or drop yards for days at a time), and field testing puts that fuel penalty at 8–10%. 

With diesel sitting above $5 a gallon right now, that’s not a rounding error. For a fleet running hundreds of trailers, that’s a meaningful line item leaving the business every single month through tires that, on the surface, look perfectly fine. 

And according to FMCSA data, 55% of commercial vehicles have at least one tire running 10 or more PSI below optimal. This isn’t an edge case. It’s the norm. 

Why Trailers Are the Problem 

Tractors get attention. Drivers walk around them every day, and shop techs see them regularly. Trailers are a different story. They get dropped at docks, sit in yards, and spend days or weeks disconnected from anyone who might notice something’s off. 

By the time a tire issue shows up visually, you’ve already absorbed the cost: fuel, accelerated wear, and potentially a blowout that means a roadside call, a delayed shipment, and a safety incident. NHTSA data shows that tires underinflated by more than 25% are three times more likely to contribute to a crash. 

Only about 15% of trailers currently have any kind of tire pressure monitoring in place, compared to 25–30% of tractors (NACFE). That gap is exactly where the money is going. 

What We Do About It 

This is the problem Phillips Connect TPMS was built to solve. Our sensors give fleet managers continuous visibility into trailer tire pressure and temperature, reporting every three minutes with immediate alerts the moment something changes. If a tire starts losing pressure at 2 AM in a drop yard in Memphis, you know about it before it becomes a problem. 

The sensors install quickly and easily, last up to four times longer than competing solutions thanks to their energy efficiency, and come backed by an 8-year warranty. They’re built to live on your trailers for the long haul. 

The FMCSA studied the impact of TPMS across tractor-trailer fleets and found a 1.4 to 1.8% improvement in fuel economy. Layer in the avoided blowouts, extended tire life, and reduced roadside service calls, and the ROI conversation tends to get straightforward pretty quickly. 

Let’s Talk 

I’m not going to tell you trailer TPMS is a silver bullet for everything that’s happening with fuel prices right now. But I will tell you that in almost every fleet conversation I have, tire pressure is an overlooked line item, and it’s fixable fast. 

If you want to talk through what your fleet looks like and where the gaps might be, I’m easy to reach. No pitch deck required. 

►  Get in touch with Thomas

If You Wouldn’t Send It Out of the Shop, Why Send It Out of the Yard?

Posted on by Ashley Decollibus

I’ve spent my career in connected commercial vehicle technology. Long enough to see what “almost there” looks like: providers who could demo a compelling vision but struggled to deliver at scale, with real fleets, in real operating conditions.

That experience made me selective, and it’s also what brought me to Phillips Connect.

From day one, the focus here has been a fully integrated smart trailer platform. Not a partial solution, not a pilot with a handful of customers, but a proven platform built on durable sensors and, more importantly, the software intelligence to turn what those sensors capture into insights fleets can act on. That combination forces you to solve the hard problems: sensor reliability, yes, but also what you do with the insight once you have it. Most fleets are surprised by what they didn’t know they didn’t know about their trailers.

The shift that’s coming is operational, not just technological.

When I talk to enterprise fleet managers, the vision lands immediately. Almost every conversation starts the same way: “If I could see the health of every trailer from my desk, I’d run my operation differently.”

And they mean it. The idea of a desktop yard check, assessing the lights, brakes, and tire health of every trailer before dispatch without sending someone into the yard with a clipboard, isn’t science fiction anymore. It’s quickly becoming the standard.

But getting there requires more than technology. It requires a change in how fleets think about maintenance itself.

Most enterprise fleets still operate on time-based PMs and a “fix it when it breaks” model. That’s not a criticism. It’s how the industry was built, and it worked well enough when visibility was limited. But the model is changing. Fleets are moving from reactive to proactive, and eventually to prescriptive: not just knowing there’s a problem, but knowing which problems to address first, in what order, and why. And those insights don’t live in a vacuum. When smart trailer software connects with a fleet’s existing maintenance systems, safety platforms, and dispatch tools, the whole operation starts speaking the same language.

What I hear from fleets, and where the real friction is.

The barriers aren’t usually about the technology. They’re cultural and operational.

There are decades of inertia around time-based maintenance schedules. There’s skepticism about introducing new systems into an already complex operation. And there’s a real, important conversation happening among safety-conscious fleets about what visibility and accountability actually mean in practice.

Here’s what the best operators have figured out: if you’re running an operation built around safety, proactive maintenance, and genuine regard for your drivers, the insights you’re generating support you. Fleets that are actively identifying and addressing issues before they become problems on the road are building a record of operational integrity. That’s a fundamentally different position than one that was watching the warning signs and choosing to look the other way.

The fleets making real progress aren’t trying to boil the ocean. They start with controlled environments, dedicated fleets, specific lanes, often specing smart trailers at the OEM level, during natural equipment turnover. They build processes around desktop fleet health checks and pre-load validation. They use early deployments to prove the operational and financial case.

And then something clicks.

The aha moment is when a fleet realizes this isn’t about tracking. It’s about changing how the entire operation runs: maintenance, dispatch, planning, safety, compliance. Insights surface that nobody was looking for: load patterns that accelerate tire wear, brake performance trends that show up weeks before a failure, lighting issues concentrated in specific trailer age ranges. Combine that with integrations pulling in context from in-cab systems, maintenance, and TMS platforms already in use, and you’re not just monitoring trailers anymore. You’re seeing your fleet in a way you never have before.

That translates into real operational change:

  • Preventing compromised trailers from ever reaching a dock door
  • Reducing CSA exposure before a truck hits the road
  • Eliminating wasted yard moves and augmenting manual checks
  • Creating a feedback loop between operations, maintenance, and safety
  • Sending automated, priority-ranked work orders directly to the maintenance system

Once that happens, the conversation shifts from “Do we need this?” to “How fast can we scale it?”

Why now is the inflection point.

Here’s what I think gets underappreciated in conversations about smart trailers: this isn’t just about efficiency. It’s about where the entire industry is going.

