Dry van trailers have always been called “the most important box in shipping,” but at HAQM they’re more advanced than a simple crate on wheels. HAQM has sensors and other technologies in its trailers to make the network run safer and more efficiently – and that means a more reliable shipping service for HAQM Freight customers.
“We continue to use technology to solve the hardest problems in freight,” says Ari Silkey, General Manager of HAQM Freight and who previously oversaw HAQM’s North America Surface Transportation Team where these trailer capabilities were rolled out. “The foundation of the HAQM network is built on technology and data insights, and trailer sensor technology is a critical component to how our HAQM Freight network operates.”
Known as smart trailers, they communicate data about maintenance needs and door and cargo status to ensure the asset’s health, improve its utilization, and track the load integrity. As a result, customers can expect more reliable load execution, fewer disruptions due to mechanical failures, and overall reduced risk of theft.
“We use the data to get insights and, based on what we learn, determine the action we need to take to keep our network flowing,” says Fan Ding, Principal Tech Product Manager on HAQM’s Relay Fleet Tech team.
Monitoring asset health
Sensors monitor critical trailer components, including tires, brakes, and electrical systems to ensure the equipment is functioning correctly. “That means HAQM is improving the asset inspection by uncovering more than what human eyes can detect,” says Ding, adding that brake faults, electrical systems, and slow tire leaks can all be difficult to spot during pre- or post-trip inspections.
A properly maintained trailer is a safer trailer. Insights into mechanical issues can prevent minor issues from becoming larger problems, which also helps increase uptime and prevent roadside violations.
Furthermore, improperly inflated tires also affect fuel efficiency. Tires that are underinflated by just 10 pounds per square inch (psi) can increase fuel consumption by about 1%, the North American Council on Freight Efficiency reported. On average, about one in five trailers in North America is operating with one or more tires underinflated by at least 20 psi, but constant monitoring can help prevent inflation issues.
“We are committed to operating the safest, most reliable trailer fleet in the world,” says Kevin Eisentrout, a Senior Product Manager on the HAQM Fleet Team. “Our trailer sensors offer valuable insights, enabling us to minimize human intervention and detect tire and brake defects early. As a result, we’ve reduced delivery misses, maintenance downtime, and trailer dwell.”
Improving asset utilization
Having visibility into the status of each trailer’s cargo compartment usage in real-time is invaluable, especially during peak seasons when trailer capacity is tight. But when an asset is remote, it is hard to know if it is empty or loaded or if it is being used properly.
Cargo sensing technology enables visibility into what’s happening inside the trailer, regardless of where the trailer is located. “With a smart trailer, we know what is going on with the asset health and the cargo status, and those are two of the most important things in freight movements,” says Ding.
Keeping loads secure
Cargo sensing technology also shows what is happening inside the cargo compartment. Cargo theft is an ongoing concern in the trucking industry, and smart trailers provide another avenue to help mitigate risk.
Sensors and cameras are used to secure trailers and continuously keep up with industry guidelines so HAQM not only knows where the trailer is but also determines if the trailer has been opened while in transit. “Our technology is in line with the Transported Asset Protection Association’s standards to help fight fraud and theft in the supply chain,” says Ding.
Move loads with us
If you’re a shipper wanting to learn more about how HAQM Freight is equipping its assets to keep shipments like yours moving safely and swiftly, contact our Enterprise Sales team. Want to start shipping now? Create an HAQM Freight account to get started.
