Dig Deeper: Smart Trailers Face a Huge Hurdle
Great Dane Makes FleetPulse Smart Trailer Platform Standard
Great Dane is making its FleetPulse smart trailer telematics platform standard, with the ability to add new smart sensors as they are developed.

Great Dane is future-proofing its trailers with standard FleetPulse telematics.
Photo: Great Dane
Great Dane is making its FleetPulse smart trailer platform standard on new dry and refrigerated Great Dane trailers, with an integrated CAN harness to prepare equipment for future smart technology adoption.
FleetPulse delivers real-time data and insights, including GPS location, mileage data, geofences, automated yard checks, tethered status, heading, speed, as well as proprietary trailer specifications and parts information.
The standard also includes built-in CAN harnessing so smart sensors can be added in the aftermarket and when new technology is introduced.
An optional upgrade to the full FleetPulsePro option provides access to a full suite of smart sensors available today. These include the ability to monitor and decipher ABS fault code alerts, tire inflation systems, door open status, light-out detection, mileage from tire rotations, cargo status, rear axle weight, and more.

Great Dane's FleetPulse delivers real-time data such as GPS location, mileage data, geofences, automated yard checks, tethered status, heading, speed, etc.
Illustration: Great Dane
FleetPulse’s real-time trailer-level data can put more predictability into maintenance schedules, according to the company, with real-time alerts from trailer health sensors creating greater productivity and return on investment.
This announcement comes as suppliers such as Hendrickson, TSE Brakes, and others are developing compelling sensors that will become commercially available over the coming years.
“One of the major hurdles to a connected vehicle future is that long trailer life can hinder the speed of innovation,” said Mike Molitor, Great Dane executive director of business development. “By equipping each Great Dane trailer with a FleetPulse device and CAN harnessing, we believe fleets are better positioned to take advantage of future technologies.”
More Equipment

How Volvo Updated Its D13 for EPA 2027 [Watch]
Volvo’s updated D13 promises lower emissions without sacrificing performance or fuel economy. Take a closer look at what changed inside the engine in this HDT Spotlight video.
Read More →
Michelin Tire Improves Efficiency and Durability for Regional Fleets
The Michelin X Multi Energy D2 is a regional haul drive tire engineered to help fleets improve fuel efficiency, durability and traction in demanding stop-and-go operations.
Read More →
ZF Expands Commercial Vehicle Push in North America
ZF is expanding its North American commercial-vehicle presence with new transmission applications, electrification, trailer technology and autonomous-driving systems.
Read More →
Tesla Wants a Self-Driving Semi. Are Cameras Enough?
Could Tesla’s camera-only autonomous driving technology work on an 80,000-pound Semi? In this commentary, HDT's Deborah Lockridge takes a look at Tesla, Cybercab, and how autonomous trucks see the road.
Read More →
Kodiak: Driverless Long-Haul Truck Launch on Track for 2026
Kodiak AI says its driverless long-haul safety case is 93% complete and it remains on track to begin commercial operations by year-end 2026.
Read More →
What DOT’s Automated Vehicle Strategy Means for Trucking
The U.S. Department of Transportation issued a new automated-vehicle strategy that outlines plans for driverless-truck regulations, cross-state freight corridors, and federal safety standards.
Read More →
East Coast Port Launches $45M Electric Truck Push
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced millions in incentives for zero-emission drayage trucks, yard tractors, and new charging hubs near the port.
Read More →
PlusAI Going Public to Fund Autonomous Truck Launch
A SPAC deal could provide PlusAI with up to $300 million as it works toward a 2027 commercial launch of factory-built autonomous trucks.
Read More →
NHTSA Moves to Rewrite Truck Fuel-Economy Rules
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says it lacks authority to regulate medium- and heavy-duty truck engines separately from complete vehicles, but the existing standards have not yet been eliminated.
Read More →
Detroit Opens Orders for EPA 2027 Engines
Detroit isn’t starting from scratch to meet EPA 2027 diesel emissions standards. Its Gen 6 DD13 and DD15 engines keep much of today’s platform while updating the fuel and aftertreatment systems.
Read More →