For some fleets, this is already about preparing for autonomous operations. If a truck is driving itself, the trailer behind it can’t be a question mark. Lights, brakes, tire health become continuously monitored, non-negotiable systems. Smart trailer technology won’t be optional in that world. It will be required infrastructure.

But even before autonomy fully arrives, expectations are shifting. More visibility. More accountability. Less tolerance for reactive operations. No fleet wants to be in a position where a preventable issue becomes a safety event, or a headline.

The inflection point is here. Fleets that start building these capabilities now, the processes, the insights, the integrations, are going to be the ones that separate themselves over the next three to five years.

Healthy trailers don’t happen by schedule. They happen by visibility, by proactive action, and by a commitment to knowing the answer before the trailer ever leaves the yard.

Michael Hoffman is a strategic sales leader at Phillips Connect, a connected trailer technology company focused on delivering the industry’s most comprehensive smart trailer platform.

What is a smart trailer?

A smart trailer is a commercial trailer equipped with sensors and software that continuously monitor its health and operational status, including lights, brakes, tires, and other critical systems. Unlike traditional trailers that rely on manual inspections and time-based maintenance schedules, smart trailers generate real-time insights that allow fleet operators to identify and address issues before they affect safety or operations. The value of a smart trailer platform isn’t just in the sensors themselves, but in the software that transforms what those sensors capture into actionable intelligence fleet teams can use every day.

How do smart trailers improve fleet maintenance operations?

Smart trailers shift fleet maintenance from a reactive model to a proactive and eventually prescriptive one. Instead of servicing trailers on a fixed schedule or waiting for something to fail, maintenance teams receive continuous insights about the actual condition of every trailer in the fleet. This allows them to prioritize work orders based on real need, address issues before they become failures, and reduce the time and cost associated with unnecessary or missed maintenance. When integrated with existing maintenance management systems, smart trailer platforms can automatically generate and stack-rank work orders, helping teams focus on what matters most.

What is a desktop fleet health yard check?

A desktop yard check is the ability for fleet managers and operations teams to assess the health status of every trailer in a yard, including lights, brakes, and tire condition, directly from a software interface without requiring a manual physical inspection. Rather than sending someone into the yard with a clipboard before each dispatch, a desktop yard check surfaces the same information digitally, flagging any trailers with outstanding issues before they’re assigned to a load. This capability is becoming a standard expectation for enterprise fleets that prioritize safety and operational efficiency.

How do smart trailers reduce CSA violations?

CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) violations are often the result of trailers leaving the yard with undetected issues, lighting failures, brake deficiencies, or tire problems that a roadside inspection will catch. Smart trailer technology addresses this by surfacing those issues before dispatch, giving maintenance teams the opportunity to resolve them before a truck ever hits the road. Fleets using smart trailer platforms consistently report a reduction in out-of-service events and roadside violations because problems are identified and corrected at the yard level rather than discovered during a DOT inspection.

What kinds of insights can smart trailer sensors reveal that fleets weren’t previously aware of?

Beyond the expected brake, tire, and lighting alerts, smart trailer platforms surface patterns that manual inspection simply cannot. Load distribution trends that accelerate wear on specific trailer components. Brake performance degradation that shows up weeks before a failure event. Lighting issues concentrated in particular trailer age ranges or models. Tire pressure patterns tied to specific routes or seasons. These are the kinds of insights that change how a fleet thinks about procurement, routing, and preventive maintenance, not just how they manage the repair queue today.

How do smart trailer platforms integrate with other fleet systems?

A well-built smart trailer platform doesn’t operate in isolation. It connects with the tools fleet operations already rely on, including telematics providers, maintenance management systems, safety platforms, and dispatch software. These integrations allow trailer health insights to flow into the broader operational picture, so a maintenance director, safety manager, and dispatcher are all working from the same understanding of fleet readiness. The result is a connected operation where trailer health informs decisions across departments rather than sitting in a separate system no one checks consistently.

What are the biggest barriers to smart trailer adoption in enterprise fleets?

The most common barriers are cultural and operational rather than technological. Many enterprise fleets have decades of established processes built around time-based preventive maintenance and manual inspection routines. Introducing a new model requires buy-in across maintenance, safety, and operations teams. There’s also skepticism about the complexity of managing new systems at scale. The fleets that overcome these barriers typically start with a controlled deployment in a dedicated fleet or specific region, build internal processes around the new insights, and use early results to make the case for broader rollout.

What is the business case for smart trailer technology in enterprise fleets?

The business case operates on several levels. Operationally, smart trailers reduce unplanned downtime, eliminate wasted yard moves, and allow maintenance teams to focus their time on the work that actually needs doing. From a safety and compliance standpoint, they reduce CSA exposure and the risk of a preventable issue becoming a roadside event or worse. At the strategic level, fleets that build smart trailer capabilities now are positioning themselves ahead of an industry shift toward greater visibility and accountability, one that will only accelerate as autonomous operations become more prevalent. The question for most enterprise fleets isn’t whether this investment pays off. It’s how quickly.

Are smart trailers required for autonomous trucking?

Yes, effectively. In an autonomous operation, the trailer behind a self-driving truck cannot be an unknown. Lights, brakes, and tire health must be continuously monitored systems, not periodic checkboxes. Smart trailer sensors and the software platforms that support them are the foundation of that capability. Fleets that begin building smart trailer infrastructure now are also building the operational and technical readiness they will need as autonomous and semi-autonomous operations expand. The investment is not purely about today’s efficiency. It’s about being ready for the way freight will move in the next decade.

How should an enterprise fleet get started with smart trailer technology?

The most successful implementations start small and deliberate. Fleets typically begin with a controlled deployment in a dedicated fleet or a specific operational region, rather than attempting to equip every trailer at once. Many choose to spec smart trailers at the OEM level when turning over equipment in a dedicated operation, which simplifies the rollout. Early focus usually goes to building processes around desktop fleet health checks and pre-load validation, areas where the operational impact is immediate and measurable. Once those processes are in place and the value is visible, scaling the program across the broader fleet becomes a much easier conversation internally.

Your TMS Knows Your Trucks. Now It Knows Your Trailers. 

