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Trailer tracking addresses a common challenge in logistics by transforming trailers from hard‑to‑find assets into fully visible, GPS‑enabled equipment. By integrating tracking data into RyderGyde or other business systems, you gain real‑time visibility that eliminates yard hunts, reduces underutilization, and improves recovery of lost or stolen assets, ensuring trailers and their cargo are precisely where they should be.
Understanding Trailer Tracking
Trailer tracking is a GPS-enabled system that uses ruggedized, battery or solar-powered devices mounted to your trailers to provide real-time location and status data. Unlike tractor telematics, which rely on the engine for power, these devices are designed to communicate independently, whether the trailer is tethered to a truck or sitting in a remote lot.
Trailer Tracking Benefits
Trailer tracking transforms your static trailer assets into intelligent ones, giving you a clear view of your trailer inventory and saving time and money on search-and-recovery efforts. This technology allows you to:
- Improve Asset-to-Tractor Ratios: Know exactly how many trailers you have and where they are so you don't over-rent or over-buy.
- Enhance Customer Service: Provide your customers with precise ETAs and proof of delivery based on actual trailer coordinates.
- Protect Your Investment: Quickly locate and recover stolen or misplaced equipment.
Trailer Tracking Solved
- The "Lost" Trailer Problem: Stop the manual yard checks. Geofencing provides instant alerts whenever a trailer enters or leaves a specific zone, ensuring accurate inventory tracking.
- Underutilization: Identify trailers that have been sitting idle for too long. Moving these assets back into rotation maximizes your ROI and reduces the need for additional rentals.
- Maintenance Compliance: Track trailer mileage and on-the-road time accurately to stay ahead of tire rotations, brake inspections, and FHWA certifications.
Tip: Best Practices
When selecting a solution, first decide if you need a solar-powered or hard-wired solution. Ryder can help you pick the right solution based on how frequently trailers are utilized.
- Monitor "Loaded vs. Empty": Pair your tracking with cargo sensors to see not just where the trailer is but if it's ready for its next load without sending a driver to check.
- Right-Size Your Fleet: Use historical dwell-time data to determine if you need that many trailers or if you can do more with less through better rotation.
The Ryder Connected Fleet Solutions team is here to help you understand trailer tracking. Our advisors can help you choose and integrate the best options for your business. Reach out to your Ryder sales representative to learn more or email us at connectedfleet@ryder.com.
Common Questions
Do I need trailer tracking if I have telematics in my trucks?
In most cases, independent trailer tracking provides a clear ROI. It enables asset recovery for lost or stolen trailers, enables automated inventory management in the yard, and provides accurate detention tracking. It can also be a backup method for tracking loads carried by third party carriers.
Can I see my trailers in the same place as my trucks?
Ryder supports integrations with leading telematics providers, allowing both your power units and trailers to appear on a single map within RyderGyde™ for a unified view of your fleet. Currently, trailer data can be integrated through Fleet Sync using Phillips Connect devices. Support for Samsara trailer data is planned once that integration becomes available. At this time, Phillips Connect is the only TSP supported for trailer visibility through Fleet Sync.
Does trailer tracking help with theft recovery?
Absolutely. If a trailer moves outside of a designated geofence during off-hours, you’ll receive an immediate alert, allowing you to track its movement in real-time and coordinate with law enforcement.
How do I choose the right provider?
As your trusted advisor, Ryder helps you evaluate and select the best-fit solution from our network of vetted partners to ensure it integrates seamlessly with your current operations.