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Category: Efficiency

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.

Three Ways The Transportation Industry Can Build Operational Agility

Posted on by Ashley Decollibus

In a rapidly shifting freight market, building operational agility is becoming essential for transportation leaders looking to stay ahead of volatility. In a new Forbes article, Phillips Connect’s General Manager and SVP of Products, Mark Wallin, lays out three practical strategies to help companies adapt and thrive.

Wallin emphasizes the importance of reallocating investment from simply expanding capacity to maximizing the utilization of existing assets, enabling fleets to get more value from what they already own. He also underscores the power of AI and automation to anticipate and plan for them proactively, driving smarter decision-making and reducing unpredictability. Together, these moves can help transportation organizations enhance efficiency and better navigate uncertainty. Read the full article here:

 

How GPS Trailer Tracking Transforms Hidden Fleet Assets Into Measurable Profit Gains

Posted on by Sam Bretzmann

If a third of your trailers vanished from view today, where would the losses show up first: stolen assets, detention fees, or missed turns in the yard? The bigger the network, the easier it is for trailers to drift into “unknown” status. GPS trailer tracking for fleets puts every unit back on the map with live location, dwell metrics, and asset health so operations teams can act in minutes, not days.

Identifying Hidden Costs and Strategies to Uncover Them

Theft and unauthorized use decrease when you can accurately track a trailer and receive alerts as soon as it moves. Issues like detention and under-utilization are minimized when you can identify idle time and redeploy parked resources. Maintenance also moves from a reactive to a planned approach when you gather real data on mileage, brakes, tires, and doors instead of relying on estimates.

What A Modern Platform Offers

  • Real-time location and geofencing: Track arrivals, departures, and off-route activities instantly.
  • Utilization reporting: Optimize trailer-to-tractor ratios and yard space by analyzing movement versus idle time.
  • Sensor integration: Connect TPMS, ABS codes, door status, temperature, and wheel-end heat for a unified view.
  • Hardware options: Choose between solar or battery-powered gateways for trailers, or a nose box hub to consolidate signals.

From Signals To Measurable Gains

Enhancing security leads to faster recoveries and fewer unauthorized activities. Yard operations improve by reassigning idle assets and reducing dwell time. Predictive alerts decrease unplanned downtime by identifying issues before they affect drivers. Accurate status updates and ETAs help streamline communication between dispatch, drivers, and customers.

How To Choose A Long-term Partner

1. Hardware durability and power life for untethered duty cycles.

2. Clear, actionable software that converts data into alerts, dashboards, and plans.

3. Scalability and integrations so trailer data can integrate with the rest of your technology stack.

Driving Smarter Fleet Operations

For fleets in Irvine, CA, and throughout North America, Phillips Connect provides the hardware, software, and support needed to integrate tractors and trailers. Our Smart7™ nosebox, SolarNet™, AssetTrac™, and Connect1 platform make GPS trailer tracking a seamless part of daily operations rather than just another dashboard tool. Explore how we help teams turn visibility into reliable capacity and lower risk with GPS trailer tracking for fleets.

FAQs

What is GPS trailer tracking, and why do fleets need it?

GPS trailer tracking utilizes devices and software to monitor each trailer’s location, movement, and status. This technology helps fleets reduce theft, minimize detention time, and avoid under-utilization, while also enhancing visibility and providing accurate estimates for customer arrival times (ETAs).

How does GPS trailer tracking reduce detention fees and dwell time?

By monitoring arrival and departure times, as well as idle periods through geofencing, GPS trailer tracking identifies when trailers remain inactive for too long. This allows for timely reassignments and adjustments, ultimately reducing detention fees and dwell time.

How do geofencing alerts improve trailer theft prevention and unauthorized use control?

Geofencing alerts immediately notify teams when a trailer exits a designated area or moves outside of approved hours. This enables a prompt response to unauthorized movements, resulting in fewer incidents of theft and quicker recovery times, supported by the location history provided by GPS trailer tracking.