Posted on by Ashley Decollibus

For years, the trailer has been the blind spot of fleet technology. Trucks have been connected, tracked, and optimized. Drivers have been monitored and dispatched with precision. But the trailer, the asset carrying the freight, the one that determines whether a load moves profitably, has largely been invisible to the systems that run fleet operations. 

That changes with Phillips Connect’s new integration with McLeod Software. 

The Gap That’s Been Costing Fleets 

Ask any fleet planner how they decide which trailer to assign to a load, and you’ll often hear the same answer: they check what they can find, make a few phone calls, and hope for the best. That’s not a technology problem. It’s a data problem. The information needed to make a smart decision — where is the trailer, how much space is left, is it mechanically ready to roll — has simply not been available inside the systems dispatchers and planners actually use. 

That gap shows up in empty miles, underutilized capacity, and loads that sit longer than they should. It shows up in the time planners spend chasing information instead of moving freight. And it shows up in the customer experience when a committed load can’t be confirmed because no one really knows what’s available. 

Trailer Intelligence Where It Belongs 

The Phillips Connect integration with McLeod Software puts smart trailer data directly inside the McLeod TMS – no separate app, no manual data pulls, no switching between platforms. Fleet planners and dispatchers gain real-time visibility into trailer location, tire health, brake and lights status, and, critically, what’s actually inside the trailer and how much capacity remains. 

That last capability, powered by Phillips Connect CargoVision, is where trailer intelligence takes a meaningful step forward. CargoVision uses an AI-powered camera to show exactly what’s loaded in a trailer and delivers volumetric measurements that support accurate load planning. For partial shipments, multi-stop routes, or any operation where load matching matters, this level of detail transforms the trailer from an unknown quantity into a capacity-aware asset. 

MNS1, the first fleet to complete the integration, saw the difference immediately. “Our planners and dispatchers can see inside every trailer, understand how much space is left and decide quickly which trailers are ready to deploy, and which need to be repositioned,” said Mike Narkys, President of MNS1. “The Phillips Connect integration with McLeod helps us turn loads faster, reduce empty moves and put our trailers to work where they make the most impact for our customers and our drivers.” 

More Than Location — A Full Trailer Picture 

What distinguishes this integration is the breadth of intelligence it delivers. Many connected vehicle solutions stop at location. Phillips Connect surfaces the full health and status picture of every trailer: tire condition, brake performance, lights — the mechanical readiness indicators that determine whether a trailer is actually ready to move. Combine that with cargo intelligence and volumetric load data, and fleets gain something they haven’t had before: a complete, real-time view of every trailer’s operational status, all inside the platform they already run their business on. 

“With the Phillips Connect integration, mutual customers gain cargo visibility and real-time trailer location inside McLeod,” said Ahmed Ebrahim, Senior Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Integrations at McLeod Software. “This provides our customers with stronger insight into their networks and helps them plan more effectively across their fleet.” 

The First of Many 

This integration is the opening move in a broader Phillips Connect platform strategy. The goal is to meet fleets where they already work — not ask them to adopt another standalone system, but to bring smart trailer intelligence into the TMS, fleet management, and operational platforms they depend on every day. 

“Trailers become active contributors to fleet strategy when data such as tire, lights and brake health, cargo intelligence, and location are accessible in the platforms they already rely on,” said Todd Hodges, Director of Product Management for Phillips Connect. “This integration is the first of many that will help fleets bring their trailer intelligence forward, no matter what software platforms they use to run their business.” 

For fleets running McLeod across North America, the integration is available now. For the broader industry, it represents a clear direction: trailer data belongs in the operational core of fleet management, not siloed in a separate tool. 

The trailer has always been essential. Now it’s finally visible. 

Phillips Connect helps fleets maximize their ROI on every trailer, every load, and every mile. Learn more at phillipsconnect.com. 

Phillips Connect Expands Trailer Intelligence Across Roadside, Brake and Liftgate Systems 

Posted on by Ashley Decollibus

Enhanced solutions deliver deeper operational insight through collaborations with Emergency Safety Solutions (ESS), Bendix and Maxon 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – March 15, 2026 – Phillips Connect today announced new enhancements across three key trailer system categories that expand how fleets manage roadside safety, brake performance and liftgate operations. Introduced at the Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) Annual Meeting & Transportation Technology Exhibition, the updates strengthen how fleets capture operational intelligence from critical trailer systems and distribute those insights across maintenance, operations and safety teams. 

“Every system on the trailer generates insights that can help fleets operate more safely and efficiently,” said Mark Wallin, general manager and senior vice president of product at Phillips Connect. “Our platform is designed to capture those signals and turn them into actionable insights. By working closely with leading equipment providers, we can also deliver deeper intelligence from systems fleets already rely on across their trailers.” 

Phillips Connect Roadside Safety Intelligence 

Phillips Connect introduced new Roadside safety solutions designed to improve visibility and awareness during roadside events. 

Through a partnership with Emergency Safety Solutions (ESS), the Phillips Connect platform can trigger ESS’s H.E.L.P. DeliverSAFE intelligent roadside hazard technology when a trailer is stopped on the shoulder. When a driver activates the trailer’s hazard lights, the system automatically initiates H.E.L.P. Lighting Alerts, flashing the trailer’s lights in a distinctive high-visibility pattern designed to attract more attention than standard hazard lights. The system also sends real-time shouldered vehicle alerts to approaching motorists through navigation apps and in-dash systems, helping drivers identify roadside hazards earlier and move over more safely. 

Roadside safety intelligence builds on Phillips Connect’s existing light circuit monitoring technology, extending its functionality to improve roadside awareness and help protect drivers, equipment and freight during roadside events. 

Phillips Connect Brake System Intelligence 

Phillips Connect also added system enhancements to its existing brake solutions that provide greater visibility into trailer brake performance and status. 

When fleets operate trailers equipped with Bendix TABS Advanced brake system electronic control units (ECUs), Phillips Connect can access diagnostic trouble code (DTC) fault reporting and standard formatted data messages. This information includes brake wear, trouble codes and other system data that may help maintenance teams detect developing issues and prioritize service before they escalate. 

