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Category: Uptime

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.

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.

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 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.

Phillips Connect Smart Trailer Technology: Fleet Optimization that Means Something

Posted on by Ashley Decollibus

At Phillips Connect, we know that the transportation industry is more competitive than ever. Fleet owners are constantly seeking ways to improve efficiency, reduce operational costs, and increase your ROI, and it is our goal to provide meaningful, actionable insights to help your bottom line. 

Phillips Connect offers smart trailer solutions that translate into real savings that optimize your fleet. Our solutions harness cutting-edge technology that helps you build a better business. 

Tangible Returns

We are not here to simply claim ROI – let us show you the difference that our smart trailer technology makes. Let’s dive into the real numbers and the return you can expect.

If a 10,000 trailer fleet invested in Phillips Connect smart trailer solutions they could expect annual benefits such as: 

  • 45 new tractors: By maximizing the efficiency and safety of existing trailers, you can redirect funds that would have been spent on additional tractors, thus expanding your fleet without the additional capital expenditure.
  • 165 new trailers: The data-driven Smart Trailer insights help extend the lifespan of your current trailers. Delaying new trailer purchases means you can free up funds for other investments.
  • 109 more dispatchers: Improved fleet visibility and predictive maintenance reduce the workload on your dispatchers, allowing you to consider expanding your team and handling a larger operation.
  • 1.3 million gallons of diesel: Optimizing routes and getting the most out of every stop means significant fuel savings and lower operational costs.
  • 82 more drivers: As your fleet becomes more efficient and reliability improves, you can add new drivers to meet growing demand.
  • Over 13,000 tires: The Smart-Trailer system helps you make proactive decisions about tire maintenance and replacement, leading to substantial savings over time.

Understanding the Benefits

The Phillips Connect smart trailer system combines cutting-edge technology to provide comprehensive insights into your fleet’s performance and safety. The Smart7 gateway combined with our comprehensive sensor solutions provide monitoring for various critical components for your trailers, including:

  • Remote Pre√: Perform remote diagnostics on vital systems for seamless maintenance and safety, even when tractor power is unavailable.
  • TPMS√: Monitor tire pressure and temperature to reduce costs, enhance safety, and prevent violations.
  • ATIS Regulator√: Ensure precise tire inflation for maximum fuel efficiency, tire longevity, and overall safety.
  • Door√: Safeguard your cargo and streamline operations by tracking door events, enhancing security, and providing proof of door status.
  • CargoVision: Gain visibility within minutes into your cargo’s condition, deterring theft, streamlining loading processes, and providing proof of detention when needed. With features like load securement verification, floorspace and volumetric utilization, and machine learning outputs, CargoVision is a game-changer for the transportation industry. 

Connect1 — the Central Hub for Your Smart Trailers

The Phillips Connect Connect1 platform is user-friendly and keeps all of your valuable sensor data at your fingertips in real time. The platform provides powerful features such as:

  • Lightning-fast drill down and powerful search tools to sift through data in seconds.
  • Custom reporting tools and maintenance schedules to manage assets efficiently.
  • Advanced notifications, geofencing, and sub-geofencing for real-time location tracking and alerts.
  • Visibility to asset list, immersive fleet analytics, and custom dashboard for comprehensive fleet insights.
  • Maintenance management and asset alerts to preemptively tackle issues and reduce downtime.

 

The Phillips Connect smart trailer solution empowers fleet owners to make data-driven decisions that have a tangible and substantial impact on their bottom line. By equipping a fleet of 10,000 trailers with Phillips smart trailer solutions, the potential return extends beyond cost savings. It can lead to fleet expansion, improved safety, and the opportunity to invest in significant advancements.

The real numbers are not only impressive but also demonstrate that the Phillips Connect smart trailer system is a game-changer for the transportation industry. In a landscape where efficiency and profitability are paramount, this technology is your key to success.

Investing in this innovative solution is about going beyond cost savings, and transforming your fleet. With Phillips Connect smart trailer solutions, the road ahead looks more promising than ever.

Click here to contact the Phillips Connect Solutions team.