Michelin takes ‘quantum leap’ with telematics-based trailer system

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Transport Engineer / December 16, 2015

Michelin Solutions has launched a telematics-based trailer management system, available to any fleet regardless of current or future tyre policy and which Michelin describes as “a quantum leap” for trailer management.

Called Effitrailer, the trailer is fitted with telematics kit, featuring an on-board datalink, tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and electronic braking system (EBS) data analysis. Once installed, the equipment enables constant geolocation of every Effitrailer-optimised asset in a fleet.

As part of the offer, Michelin is committing to reduce tyre-related trailer breakdowns by up to 50%, with refunds for breakdowns if it does not hit the target.

With the offer available to any fleet whatever the tyre policy, Michelin estimates it is suitable for 90% of trailers in Europe which do not currently use telematics.

Nearly one-third (32 per cent) of all HGV breakdowns in Europe are linked to the tyres, and in 70 per cent of cases they occur on the trailer – with Michelin’s own research finding the average cost of a trailer breakdown is approximately £1,000.

Real-time data is sent to a web portal, where fleet managers can see each trailer’s precise location, mileage, tyre pressure information, the length of periods of wait-time, unhooked or towed status, and more.

Paul Davey, commercial director of Michelin Solutions in the UK and Republic of Ireland, says: “Effitrailer is a quantum leap in trailer fleet management and offers a previously unseen degree of control over the day-to-day operations of vital road transport assets.

“With large trailer fleets, just knowing where every asset is can be challenging; but thanks to Effitrailer telematics, fleet managers can rest assured that the location of every optimised trailer is available at the touch of a button – and that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the added value the programme’s data offers.”

Customisable alerts can be set up, such as for repeated hard braking, and Michelin provides monthly and quarterly reports.

The telematics devices can be fitted on all trailer types equipped with EBS; the unit, cable harness and connection systems are mounted on the trailer’s chassis.

Effitrailer is now available in the UK, Ireland, France, Italy, Germany, Switzerland and Austria, and will be offered in other European countries from 2016.