Phillips Connect can provide fleets access to insights from this data that strengthen cultures of safety by enabling fleets to respond more quickly to events such as roll stability activation or braking faults that may require attention. 

Phillips Connect Liftgate Intelligence 

Phillips Connect also enhanced its liftgate solutions to provide fleets with improved liftgate performance and usage data. 

Liftgates are essential to many delivery operations, particularly on routes with frequent stops or locations without loading docks. When fleets operate Maxon liftgates equipped with MAX LINK technology, Phillips Connect can provide fleets with deeper insight into liftgate activity, system health and performance through its partnership with Maxon. 

This information helps fleets identify potential liftgate issues earlier and avoid delivery disruptions that can occur when liftgate batteries or hydraulic systems stop functioning properly. 

Expanding the Connected Trailer Ecosystem 

These enhancements reflect Phillips Connect’s broader strategy to capture operational intelligence from the systems already installed across the trailer. 

By supporting deeper data visibility from leading equipment and solutions providers, Phillips Connect enables fleets to monitor critical trailer systems while continuing to operate the equipment and technologies they already rely on. 

Phillips Connect will showcase these technologies at TMC in Nashville, March 16–18. Show attendees can learn more about the company’s smart trailer platform and see the latest innovations in connected trailer intelligence at the Phillips Connect booth 2029. 

About Phillips Connect 

Phillips Connect develops smart trailer technology that helps fleets capture and apply intelligence from across the trailer. Its platform brings together sensors, cameras and integrated systems to provide visibility into trailer operations, equipment health and cargo activity. By turning trailer intelligence into operational insight, Phillips Connect helps fleets improve safety, increase uptime and operate more efficiently. 

Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Irvine, California, Phillips Connect develops technology that helps fleets monitor trailer systems, identify issues earlier and make better decisions by making trailer intelligence accessible across the fleet. Learn more at www.phillips-connect.com. 

Phillips Connect Introduces Platform Enhancements for Connected Trailers 

Posted on by Ashley Decollibus

New JumpStart offering, CargoVision People Detection and Driver Behavior Insights expand trailer intelligence for fleets.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – March 15, 2026 – Phillips Connect today announced new platform enhancements designed to expand how fleets capture and use trailer intelligence across their operations. Introduced at the Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) Annual Meeting & Transportation Technology Exhibition, the updates improve visibility into trailer activity, cargo operations and trailer performance while making it easy for fleets to benefit from smart trailer intelligence even if they rely on another provider for GPS location tracking. 

“Track-and-trace GPS units have long been the baseline for trailer visibility, but fleets need more than location to make informed decisions that affect operations, safety, dispatch, compliance and maintenance,” said Mark Wallin, general manager and senior vice president of product at Phillips Connect. “The next generation of connected trailer technology is already here, enabling fleets to capture intelligence from across the trailer and supply those insights to every role in the fleet.” 

JumpStart Expands Trailer Intelligence Beyond Location 

Phillips Connect announced JumpStart, a new offering designed to help fleets quickly begin capturing smart trailer insights beyond basic location tracking.  

Track-and-trace telematics providers deliver simple trailer GPS location but typically cannot capture operational intelligence from critical trailer systems. Without insight into how equipment is being used and performing, fleets have limited information to support operational, maintenance and safety decisions.  

Even if fleets are capturing location data from another provider, JumpStart provides easy access to smart trailer insights through six entry points: automated TrailerID, cargo intelligence, brake systems, tire health, liftgate performance and temperature monitoring. Fleets can start with any of these systems and expand over time as they add more smart trailer insights.  

Phillips Connect CargoVision Adds People Detection Inside the Trailer 

Phillips Connect introduced People Detection, a new enhancement to its CargoVision platform that identifies when individuals enter or exit the trailer cargo area. The enhancement gives fleets greater awareness of activity inside the trailer during loading, unloading and other operations. CargoVision with People Detection also helps fleets detect unauthorized access, identify potential cargo theft and safety risks, and better understand how trailers are being used throughout the day. 

Driver Behavior Insights Provide Visibility into How Trailers Are Operated 

Phillips Connect also added Driver Behavior Insights to its platform, helping fleets understand how their trailers are being operated on the road. Using smart sensor data from the trailer, the Phillips Connect platform detects events such as harsh braking, aggressive acceleration and sharp cornering. These insights provide visibility into driver behavior even when trailers are being pulled by third-party tractors.  

This visibility is particularly valuable for fleets that rely on leased equipment, independent carriers or drop-and-hook operations, where trailer owners may not have direct access to tractor telematics. By identifying unsafe operating patterns earlier, fleets can better protect cargo, equipment and their brand on the road. 

Building the Next Generation of Trailer Intelligence 

These innovations reflect Phillips Connect’s broader strategy to capture operational insights from across the trailer and make them easier for fleets to use in their daily operations. 

By combining sensor data, visual intelligence and behavioral insights within a single platform, fleets can move beyond simple location tracking to gain a deeper understanding of how trailers are being used, maintained and operated across their networks. 

Phillips Connect will showcase these technologies at TMC in Nashville, March 16–18. Show attendees can learn more about the company’s smart trailer platform and see the latest innovations in connected trailer intelligence at the Phillips Connect booth 2029. 

About Phillips Connect 

Phillips Connect develops smart trailer technology that helps fleets capture and apply intelligence from across the trailer. Its platform brings together sensors, cameras and integrated systems to provide visibility into trailer operations, equipment health and cargo activity. By turning trailer intelligence into operational insight, Phillips Connect helps fleets improve safety, increase uptime and operate more efficiently. 

Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Irvine, California, Phillips Connect develops technology that helps fleets monitor trailer systems, identify issues earlier and make better decisions by making trailer intelligence accessible across the fleet. Learn more at www.phillips-connect.com. 

One Less Thing for Drivers to Worry About 

Posted on by Ashley Decollibus

Spend time around professional drivers, and you quickly realize how much they manage in a single shift. Traffic, tight delivery windows, inspections, yard congestion, and changing instructions. The job requires constant attention. Yet in the middle of all that, drivers are often asked to complete one more small but important task: select and confirm the trailer they’re pulling before they leave. 

