Trailer tracking systems are vital tools in the logistics and transportation industry, offering a range of benefits that can significantly improve operational efficiency and security. When assessing the value of these systems, however, many companies do not take into consideration the full range of functions that can be completed using this kind of solution. By being aware of these extended functions that trailer tracking systems provide, you’ll be able to make the most out of your solution for a greater return on your investment. Let’s dive into some of the biggest, most overlooked sources of ROI that trailer tracking solutions provide.
Increase Your ROI by Investing in AirFinder Everywhere
- Loss Prevention. Reduce the amount of loss that occurs during the supply chain process
- Location Coverage. AirFinder Everywhere uses a combination of GPS, Cellular, and WiFi to determine location everywhere
- Security Alerts. Know when a delay in shipment has occurred so the problem
can be addressed immediately.
Prevent Loss and Theft
One of the primary benefits of a trailer tracking system is its ability to prevent loss or theft of trailers and cargo. Real-time tracking allows companies to monitor the location of their assets at all times, reducing the risk of theft. The mere presence of a tracking device on a trailer acts as a deterrent to potential thieves, and in the unfortunate event of a theft, it allows for quick and accurate location tracking of the missing asset, increasing the chances of recovering the stolen trailer and cargo.
Moreover, trailer tracking systems enable companies to implement geofencing technology, which creates virtual boundaries around designated areas to further prevent loss and theft. If a trailer equipped with a tracking device moves outside these boundaries without authorization, an alert is triggered, notifying fleet managers of a possible theft or unauthorized use.
Trailer tracking systems also provide detailed reports and analytics on trailer movements and activities. This data can be used to identify patterns of suspicious behavior or unauthorized use, allowing companies to take proactive measures to prevent theft and minimize loss based on intelligent alerting.
Improve Labor Efficiency and Yard Management
Trailer tracking systems can also improve labor efficiency by optimizing process planning and reducing idle time. By analyzing tracking data, companies can identify inefficiencies in their processes and make adjustments to improve overall fleet efficiency. By tracking the location of trailers in real time, companies can identify the most efficient routes for their drivers, reducing idle time and ensuring timely deployments and deliveries. This not only improves the productivity of the process but also reduces fuel costs and vehicle wear and tear.
Furthermore, trailer tracking systems streamline yard management by providing real-time visibility of trailer locations. This allows companies to optimize the use of their yard space, reduce congestion, and improve the flow of trailers in and out of the yard. By automating the tracking and management of trailers in the yard, companies can reduce the need for manual labor and improve overall efficiency.
Provide Workflow Efficiency Gains
Implementing a trailer tracking system can improve overall supply chain visibility by tracking trailer movements from origin to destination and through every stage in between. This allows companies to track the progress of trailers throughout the entire logistics process, from loading to delivery. By having this visibility, companies can identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies in their processes, allowing them to make informed decisions to improve overall efficiency.
A trailer tracker can help companies achieve process efficiency by enabling them to implement principles such as Six Sigma. By analyzing data collected from the tracking system, companies can identify areas where processes can be optimized and waste can be eliminated. This leads to more streamlined and efficient operations, ultimately improving the bottom line and serving the larger goals that a company has established for itself.
A trailer tracking system can continue to enhance overall workflow efficiency by improving communication between stakeholders. By providing real-time tracking updates, companies can keep all parties informed of the status of trailers and shipments, reducing the risk of delays and errors. This also allows for increased understanding when disruptions do occur, as stakeholders can be readily informed and assured that they are dealing with a transparent, honest process.
Improve Maintenance Spend Efficiency
Trailer tracking systems can help companies optimize maintenance spend by implementing predictive maintenance based on tracking data. By monitoring trailer health indicators such as tire pressure and engine diagnostics, companies can proactively address maintenance needs, reducing the risk of breakdowns and extending the lifespan of trailers. This proactive approach not only reduces downtime but also extends the lifespan of trailers, ultimately saving costs on repairs and replacements.
A trailer tracking system can also help companies optimize their trailer utilization. By tracking the usage patterns of trailers in real time, companies can identify underutilized trailers and redistribute them to areas where they are needed more. This not only improves the efficiency of the fleet but also reduces wear and tear on individual trailers, leading to lower maintenance costs over time.
Monitoring trailer movements and usage leads further to the identification of opportunities to streamline a company’s maintenance processes. For example, if certain trailers require more frequent maintenance due to particularly strenuous routes or conditions, companies can adjust their maintenance schedules accordingly. This targeted approach ensures that maintenance resources are used efficiently on the trailers and other assets that need them the most, further reducing costs.
Ensure Accurate Audits and Proof of Compliance
Ensuring compliance with industry regulations and standards is crucial for companies in the logistics and transportation industry. Trailer tracking systems provide accurate tracking and reporting, simplifying audit processes. By maintaining accurate and detailed records of trailer movements and conditions, companies can easily provide the necessary documentation during audits. This not only saves time but also ensures compliance with regulatory requirements.
By providing automated tracking and reporting capabilities, trailer tracking systems further streamline compliance efforts. Instead of relying on workers to take the time out of their day to manually collect data and generate reports, companies can rely on the system to automatically generate compliance reports based on the tracked data. This reduces the risk of human error and ensures that compliance requirements are met efficiently, all while freeing up workers for more important, less menial tasks.
Another advantage of using a trailer tracking system is its ability to enhance transparency and accountability. Maintaining accurate records of trailer movements allows companies to easily track the chain of custody for each trailer, ensuring that trailers are not used for unauthorized or illegal purposes under the guise of daily operations. This level of transparency not only improves compliance but also helps in identifying and addressing any potential issues that may arise.
Enable Detention Fee Capture
Tracking trailer detention times is essential for accurately capturing detention fees. By documenting detention times and analyzing tracking data, companies can optimize loading and unloading processes, reducing detention times and improving operational efficiency. Identifying and addressing factors contributing to extended detention times can further enhance efficiency to reduce or eliminate the fees they must pay.
One key feature of a trailer tracking system that aids in reducing detention fees is the ability to set up geofences. These virtual boundaries can be established around specific areas, such as loading docks or customer facilities. When a trailer equipped with a tracking device enters or leaves a geofenced area, the system automatically records the event, including the time of entry and exit. This information is invaluable for tracking dwell times, which are a major factor in determining detention fees. By leveraging geofencing technology, companies can monitor and manage trailer dwell times more effectively. For instance, if a trailer remains at a customer site longer than the allotted time, the system can trigger an alert, prompting the company to take action. This could involve contacting the customer to expedite the unloading process or reassigning the trailer to another job to avoid additional fees.
Furthermore, trailer tracking systems can provide detailed reports on trailer movements and activities, including dwell times. These reports can be used as documentation to dispute detention fees that may have been incurred unfairly. By having accurate and comprehensive data at their fingertips, companies can negotiate better terms with customers and carriers, ultimately reducing detention fees and improving overall operational efficiency.
Make the Most of a Trailer Tracker with Link Labs
Trailer tracking systems offer a range of benefits that can significantly improve operational efficiency and security for companies in the logistics and transportation industry. From loss prevention to labor efficiency gains, maintenance spend efficiency, audit/compliance efficiency, and detention fee capture, the overall value and return on investment of a trailer tracking system are undeniable. By implementing a trailer tracking system, companies can streamline operations, reduce costs, and improve overall efficiency, making them indispensable tools for modern businesses. Book a demo to explore Link Labs’ options today!
