Mobile communications provider Qualcomm Inc., San Diego, Calif., and Science Applications International Corp. (SAIC) have been awarded a $2 million contract from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
to develop and field test of an untethered trailer asset management system for high-value or high-security-risk loads.
The system will provide sophisticated on-board hardware, advanced power management, network services and extensive data integration capabilities
using state-of-the-art, tri-mode (digital cellular, PCS and analog) communications.
The field test will quantify the costs and benefits associated with systems designed to track trailers when they are not attached to a tractor. The test is expected to assist companies in their decisions to deploy this type of technology for more effective trailer utilization and improved safety and security in the movement of hazardous materials and high-value cargo.
Trucking companies currently planning to participate in the test include Super Service Inc., Somerset, Ky.; R&R Trucking, Duenweg, Mo.; and Paschall Truck Lines Inc., Murray, Ky. Operational field testing is scheduled to begin in the summer of 2004.
Qualcomm will use its TrailerTRACS untethered tracking system, which is currently under development. The company pulled an earlier version of TrailerTRACS from the market in 2001.
Qualcomm and SAIC were one of three teams solicited to submit proposals in FMCSA's Request for Proposal process in early July.