On paper, that step sounds simple. In real life, it happens in busy yards, under time pressure, sometimes at the end of a long day. It’s one more screen, one more confirmation, one more opportunity for something to be entered incorrectly. And when it is, the consequences rarely stay in the cab. 

If the wrong trailer is associated with a trip, that mismatch can affect Hours-of-Service logs, trailer inspection records, dispatch visibility, load security, and even the timing of billing. A small moment at hookup can ripple across compliance, planning, operations, and finance. 

Phillips Connect TrailerID was designed to remove that friction. Instead of relying on manual selection, TrailerID automatically identifies the connected trailer at the moment it is physically hooked. Drivers do not have to choose it. They do not have to confirm it. The system reflects what actually happened. 

That change may feel minor in the cab, but it has a meaningful impact across the fleet. When trailer identification happens automatically, compliance records stay aligned with the equipment being pulled. Dispatch and planning teams can see which trailer actually left the yard. Security teams have clearer insight into when and where trailers were connected and dropped. Billing can begin based on verified events rather than waiting for follow-up. 

Under the hood, TrailerID relies on a tightly integrated hardware and software platform that detects the physical tractor-trailer connection, rather than estimating movement based on proximity alone. Drivers experience the benefit automatically through DriverAssist or integrated in-cab platforms like Geotab and Platform Science, while operations teams see the same confirmed events in Connect1. Everyone works from the same record of what actually happened. 

For drivers, the benefit is straightforward: one less manual step in a job that already demands focus. For fleets, it means fewer corrections, fewer assumptions, and a clearer picture of how trailers are moving through the network. 

Sometimes the most meaningful improvements are not flashy features. They are the quiet changes that remove friction, simplify the day, and make the rest of the operation run a little more smoothly. 

Phillips Connect TrailerID Turns Trailer Pairing into an Operational Advantage

Posted on by Ashley Decollibus

TrailerID removes manual steps for truck drivers while extending automated trailer identification across dispatch, planning, compliance, security and billing 

What you need to know 

  • Phillips Connect TrailerID automatically confirms which trailer is connected, removing manual trailer selection from daily driver tasks 
  • Accurate trailer identification supports compliance, job execution, load security, and billing without adding steps for drivers
  • TrailerID combines tightly integrated hardware and software to deliver dependable trailer identification fleets can rely on 

IRVINE, Calif. and LAS VEGAS – Feb. 10, 2026 – Every day, trucks pick up and drop off trailers as freight moves through yards, terminals, and customer locations. Truck drivers are often asked to confirm which trailer they are pulling, usually by selecting it on a screen before moving on. When that step is rushed, skipped, or entered incorrectly, the consequences extend far beyond the cab. The wrong information can affect safety records, inspections, dispatch decisions, load security, and even when a company can bill for the work. That seems like a small moment at hookup can quickly create costly problems across an entire fleet. 

Phillips Connect TrailerID addresses that problem by identifying the connected trailer at the moment it is hooked. Instead of relying on manual input, Trailer ID confirms the trailer connection automatically and shares that information across the systems fleets already use. The result is a simpler experience for drivers and more reliable information for the teams responsible for keeping freight moving. 

“Accurate trailer identification affects nearly every part of a fleet’s operation,” said Mark Wallin, General Manager and Senior Vice President of Product at Phillips Connect. “With TrailerID, logs stay cleaner, jobs line up with what actually happened, trailers are easier to account for, and billing is easier to start and reconcile. TrailerID removes guesswork and gives fleet teams a shared view of what’s really happening with their trailers.” 

For fleets, that same automatic trailer identification carries through to compliance activities like Hours-of-Service logging and trailer inspections. When the correct trailer is already reflected in the system, logs and inspection records stay accurate without relying on manual entry, reducing errors, rework, and the risk of compliance issues while keeping the driver experience simple. 

TrailerID also helps fleets make sure that the trailer that was planned for a job is the one that actually left the yard. When the system confirms which trailer moved, teams can quickly spot mismatches, prevent mispulls, and understand which trailers are available or sitting idle. Dispatch and planning no longer have to guess or chase down updates to know what happened. 

The same clarity carries through to security and billing. Knowing exactly when and where a trailer was dropped helps protect the load and reduce the risk of theft or fraud. It also allows billing to start based on a verified event, instead of waiting on manual confirmation or follow-up. 

TrailerID is built on a vertically integrated hardware and software platform that delivers more dependable results than methods based solely on GPS or proximity. Trailer connections are detected through the physical tractor-trailer connection using the T/T Pair connector and then validated through Phillips Connect software. Drivers experience this automatically in the cab through DriverAssist, while operations teams see the same events through Connect1 in the back office. The result is a clear record of what actually happened rather than an estimate or assumption. 

For drivers, TrailerID removes one more manual step from an already complex in-cab experience. Trailer identification happens automatically, reducing screens, selections, and the chance for error. That same pairing information is immediately available to dispatch, safety, operations, and billing teams. 

TrailerID is available through multiple in-cab environments. Fleets can access TrailerID on the DriverAssist app directly through Phillips Connect or via integrations with leading in-cab platforms, including Platform Science and Geotab’s OrderNow Marketplace.  

About Phillips Connect 

Phillips Connect smart trailer technologies help the world’s largest fleets improve operations, safety and efficiency. The Phillips Connect platform of software sensors, cameras and telematics gateway innovations provide fleet managers and operational leads with real-time visibility into their trailers’ location, tire, brakes, cargo and door statuses, and more, saving customers time and money. Headquartered in Irvine, California, Phillips Connect is part of the Phillips family of companies, celebrating nearly a century of delivering innovative, reliable solutions that keep the transportation industry moving. For more information, visit www.phillips-connect.com. 

What is Phillips Connect TrailerID?

Phillips Connect TrailerID is a solution that automatically identifies which trailer is connected to a truck at the moment of hookup, removing the need for drivers to manually select or confirm a trailer.

How does TrailerID work?

