Fall 2012 - Trailcon

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TECH TALK Trailer telematics boosts bottom line By Doug Myers, Director of Sales and Marketing, Transport Refrigeration Inc., Madison, Wisc. The use of telematics devices in our industry has dramatically changed how we interact with drivers and customers, as well as internally within our own companies. The rate of innovation in this field has been remarkable, and the data now available allows fleet operators to manage their assets more effectively than ever. The most common definition of telematics is “the long-distance transmission of computer-based information.” In the early days, satellite transmissions were the norm. Over time, we evolved into cellular technology, which has reduced the cost and increased the frequency of each transmission. When we look at the use of telematics in trailers, there are two distinct groups: refrigerated and dry. The most common form of telematics used is a simple tracking mechanism that provides GPS data such as location, speed, and a history of the trailer’s movement. This data can boost return on investment (ROI) by improving trailer utilization, identifying excessive dwell time, and finding lost or stolen trailers. Looking beyond these simple data points, there is much more information available if we increase the resolution and communicate more often. Using the cellular network, we now have that gateway. In a dry trailer, we can add devices such as door sensors, electronic locks, and tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) to speed When we look at the use of telematics in trailers, there are two distinct groups: refrigerated and dry. up the ROI and provide a more comprehensive tool. This requires a system that can communicate cost-effectively many times per day or whenever a significant event occurs – for example, door open/close, tire pressure high/low, or tire temperature high. Events can also be used to trigger an alert to a fleet manager that a condition exists. With proper telematics hardware, a tire condition can be identified on a drop trailer, giving the manager an opportunity to correct the issue before the trailer is under load. With a reefer trailer, the amount of data now available is even greater. Today’s refrigeration units incorporate robust electronics systems to communicate with telematics. The units actively monitor the various temperature sensors, the mode in which the unit is running, and any alarm conditions. The telematics system can utilize the reefer battery, giving us access to nearly unlimited power. Like the dry trailer, we can add the door sensors, locks, and TPMS to improve the ROI. Another useful feature is the ability to add fuellevel sensors and additional temperature sensors to cross-monitor the temperatures given from the unit microprocessor. This can be helpful when building a cold-chain compliance plan, as you have data backed up from two sources – the unit and an independent sensor. By employing today’s technology, a trailer telematics system can provide so much more than tracking information. You can incorporate the multiple data points into your operation to limit downtime, preemptively address issues before they escalate, and drive down the overall cost of each asset. 6 REPORT on TRANSPORTATION
CUSTOMER CONNECTION WASTECO Putting waste to work When Carl Lorusso and Stephen Caudwell founded Wasteco waste-collection firm back in 1978, recycling had not yet entered the mainstream – or the waste stream, for that matter. Computer punched cards and printer paper were the only commonly recycled materials. But the partners always knew there was much greater potential. “We knew that, eventually, there would be products in the waste stream that were going to be totally recycled,” says Lorusso, the company’s vice-president. At that time, the company owned just one truck – a 1968 Ford Super Duty with “a blown engine,” chuckles Lorusso. He and Caudwell took turns doing night collection of waste at Toronto office buildings. Fast forward 34 years. Wasteco now has six waste-processing facilities in the GTA, and a large fleet of both collection and recycling vehicles that covers southern Ontario and services “thousands” of customers, says Lorusso. Acquisition played a large part in the company’s growth. As Wasteco solidified its position in the marketplace, it gradually began to buy up businesses, usually “old, established companies that had been around a long time,” says Lorusso. In 1995, it purchased its first processing facility. The company now does all its own processing, and sends the recycled materials wherever there is a market, whether local or overseas. One of Wasteco’s newest services is organics collection. Its organics waste program, explains Lorusso, uses an innovative process that sterilizes the containers, so customers do not need to line the bins with bags. “We do an exchange program, so the containers that are going to the customers’ facilities are like brand new every time they arrive.” Organic material is transported to a network of local processors for compost. Growing from a handful of customers to thousands is no small feat, and Lorusso Wasteco’s organics waste program uses an innovative process that sterilizes the containers before each drop-off. attributes the company’s success to consistency of management – the founders remain at the helm – and its ability to direct services to each customer’s needs. “I think the difference between Wasteco and our competitors is that we are constantly focusing on what our customers need versus what the company needs.” Wasteco can build customized waste and recycling programs on a one-to-one basis, and react quickly to changes in needs. Wasteco has been a customer of Trailcon Leasing for about a year. After renting trailers from several different companies, the owners recognized they were missing out on an opportunity to advertise Wasteco’s services on the trailers. “We realized we had these ‘billboards’ available to us that we never took advantage of,” says Lorusso. “So we set up a leasing program to have our name on the sides of these trailers.” Wasteco is leasing a number of 53-foot air ride trailers specifically for use in its recycling operation, including specialty trailers for organics collection, in a major fleet upgrade. “Trailcon came with a full program of options that would fit our needs and our customers’ needs,” both the short and long term, says Lorusso. Wasteco’s plans for the future include the continued development of its organics program – collection, processing, and final use. “It’s a large chunk of the waste stream,” notes Lorusso. “Industrially and commercially, it’s still in its infancy.” FALL 2012 – Volume No. 51 7
Page 1 and 2: Report on Transportation Presented
Page 3 and 4: I am fortunate to live in Caledon,
Page 5: PITCHING IN Trailcon awards student
Page 9 and 10: Don’t forget the wine! The Rhine,
Page 11 and 12: Among other changes, the annual roa
Page 13 and 14: FOR YOUR INFO Site-seeing Epic gram
Page 15 and 16: BOYS TOYS AND THEIR Trailcon’s Mi

Fall 2012 - Trailcon

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