As North American wireless carriers move to phase out 3G service, Carrier Transicold is introducing a program to help trucking fleets upgrade telematics technology on refrigerated trucks and trailers.

The company’s new eSolutions bundled subscriptions packages equipment fees and airtime service into a “competitive and predictable” monthly plan fee. There are three- and five-year contract options.

“Regardless of the 3G telematics equipment currently being used on a fleet’s Carrier Transicold refrigeration units, fleet managers now have the advantage of upgrading to our eSolutions 4G LTE equipment without a major capital investment up front,” said David Brondum, director of telematics at Carrier Transicold, in a press release. “A bundled subscription ensures reliable equipment performance with full warranty support for the life of the contract, and it provides protection against obsolescence as cellular networks sunset earlier technologies in favor of newer generation telecommunications.”

Hardware includes the transceiver module, antenna and wiring harness as well as optional peripheral components such as fuel sensors, temperature probes and door switches, as required by specific fleet needs. Three airtime service plans are available: monitor; two-way monitor and control; and monitor and enhanced control, adding capabilities for data downloads, remote software updates and adjustments to Carrier Transicold IntelliSet control configurations.

Carrier Transicold’s eSolutions platform and web-based interface provides visibility of cold chain assets via a centralized data stream that shows trailer temperatures, location and movement. The platform can also enable remote control of refrigeration units along with other features to optimize refrigeration equipment usage, improve fleet efficiency and help manage service and maintenance.