TrailerID detects the physical connection between the tractor and trailer and confirms that event through tightly integrated hardware and software, creating a verified record of trailer movement that fleets can trust.

What problem does TrailerID solve for fleets?

TrailerID eliminates errors caused by manual trailer selection, helping fleets avoid incorrect records that can affect compliance, dispatch decisions, load security, and billing.

How does TrailerID benefit drivers?

TrailerID removes one more manual task from the driver’s day by automatically identifying the trailer, reducing screens, selections, and opportunities for error in the cab.

How does TrailerID support fleet operations beyond the cab?

Verified trailer identification data from TrailerID is shared across dispatch, planning, compliance, security, and billing systems, helping teams understand what actually happened and act on accurate information.

How does TrailerID help with compliance?

By ensuring the correct trailer is automatically associated with Hours-of-Service logs and trailer inspection records, TrailerID helps keep compliance records accurate without adding extra steps for drivers.

How does TrailerID support job confirmation and planning?

TrailerID confirms which trailer actually moved, helping fleets align planned activity with real-world outcomes and maintain a clearer view of trailer availability.

How does TrailerID improve security and reduce risk?

Knowing exactly when and where a trailer was connected or dropped helps fleets protect loads, reduce theft or fraud, and investigate unexpected trailer movement.

How does TrailerID support billing?

TrailerID allows billing to begin based on verified trailer drop events rather than manual confirmation, reducing delays and reconciliation issues.

How is TrailerID different from GPS- or proximity-based trailer identification?

TrailerID relies on detecting the physical tractor-trailer connection rather than estimating proximity, making it more dependable than methods based solely on location or Bluetooth signals.

What is the relationship between TrailerID and T/T Pair?

TrailerID is the evolution of the T/T Pair capability, expanding automated trailer pairing into a software-led solution that supports multiple operational use cases across the fleet.

Where can fleets use TrailerID?

TrailerID works across multiple in-cab environments, including Phillips Connect DriverAssist and integrations with leading platforms such as Geotab and Platform Science.

Flatbed Visibility Matters: Why Location, Brakes and Tire Health Belong in the Same Conversation

Posted on by Ashley Decollibus

Flatbed trailers play a critical role in freight movement. From construction materials and machinery to steel, lumber, and oversized loads, flatbeds support freight that dry vans simply cannot handle, yet flatbeds are often managed with far less visibility than dry vans, even though they operate in more demanding and less predictable environments. 

Knowing where your flatbed trailers are is essential, and knowing whether they are ready to be deployed is just as important. Location, brake health, and tire condition all determine whether a flatbed can be dispatched safely and efficiently. 

Why Flatbed Trailers are Harder to Manage 

Flatbed trailers are typically operated outside the structured trailer pool models common with dry vans. They are frequently staged at job sites, ports, rail yards, or customer locations as part of loading, unloading, or project-based workflows. These trailers may remain stationary for extended periods, be repositioned locally, or transition between assignments without returning to a centralized yard. 

During these idle or low-visibility periods, mechanical issues can develop without immediate awareness from operations or maintenance teams. 

Common challenges include: 

  • Trailers that appear available but are not mechanically ready to move 
  • Brake or tire issues discovered only at dispatch or during pre-trip inspection 
  • Time lost locating specific trailers across large or nontraditional staging areas 
  • Increased safety exposure when trailers sit unattended without visibility into their condition 

Without real-time insight into both location and health, fleets are forced to rely on assumptions that introduce delays, inefficiencies, and added cost. 

How Large Flatbed Fleets Reduce Search Time and Improve Readiness 

For fleets that manage large numbers of flatbed trailers, visibility across yards, customer sites, and staging areas is one of the biggest operational challenges. Flatbeds are often spread across expansive properties or remote locations, making manual searches inefficient and inconsistent.  

Ocean Trailer, which operates one of the largest full-service trailer fleets in Western Canada, faced this challenge as its rental fleet grew. With yards spanning dozens of acres and thousands of trailers cycling through rental, lease, and maintenance states, locating specific units became increasingly difficult using traditional processes alone. 

By implementing connected trailer visibility solutions from Phillips Connect, Ocean Trailer gained the ability to pinpoint trailer locations within large yards and across distributed sites, down to specific rows or sections. This reduced the time spent searching for equipment and improved turnaround speed when trailers were returned, reassigned, or prepared for the next customer.  

For flatbed operations, where trailers are frequently staged outside traditional dock environments, this level of location accuracy is especially valuable. 

That same visibility becomes even more valuable when paired with insight into brakes and tires, helping teams understand not just where a flatbed is, but whether it’s ready to move. 

Why Brake and Tire Data Matters More for Flatbeds 

Flatbed trailers often experience harsher duty cycles than dry vans. Heavier loads, uneven weight distribution, exposure to weather, and long periods of sitting can all accelerate wear on brakes and tires. 

Many brake issues and tire pressure develop while a trailer is parked. Without monitoring, those problems surface late, either during dispatch preparation or after a roadside event. 

Brake and TPMS data help fleets: 

  • Identify ABS faults before a trailer is assigned 
  • Detect slow tire leaks that develop while trailers sit idle 
  • Avoid dispatching drivers to retrieve trailers that are not roadworthy 
  • Reduce roadside repairs and unplanned downtime 

For flatbeds that may sit for days or weeks between moves, this data closes a critical readiness gap. 

Turning Flatbeds into Ready Assets Instead of Question Marks 

When location data is combined with brake and tire health, flatbeds stop being unknown quantities. Operations teams can see which trailers are available, where they are, and whether they are mechanically fit for service. 

This supports: 

  • Faster dispatch decisions 
  • Fewer last-minute maintenance surprises 
  • Reduced empty miles and unnecessary repositioning 
  • Safer equipment entering active service 

Supporting Utilization Across Mixed Fleets 

Many fleets operate both dry vans and flatbeds. Without consistent visibility into both location and health, flatbeds often lag in utilization simply because their readiness is harder to assess.  

Brake and TPMS data provide an objective way to evaluate readiness across all trailer types. Over time, this insight helps fleets plan maintenance more effectively, balance equipment usage, and make better capital decisions. 

