Got Questions? Top ELD Questions Answered

Q. We've done a good job over the past couple of years with getting our tractors equipped with telematics and being in ELD compliance. I really need a way to keep tabs on my trailers to keep them up and running — can telematics help me with that?

A. It certainly can! Telematics has evolved over the years from simply tracking assets to helping to keep them up and running. Your focus on maintenance is a good business decision, since maintenance is one of the biggest costs associated with owning a trailer.

Historically, trailer maintenance has been based on two parallel methods — time or usage. Setting up a preventive maintenance schedule based on time can work, but the fleet has to realize that this will lead to more frequent maintenance, which will cost more in terms of repairs and downtime. In the usage scenario — repairs are based on mileage. Again, this can be an effective method, but can mean that a vehicle isn’t maintained enough.

The solution to this seeming impossible balancing act is to use dynamic tracking, such as Flex’s TT600 solar powered asset tracker. Flex can keep tabs on the trailer and will monitor it in real time, alerting a fleet manager when emergent or routine repair work needs to be done. The repair cycle will become predictive based on real-time need instead of a pre-set, inflexible schedule.