What trailer sensors can integrate with GPS trailer tracking platforms?

Modern GPS trailer tracking platforms can integrate various trailer sensors, including Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) codes, door status indicators, temperature sensors, and wheel-end heat monitors. This integration consolidates health and utilization data, aiding in effective maintenance and dispatch decisions.

Simplify Asset Tracking with Phillips Connect and Geotab

Posted on by Phillips Connect

Managing non-powered assets doesn’t have to be complicated. Discover how Phillips Connect’s AssetTrac delivers complete visibility and control — without relying on onboard power.

In this on-demand session, you’ll learn how fleets are using AssetTrac to gain real-time insights, reduce losses, and maximize utilization across every location.

 

Simple. Scalable. Built for the Real World.

AssetTrac is a high-performance, peel-and-stick GPS tracker that gives you total visibility from the yard to the most remote job sites. Just stick it on — no wiring, no downtime.

Now Available in the Geotab Marketplace

Through our partnership with Geotab, fleets can now access AssetTrac directly within the Geotab ecosystem for seamless visibility and control over every piece of equipment.

Detention Is a Trailer Problem, Not Just a Driver Problem

Posted on by Ashley Decollibus

Driver detention gets the headlines, but for larger carriers, trailer detention is often the more expensive blind spot. It’s the cost of sending a driver to pick up a “ready” load that hasn’t even started moving. It’s losing a driver for hours because no empties are available on site. It’s being unable to bill detention time accurately because you don’t actually know how long your trailer was in a door. 

With real-time trailer visibility from Phillips Connect, those headaches go away. 

Before dispatching a truck, operations teams can now check whether the trailer is loaded, staged, or still in a dock. They can see if the doors are open or closed. That simple level of insight turns guesswork into informed planning. If a load isn’t ready, they can redirect that driver and avoid turning a hook into a live load. 

On the back end, drop-and-hook visibility prevents drivers from getting stranded without a return trailer. If all empties are in use, dispatch knows before the driver even arrives. That gives the carrier leverage. Instead of deadheading away, they can notify the shipper they won’t pick up until an empty is available, which is a smart use of capacity in a tight market. 

Just as importantly, trailer visibility delivers the kind of data carriers can bill against. Instead of relying on manual input or vague time stamps, you can track exactly how long each trailer sat idle, whether it was unloaded on time, and when it became available again. That means fewer disputes and more accurate detention charges, and directly improving revenue per trailer. 

In today’s freight market, knowing what’s happening inside the trailer and across the yard isn’t a nice-to-have. It’s a competitive advantage. 

How Smart Trailers Are Making Trucking More Efficient

Posted on by Ashley Decollibus

As the transportation industry bridges the gap to autonomous, smart trailers are making trucking more efficient, safer and more advanced than ever before.

There was a time when trailer telematics felt like a nice-to-have. A forward-thinking feature for fleets that wanted to be ahead of the curve. That time is over.

Today, smart trailer technology is a baseline requirement for fleets that want to stay competitive, profitable, and compliant. It’s not about bells and whistles – it’s about visibility, safety, uptime, and the ability to make fast, informed decisions across every part of your operation.

Here’s why trailer telematics is now a must-have.

You can’t manage what you can’t measure (or see).

If you don’t have visibility into your trailer fleet – its location, condition, load status, and availability – you’re not just flying blind. You’re falling behind.

Smart trailer systems give you real-time insight into where your assets are, how they’re being used, and what needs attention. Whether it’s knowing if a trailer is empty and ready for dispatch, identifying a brake system fault before it causes downtime, or understanding why detention is dragging out, connected smart trailer data turns uncertainty into actionable insight.

And when that data is delivered automatically – through reliable sensors, cameras, and GPS – it empowers your team to act faster, smarter, and with far less guesswork.

It’s the backbone of smarter maintenance.

