Peterson wants to make fleet trailers as smart as today’s technology-rich tractors, and it has introduced its patented PetersonPulse intelligent trailer system.

Pulse brings CAN-Bus technology and telematic capability to trailers that not only controls and detects real-time status of vital trailer systems – lights, ABS brakes, tire pressure, cargo temperature, and more – but also alerts drivers and fleet managers via Bluetooth and cellular communications.

Peterson unveiled Pulse at the ATA's Technology & Maintenance Council's annual general meeting and Technology Exhibit in Atlanta.

“Pulse brings trailers up to speed with today’s smartest trucks,” said Peterson’s director of engineering, Cory Adams. “By signaling trailer issues as they happen, Pulse enhances the safety of driver and cargo, and helps avoid road incidents, CSA violations, and costly fines.”

PetersonPulse is engineered to CAN-Bus specifications, with high-speed, twisted-pair communication wires and sensors installed throughout the trailer. All components are fully sealed, vibration tested, and built for long life. The Pulse cabling links front and rear control modules, system sensors, and communication components -- just like computers in a network.

“It’s like an information super highway,” Adams said. “Whether a trailer is parked or underway, Pulse enables real-time monitoring of all trailer systems. There’s even a backup battery to power the system whether or not the trailer is connected to the tractor.”

With a smart phone, a driver can do pre-trip walk-around inspections to check for issues with any trailer system—a “Know Before You Go” safeguard. On the road, PULSE’s trailer intelligence detects any issues and sends alerts via Bluetooth to the driver’s smart phone or tablet. Alerts can also be sent to fleet managers via a cellular network.

“PetersonPulse makes fleet trailers as smart—and safe—as today’s new trucks,” said Steve Meagher, Peterson Vice President-Sales. “It’s intelligence that allows fleets to truly manage and protect their equipment and the cargo it carries. And it’s all USA-made and ready to go today, only from Peterson.”

Various installation configurations are available and can be customized to the customer's exact specifications. 'Because it's modular in construction, the system is totally flexible," Adams said. "We can switch just about anything in or out as the fleet requires. It can be used with ant of today's current telematics providers.

Peterson says Pulse will be available in January 2019.