What are trailer trackers?
Trailer trackers are GPS-enabled devices designed to monitor trailer location, movement, maintenance and usage. Unlike standard vehicle trackers, trailer trackers are built to operate independently of a vehicle's power supply. They often come with features like extended battery life and the ability to withstand harsh conditions. These devices are typically mounted directly on trailers and relay information to fleet managers on customizable frequencies to ensure that trailers are accounted for and used efficiently. Trailer trackers are often used for:
- Real-time location tracking
- Movement / Geofence alerting for theft protection
- Utilization monitoring and fleet rightsizing
- Maintenance planning
Why are businesses investing in trailer tracking?
Implementing GPS trailer tracking can offer a range of significant benefits that directly impact your fleet’s performance and bottom line. Here are some of the key benefits business are seeing:
- Trailer utilization - improve trailer utilization by strategically locating trailers to align with workload.
- Maintenance management - simplify maintenance processes with digitized inspections and maintenance scheduling.
- Mange detention charges - provide customers with complete transparency for detention charges
- Theft prevention - reduce theft with real-time movement or geofence exit alerts
What should you look for?
Understanding your specific use case is important and helpful when you're determining what trailer tracking device fits your needs. When you're reviewing your options, ensure the trailer tracker has these key features:
- Ruggedized design built for external installation
- Customizable update rates
- Stationary / in-transit update frequencies
- Geofence exit and motion alerting
- Integrated inspection and maintenance tools
Compare Trailer Trackers
A range of trailer trackers to meet your needs
Asset Tracker - AT301
Ruggedized battery-powered GPS asset tracker for powered and non-powered assets.
- Compact device perfect for placing on assets of all sizes
- Long battery life that lasts up to 10 years
- Easy to self-install
- Future-proofed with dual 4G LTE-M1 and NB-IoT network
- IP68 rated
Physical Specifications
Size: 108mm Height, 86mm
Width, 31mm Depth
Asset Tracker - AT551
Ruggedized GPS-enabled telematics device with Bluetooth functionality.
- Compact and rugged design
- Extended battery life for assets requiring high update frequency
- Tracks both powered and non-powered assets
- Easy to self-install
- Bluetooth 5.2 Gateway
- IP68 / IK07 rated
Physical Specifications
Size: 224mm Height, 91mm Width, 41mm Depth
Solar Tracker - ST101
Solar-powered GPS tracker with battery backup for assets requiring frequent update rates.
- Tracks trailers and other non-powered assets that require frequent update rates
- Battery life that lasts 5 to 7 years
- Combines solar cell and internal battery backup when solar access is limited
- Easy to self-install
- IP67 rated
Physical Specifications
Size: 262mm Height, 88mm Width, 30mm Depth
Trailer Tracking Software
Trailer tracking software brings the data from your trailers and vehicles into one, powerful solution. Our TN360 software platform works with a wide range of trailer tracking devices giving you visibility across all of your trailers and assets in one application. Through easy to use dashboards, detailed reporting and interactive mapping you can access the critical data you need at any time. Key software feature include
- Geofence exit and movement alerts
- Inspection and maintenance workflows
- Site dwell time reporting
- Utilization reporting
Trailer Tracking Software
Turn data into decisions and optimize your operation
Interactive Map
See asset location and key insight through an interactive map
Advanced Dashboards
Easy to use dashboards covering productivity, safety and utilization
Maintenance Scheduling
Digitize inspections and maintenance with our app and maintenance planning tool
In-transit Tracking
Set your device to increase update frequency when trailers are in transit
Mobile App
Access all data through a mobile application
Recovery Mode
Instantly switch update rate to real-time to recover stolen assets
Geofencing
Mark geographical boundaries and monitor asset activity in a specific location
Movement Alerts
Get alerts when an asset moves from being stationary, or is stationary after moving
How to choose the best GPS trailer trackers and software?
When selecting a trailer tracker, it is essential to consider how specific features align with your operational needs. By aligning the features of these devices with your operational requirements, you can select a trailer tracker that enhances efficiency, improves security, and ensures your trailers are always accounted for.
- Power Source: Trailer trackers can be battery-powered or solar-powered. Battery-powered devices are ideal for trailers that may be stationary for long periods, while solar-powered devices are better suited for trailers that are frequently in motion and require regular location updates.
- Durability: Trailers are often exposed to harsh environmental conditions. Ensure your tracker is rugged and weatherproof, ideally with an IP67 rating to protect against dust and water.
- Update Frequency: You may require real-time updates or less frequent location reporting, depending on your operational needs. Some devices offer adjustable update frequencies, allowing you to balance battery life with the need for timely information.
- Installation: Look for devices that are easy to install and, if necessary, can be easily transferred between trailers.
Trailer Trackers - Frequently Asked Questions
We have the answers to your questions about trailer trackers
Trailer trackers typically offer location accuracy within a few feet, depending on the GPS signal and update frequency.
Most trailer trackers are designed for easy installation, using screws, zip ties, or adhesive tape, allowing for quick deployment.
GPS trailer trackers operate via satellite or cellular networks, providing coverage over vast distances without a traditional range limit.
Many trailer trackers can operate internationally, but it's important to confirm that the device supports the necessary networks in your region.
Fleet management software platforms allow for the simultaneous tracking of multiple trailers, with data accessible through a single dashboard.
- GPS trailer trackers are designed to protect trailers from being lost or stolen, and help to keep equipment and freight safe with tools like geofencing and calendar templates.
- Geofencing is a geographic technology that allows you to draw digital boundaries around specific areas, and you can monitor when trailers leave or enter that location. You could geofence a specific job site, depot, city, or beyond, and receive alerts when a trailer enters or leaves that location. You can also setup timeframes when your trailers, or group of trailers shouldn’t move, using a calendar template tool. If a trailer moves during that time you can receive alerts.
- You can also receive alerts for any reported issues on pre/post trip driver inspections, and make sure that corrective maintenance is scheduled, helping to keep your drivers safe on the road.
GPS trailer trackers provide valuable data, including location and usage information. GPS trailer trackers can also collect and store valuable maintenance records and inspection reports.