Stoughton Trailers launched its next-generation Smart Chassis, combining automation and connected technologies to improve fleet efficiency and safety and prepare intermodal carriers for the road to autonomous operation.

At the core of this is Electrans Technologies’ Auto Connect system, which is exclusively compatible with Stoughton intermodal chassis. 

First unveiled in 2024 for Stoughton dry van trailers and the recipient of an HDT Top 20 Products award, Auto Connect automatically couples truck and chassis air, 7-way electrical, and communication lines in just seven seconds, without drivers ever leaving the cab. 

With a push of a button, pneumatic airlines, electrical lines and CAN bus or other communication wiring are fully connected and operational, powering advanced sensors and cameras.

“Imagine a driver simply backing up, pushing a button within the cab and seven seconds later driving away with the trailer,” said Andy Aleson, Engineering Manager of Advanced Trailer Development at Stoughton Trailers. 

“This is not the distant future. It’s here now. We wanted to ensure our intermodal fleet customers are ready to adopt this technology as the industry moves to gain efficiency, improve safety, and pursue autonomous operation.”

Auto-Connect and Stoughton Intermodal Chassis

Stoughton has engineered a patent-pending Auto Connect coupler into its chassis. A protected slot in the front bolster securely houses the Auto Connect receiver, complete with airline fittings and an electrical harness for streamlined installation. 

The system can be fitted in under an hour and is fully backwards compatible, ensuring fleets can continue to use legacy coupling systems while transitioning to automated connections.

“After evaluating coupling technologies on the market and in development, the Electrans solution stands out as a comprehensive, future-proof system for next-generation fleets," added Aleson.

"As we advance toward Level 5 autonomy, Electrans delivers seamless connectivity for air, lighting, and data, enabling safe yard automation and scalability for future innovations.”

In a demonstration model at the IANA Expo in Long Beach, Stoughton showcased multiple CAN networks, Ethernet connectivity, live trailer health monitoring, tractor-trailer pairing, wired camera systems, and a fully functional Electronic Braking System (EBS). 

Partner Companies Make it Smarter, Safer, More Connected

The Smart Chassis launch is powered by a strong collaboration with Clarience Technologies, leveraging the expertise of several of its industry-leading companies, including Pressure Systems International, Road Ready, Rear View Safety and Truck- Lite. 

• Road Ready: Modular MCU, Automatic Tire Inflation Warning, ABS Warning Sensor, CAN-enabled SBI, and confidential intermodal container presence sensor deliver real-time operational visibility.

• Rear View Safety (RVS): Wired Ethernet and Air Vue wireless camera systems enhance driver awareness and fleet safety with 360º coverage.

• Pressure Systems International (P.S.I.): Automatic Tire Inflation System with electronic control box, Digital ThermAlert, TireView Live monitoring and CAN-enabled receivers ensure tire health and uptime.

• Truck-Lite: Advanced LED signal and marker lighting, CAN+Ethernet overlay harness, light-out detection and conventional harness solutions enhance reliability, safety, and connectivity.

Stoughton Trailers also noted that it appreciates the partnership of Tico, ISEE, Phillips Industries and Bendix in advancing its Smart Chassis initiative. 

“Each partner brings specialized expertise and innovation that enhances the intelligence, connectivity and performance of the Smart Chassis,” the company said in a news release.

“Their collaboration helps Stoughton deliver a more integrated, data-driven solution that improves safety, efficiency and uptime for fleets."