The Bottom Line: Flatbed Visibility Must Go Beyond Location 

Knowing where flatbed trailers are is foundational. Knowing whether they can safely move freight is what makes that visibility operationally useful.  

Location, brake health and tire condition together give fleets a clearer picture of readiness, risk, and utilization. For flatbeds that operate in open environments and demanding conditions, this combined visibility is no longer optional. 

Flatbeds deserve the same level of insight fleets already expect from dry vans, if not more.  

How is your fleet assessing flatbed readiness today, and where could better visibility into brakes and tires reduce delays or downtime? 

Why is flatbed trailer visibility more complex than dry vans? 

Flatbed trailers often operate outside structured trailer pool environments. They are staged at job sites, ports, rail yards, and customer locations and may sit idle between assignments. This makes it harder to know both where a flatbed is and whether it is mechanically ready without real-time visibility. 

Why is knowing the flatbed trailer location not enough? 

Location alone does not indicate readiness. Brake and tire conditions can change while a flatbed is stationary. Without insight into brake health and tire pressure, fleets may assume a trailer is available only to discover issues during dispatch preparation or pre-trip inspection. 

How do brake alerts help flatbed operations? 

Brake alerts identify ABS faults and other brake issues while a trailer is idle or between assignments. This allows maintenance teams to address problems during planned downtime rather than reacting to issues at dispatch or after a roadside event. 

Why is TPMS especially important for flatbed trailers? 

Flatbeds often carry heavier or uneven loads and may sit for extended periods. Slow tire leaks can develop without detection. TPMS data helps fleets identify pressure loss early and prevent tire damage, delayed dispatches, or unplanned downtime. 

What changes when flatbed location and health data are combined? 

When fleets can see where flatbeds are staged and whether brakes and tires are in acceptable condition, they can assess readiness before assigning a driver. This leads to faster dispatch decisions, fewer aborted pickups, improved maintenance planning, and safer equipment entering service. 

Phillips Connect and McLeod Software Advance Fleet Operations Through Smart Trailer Integration

Posted on by Ashley Decollibus

IRVINE, Calif. – Jan. 21, 2026 – Every blind spot in a fleet costs time, money and customer trust. For decades, trailers have been treated as boxes on wheels, essential but invisible to the in-cab and back-office software platforms that power fleet operations. Phillips Connect is changing that with its new integration with McLeod Software, bringing real-time smart trailer insights, including trailer tire, lights and brake health, location, and advanced AI-powered cargo intelligence directly into the McLeod Transportation Management System (TMS). The result gives fleets a clearer and more complete picture of their operations.

This integration marks the first step in a broader Phillips Connect platform strategy focused on giving fleets seamless access to smart trailer insights inside the systems they already depend on. As more TMS providers, fleet management platforms, and operational systems embrace connected trailers, Phillips Connect is committed to helping fleets work within their existing software tools rather than around them. The goal is simple: provide every fleet with the trailer intelligence they need, no matter what software ecosystem they use.

“Having Phillips Connect smart trailer data flow directly into McLeod has been a game-changer for us,” said Mike Narkys, President of MNS1, the first fleet to successfully test and complete the McLeod-Phillips Connect data integration. “Our planners and dispatchers can see inside every trailer, understand how much space is left and decide quickly which trailers are ready to deploy, and which need to be repositioned. The Phillips Connect integration with McLeod helps us turn loads faster, reduce empty moves and put our trailers to work where they make the most impact for our customers and our drivers.”

Instead of operating with limited visibility, fleets running McLeod and Phillips Connect gain real-time insight into trailer location and next-level cargo intelligence. Phillips Connect CargoVision uses an AI-powered camera to show planners and dispatchers exactly what is inside the trailer and how much space remains, complete with volumetric measurements that support accurate load planning. For partial shipments and multi-stop operations, this level of visibility turns trailers into capacity-aware assets that can be routed, filled and utilized with greater efficiency. By surfacing this intelligence inside McLeod, fleets gain sharper visibility into their operations and a more effective way to improve utilization.

“With the Phillips Connect integration mutual customers gain cargo visibility and real-time trailer location inside McLeod,” said Ahmed Ebrahim, Senior Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Integrations at McLeod Software. “This provides our customers with stronger insight into their networks and helps them plan more effectively across their fleet.”

“Trailers become active contributors to fleet strategy when data such as tire, lights and brake health, cargo intelligence, and location are accessible in the platforms they already rely on,” said Todd Hodges, Director of Product Management for Phillips Connect. “This integration is the first of many that will help fleets bring their trailer intelligence forward, no matter what software platforms they use to run their business.”

The Phillips Connect and McLeod integration is available now for fleets across North America. Phillips Connect helps fleets maximize their ROI on every trailer, every load, and every mile, turning visibility into a competitive advantage.

About Phillips Connect

Phillips Connect smart trailer technologies help the world’s largest fleets improve operations, safety and efficiency. The Phillips Connect platform of software sensors, cameras and telematics gateway innovations provide fleet managers and operational leads with real-time visibility into their trailers’ location, tire, brakes, cargo and door statuses, and more, saving customers time and money. Headquartered in Irvine, California, Phillips Connect is part of the Phillips family of companies, celebrating nearly a century of delivering innovative, reliable solutions that keep the transportation industry moving. For more information, visit www.phillips-connect.com.

About McLeod Software

McLeod Software is transforming the trucking and transportation industry with the leading software for trucking dispatch operations management and freight brokerage management. McLeod’s customers use business process automation and insight from business intelligence to improve their customer service, attract and retain the best drivers, and automate their crucial business processes. For more information, visit mcleodsoftware.com

How Ocean Trailer Created a New Standard for Visibility and Utilization with Phillips Connect

Posted on by Ashley Decollibus

Based just outside of Vancouver in Delta, British Columbia, Ocean Trailer boasts one of the largest full-service semi-trailer fleets in Western Canada, including a rental and lease fleet of roughly 9000 units serving trucking, construction, agriculture, and port operations across North America. As a third-generation family business built on service and direct relationships, the company has expanded its footprint across a wide range of regions. That growth created a greater need for visibility, accuracy, and consistent fleet management across thousands of units.

