Fall 2004 - Trailcon

TECHTALKProtecting your assetsCalifornia-based V-Trac Systems’low-cost GPS tracking systemsnotify owners of rolling assets ofa potential problem before itoccurs – whether it be the theftof a trailer or the failure of apart.Recently, it introduced theIntermodal Modular SecuritySystem design for both chassisand containers. The system canbe integrated into intermodalcontainer chassis for the purposeof daily automated locationchecks and operational efficiency,and can be expanded to includetemperature reports on retrofittedor customized axle hubs andbrakes. For example, hub temperaturesare set at two thresholds:the lower one indicates a warmingcondition that would signifylow oil conditions or the beginningof excessive bearing wear;the second is set at a point higherthan the first to give advancewarning of potential major damageto the race, hubs, or otherparts.The system is also able to monitorbrake wear and heavy use.Consisting of four independentyet integrated modules, the systemis engineered so that failureof one part does not necessitatereplacement of the entire system.The company’s 24/7 ResponseCentre diagnoses any problemswith or failure of any of themodules, and advises the client,while at the same time shippingthe replacement module for fast,simple field repairs.Another new product, V-Link-1T,protects cargo in refrigeratedfreight carriers. An extension ofthe basic Vlink1 theft preventionproduct line, V-Link-1T samplesthe temperature every 15minutes in the cargo area duringreefer operation. It transmits thehigh, low and average temperaturesas often as required, andsends instant alarm messaging tothe operations manager if a problemoccurs, such as out-of-rangetemperature or reefer failure.During non-operation of thereefer, the unit reverts to nontemperature-reportingmode,pre-programmed upon installation,to avoid the expense oftemperature transmissions whennot required.Extensive reporting and user-drivenmenus available on the company’sWeb site allow end usersto define whether they want tohave specific events simplyrecorded, or to be notified ofthem immediately, via e-mail orlive operator telephone call.Those with their own IT departmentscan also have data delivereddirectly into their databasesusing virtually any protocol.“ITS” time for fasterborder crossingsThe governments of Canada andOntario have appointed a teamto research and developstrategies for using IntelligentTransportation Systems (ITS) toimprove the flow of traffic at allinternational border crossingsbetween Ontario and the U.S.ITS technologies include camerasto monitor traffic, weather androad conditions, as well aselectronic sensors and detectorsembedded in the roadway togauge the speed of traffic. All ofthis information is passed alongto drivers through real-timechangeable message signs.Over the next 18 months, theteam will evaluate existingtechnology to determine how itcan best be used to keep driversinformed and better managetraffic. Regularly updated projectinformation can be found at:www.intelligentborder.ca.Warningfor wearydriversThe Driver Fatigue Monitor(DFM), from Pittsburgh-basedAttention Technology Inc., notifiesdrivers if they are becomingdrowsy, before the situationbecomes potentially dangerous.The portable device, whichmounts on the dashboard to theright of the steering wheel, has acompact video-based sensor thatmeasures slow eyelidclosure associated with drowsiness.If the DFM identifies thatthe driver is drowsy, the unitsounds an audible alert.The result of more than 10 yearsof research and testing atCarnegie Mellon University, DFMhas been validated by the U.S.Department of Transportation asbeing able to accurately measuredrowsiness. Pennsylvania-basedcarrier DistTech is currently testingit with its fleet drivers.4 REPORT ON TRANSPORTATION