Newly released sensor assigns, organizes, and helps connect trailers to tractors, tech company claims

A special Bluetooth sensor that allows for the virtual pairing of tractor and trailers in the spirit of efficiency was released on Tuesday. 

The ORBCOMM Tractor ID was launched on July 20th and is the latest innovation in ORBCOMM’s ‘smart truck solutions.’

The Tractor ID is installed on trucks and trailers and enables tractor-to-trailer pairing and pairing confirmation to ensure that every truck hooks up to the right trailer, presumably improving driver and operational efficiency overall. 

“This latest innovation in ORBCOMM’s smart truck solution is focused on bringing total tractor to trailer intelligence for enhanced visibility, efficiency, safety and experience to fleets, drivers and their customers,” the release said. 

The sensor filters out all other trailers and directs the driver to the correct one, detects the connection or disconnection of a trailer from the tractor, and notifies the driver. 

“When the driver connects to a trailer, an automated notification is sent through the integrated ORBCOMM platform to the customer’s dispatch system to validate the proper trailer connection before the driver leaves the yard,” the release continues. 

The actual Bluetooth sensor is constructed with a rugged battery expected to last around 7 years without an additional power source. The device turns itself off when not in use to conserve energy. 

“We’re excited to bring a unique and innovative approach to solving the tractor pairing problem for transportation customers with our new wireless Tractor ID sensor,” said Gregg Plonisch, ORBCOMM’s Vice President of Product Management. “This sensor is a significant enhancement to our smart truck solution, which combines advanced telematics, analytics and connectivity to create a complete smart truck solution that offers optimal insight into the fleet’s entire operations through one integrated platform.”