Qualcomm's new Trailer ABS Connect application for its Mobile Computing Platform 110 and 200 provides trailer connect and disconnect information without the need for a more complex trailer tracking system.

Introduced during the Truckload Carriers Association annual convention in Las Vegas this week, Trailer ABS Connect delivers important information about trailer location and status from supported trailer and tractor antilock braking systems (initially those from Meritor Wabco) to improve fleet management and maintenance.

Targeted to fleets that have not adopted a fully-featured trailer tracking solution, the Trailer ABS Connect application gives fleet managers vital trailer and tractor connect and disconnect event information, including:

• time, date and location of an event;

• trailer ID;

• MCP ID;

• trailer odometer reading.

It also identifies incorrect tractor-trailer pairings, which can be costly for fleets to correct.

The data collected is received and transmitted seamlessly via Qualcomm’s MCP110 and 200, and can be delivered directly to fleet managers through their dispatch software. Through Trailer ABS Connect, fleet managers know which trucks are connected to which trailers; as a result, they can more efficiently plan the allocation of available assets to improve productivity and security.

“Once trucks are on the road, it becomes increasingly difficult for fleets to track and monitor trailer drops and pickups, which can pose broad revenue and operations implications,” said Vikas Jain, vice president of product management and software as a service, Qualcomm Enterprise Services. “For fleets that don’t require the more robust features of our Trailer Tracking 210 platform, Trailer ABS Connect provides essential visibility into an organization’s tractor and trailer connections to ensure resources are used to the fleet’s best advantage.”