Reactive maintenance is expensive. Unexpected breakdowns can sideline drivers, delay deliveries, and damage customer trust. Smart trailer technology helps fleets get ahead of mechanical issues, with automated fault code alerts for critical systems like ABS, tire pressure, lights, and more.

With the right platform, maintenance teams no longer need to dig through spreadsheets or rely on manual checks. They can see fault codes at a glance, prioritize repairs by severity, and schedule service before the issue escalates. This saves time, reduces costs, and keeps your trailers moving.

It sharpens your operational strategy.

When trailers are connected, operations teams gain access to real-time and historical data that can inform smarter planning. It affects everything from route optimization to asset allocation. Instead of guessing where underutilized trailers are sitting idle or relying on outdated reports to schedule pickups, fleet managers can pinpoint bottlenecks, reduce empty miles, and adjust trailer positioning dynamically based on actual demand.

This kind of intelligence allows for tighter route planning, better coordination with shippers and receivers, and more efficient yard operations. Over time, the data from connected trailers can help identify patterns and inefficiencies that manual systems simply can’t, giving operations teams a critical edge in making every stop count.

It drives better decisions across the board.

Operations. Maintenance. Safety. Compliance. When trailers are connected, every department benefits.

Load sensors can verify whether cargo is present and properly distributed. Door sensors can alert you to theft risk or improper loading. Utilization metrics can show which assets are underperforming. All of this adds up to a fleet that runs leaner, safer, and with far less waste.

And if you’re still relying on gut instinct or manual paperwork to track trailer usage, availability, or health, you’re missing out on opportunities to increase revenue and reduce cost.

It protects your most valuable resource: your drivers.

Trailer technology isn’t just about the trailer. It directly impacts driver satisfaction and safety.

Nothing kills morale faster than being sent out with equipment that fails on the road – or waiting hours at a drop yard because no one knows which trailer is ready. Telematics helps dispatchers and drivers align more effectively, avoid bad assignments, and stay focused on the job, not the hassle.

By catching safety issues before the trailer leaves the yard and streamlining trailer selection and handoff, smart trailer systems reduce friction for drivers—and help fleets stand out in a market where driver retention is more critical than ever.

The bottom line? Smart trailers drive smart business.

Fleets that invest in smart trailer technology don’t just gain visibility. They gain leverage.

At Phillips Connect, we help fleets move faster with connected solutions that deliver real-time trailer intelligence – from fault codes to location, load status to door events. Our technology helps you turn every trailer into a fully visible, highly optimized asset that supports your people, your margins, and your reputation.

If you’re still thinking about trailer telematics as a future upgrade, here’s your wake-up call: the future is already here.

Smart trailers are making trucking more efficient. They’re no longer a luxury. They’re a necessity.

Don’t get stuck in the drop yard. Visit https://www.phillips-connect.com today to learn more.

FAQs

What is a smart trailer?

A smart trailer is a semi-trailer fitted with sensors and an on-trailer gateway that collects and transmits real-time trailer telematics data including location, condition, and the status of things like trailer doors, cargo, TPMS, lights and brakes.

What data do smart trailers collect?

Smart trailers report: GPS/location and movement, cargo events (door open/close, CargoVision camera), trailer health (lights, brakes, tires), and power status (solar/battery metrics).

Are smart trailers worth the investment?

Yes, our customers think so. Industry case studies and Phillips Connect ROI data show savings from theft prevention and recovery, reduced roadside breakdowns (via pre-checks/diagnostics), and better utilization. Actual ROI will depend on fleet specifics; our SaaS platform, Connect1 includes ROI calculators to estimate impact.

How do smart trailer anti-theft systems work?

Hardwired GPS trackers + sensors provide the strongest theft-resistance. Phillips Connect offers covert hard-wired trackers and battery/solar-powered solutions  that keep transmitting when the trailer is disconnected from a trailer/cab. Paired with Phillips Connect door sensors and Connect1 alerts, you receive near-real-time notifications and a significantly increased chance of recovery.