As the fleet scaled, traditional tools introduced operational friction. Trailers were sometimes misplaced in customer yards or picked up by the wrong operator, and large storage yards made it difficult for the Ocean Trailer team to locate specific units. Hub odometers often produced unreliable mileage readings, which led to customer disputes or time-consuming corrections when trailers were returned. Customers also began requesting more visibility into the trailers they rented, which required a comprehensive software platform login Ocean Trailer could share with them for planning and utilization.

Ocean Trailer set out to find a smart trailer solution that could support reliable location tracking, accurate mileage, and a simple experience for both internal teams and customers.

After evaluating available options, the company selected Phillips Connect’s Connect1 platform and StealthNet devices. Ocean Trailer’s Chief Operating Officer, Mack Keay explained the decision this way: “We wanted something that would be easy for our people to use, reliable over the long term, and discreet on every trailer type. Phillips Connect stood out because it checked all of those boxes.” The discreet hardware design, long battery life, and ability to charge from the tractor made the solution a strong fit across the entire fleet. Today, nearly all daily rental units are visible on the Phillips Connect Connect1 platform.

The change was immediate and meaningful. Ocean Trailer’s team locate trailers quickly across yards that span dozens of acres, reducing manual searches and improving turnaround time, and customers benefit as well. Trailer Tracking and Compliance Coordinator Kyla Tappert sees this every day. “When customers can see where their trailers are at any moment, they plan their pickups and deliveries much more efficiently,” she says.

Billing accuracy also improved dramatically. Instead of relying on hub odometers, Ocean Trailer now uses precise mileage readings from Phillips Connect. Keay notes, “Mileage used to be a challenge because hub odometers fail or get damaged. Now we bill the exact miles a trailer travels, which makes the process far more accurate for us and for our customers.” Automated data flows into Ocean Trailer’s ERP system, eliminating manual entry and reducing the risk of errors which greatly simplifies month-end billing.

Trailer recovery has become easier as well. Lost or misplaced units that once went unlocated for long periods are now quickly found. As Kyla puts it, “We recover trailers now that we might never have been able to track down in the past. Being able to pinpoint a unit on the map is a real advantage.”

As Phillips Connect was integrated into daily operations, Ocean Trailer created a dedicated role to support customer adoption and data accuracy. Kyla now oversees installations, removals, customer onboarding, and account management across Western Canada. “My job has evolved into making sure every customer has what they need and every trailer is tracked properly. It has become a full-time focus, and the response from customers has been very positive,” she says.

Phillips Connect is now a foundational tool in Ocean Trailer’s rental and lease business, supporting proactive planning, better maintenance scheduling, and stronger asset utilization across the regions they serve. Mack is already thinking about the next phase of capability. “Integrating tire and suspension data through Phillips Connect and Hendrickson would be incredibly valuable for us,” he says, noting the importance of tire health and uptime for dry van and reefer equipment.

By modernizing its operations with Phillips Connect, Ocean Trailer has strengthened its customer experience, streamlined internal workflows, and positioned its fleet for continued growth. What began as a search for clearer visibility has evolved into a competitive advantage that supports the next chapter of the company’s service and innovation.

What challenges did Ocean Trailer face before adopting Phillips Connect smart trailer technology?

Ocean Trailer had issues with misplaced trailers, unreliable hub odometer readings, manual searches across large yards, and billing disputes caused by inaccurate mileage. Customers were also requesting real time visibility into the rental units they were using.

How did Phillips Connect improve visibility across Ocean Trailer’s fleet?

Phillips Connect gave Ocean Trailer real time location data on nearly all rental units, allowing staff to quickly find trailers in large yards and helping customers track the equipment they were using. The platform created a single source of truth for internal teams and rental customers.

Why did Ocean Trailer choose the Phillips Connect platform?

Ocean Trailer selected the platform because it offered discreet hardware, long battery life, reliable performance, and an intuitive user interface. The system worked consistently across all trailer types in the rental and lease fleet.

How does trailer tracking help Ocean Trailer’s customers plan their operations?

Customers can log in to see the exact location of the trailers they are using, which helps them plan pickups, deliveries, and route timing. This visibility reduces wasted time and improves overall equipment utilization.

How did Phillips Connect improve billing accuracy for Ocean Trailer?

Mileage now comes directly from the Phillips Connect platform instead of hub odometers, which were often unreliable. Automated data flows into Ocean Trailer’s ERP system ensure exact mileage is billed each month, reducing disputes and manual corrections.

What impact has Phillips Connect had on trailer recovery?

Ocean Trailer can now pinpoint the exact location of missing or misplaced trailers. Units that previously might have remained unlocated are now found quickly and returned to service.

How does dwell time tracking support better utilization for customers?

Dwell time data helps customers see whether a trailer is being used or sitting idle. This information allows them to redeploy equipment sooner or return units they no longer need.

How does Ocean Trailer use Phillips Connect to manage large yards more efficiently?

The platform allows staff to identify the precise row or section where a trailer is parked. This reduces time spent searching for equipment across yards that may span dozens of acres.

What value do customers gain from having access to trailer data?

Customers benefit from seeing where their trailers are, how they are being used, and when they need to be redeployed. This helps them plan more effectively, reduce idle time, and keep equipment productive.

How does Phillips Connect support Ocean Trailer’s maintenance and compliance needs?

The platform provides visibility into usage patterns and mileage, which helps schedule preventative maintenance more accurately. This reduces maintenance-related road calls and supports better compliance reporting.

What long-term improvements has Ocean Trailer seen from smart trailer adoption?

The company has reduced internal workload, improved billing accuracy, strengthened customer relationships, and recovered more assets. Visibility and data consistency have become foundational to daily operations.

Why is smart trailer technology important for rental and lease companies?

Rental and lease fleets depend on knowing where assets are, how they are used, and how to keep them moving. Smart trailer technology provides clarity, reduces disputes, strengthens customer trust, and supports more efficient operations at scale.