Re: Carrier Reefer Manager Software 21
Tommye Hope
With much emphasis placed on the tractor, the trailer can sometimes become an overlooked asset for a fleet. While neglecting the trailer is never a good idea, it is especially unwise when managing a fleet of refrigerated trailers. Thankfully, manufacturers of transport refrigeration units (TRUs) and trailers alike are finding ways to provide reefers that are not only safer and more productive, but also easier to manage and maintain.
Given that underlying objective, fleets should look at the various reasons a TRU might fail in the field. According to Kampf, the most common failure mode is a TRU that simply fails to start. The most common cause is an insufficiently charged battery.
Aside from being a relatively inexpensive way to help maintain sufficient TRU battery charge, fleets also like the fact that a solar charging panel is relatively straightforward in both operation and maintenance.
Insufficient battery charge represents a more obvious failure mode for TRUs, but there are also a handful of other more inconspicuous problems that can arise. Kampf says telematics, an increasingly utilized technology, is helping fleets gain more insight into these types of issues.
According to Bill Maddox, senior manager of product management for Carrier Transicold, more fleets are adding telematics systems to their refrigerated trailers. The trend toward telematics is being driven by not only a desire to increase utilization, but also to improve temperature control and help mitigate the potential human error associated with TRU management. Carrier Transicold provides a complete line of equipment for refrigerated trucks, trailers, and containers.
Claims avoidance is another avenue for ROI, according to Maddox. Centralized oversight of temperature compliance helps in mitigating risk to refrigerated loads. Additionally, data recorded by the telematics system can easily validate and document temperature compliance from point to point.
Telematics helps fleets gain efficiencies in another big way. Managing TRUs and updating TRU software can largely be done wirelessly. That means technicians no longer have to spend time walking around the yard to service trailers.
It is always important to check the engine oil level, refrigerant level, antifreeze protection, and belt tension and condition. It is also a good idea to run a test on the microprocessor. Technicians should also regularly inspect the structural integrity of the TRU, searching for things like fluid leaks, loose or damaged parts, bearing wear, hose condition, etc.
Every 1,500 hours, a technician should drain water from the fuel tank and check the vent, inspect/clean the electric fuel pump filter, and inspect/clean the EGR system. Every 3,000 hours, a technician should replace the air cleaner element and fuel filter/water separator. The engine oil and filter should also be changed, and the engine valve clearance should be adjusted. Every 4,500 hours or annually, a technician should check the engine mounts for wear. Finally, the coolant should be changed every five years or 12,000 miles.
Every 1,500 hours, a technician should inspect the battery terminals and electrolyte level, as well as the wire harness for damage or loose connections. Every 4,500 hours or annually, a technician should inspect the AC generator and alternator wire connections.
Every 1,500 hours, a technician should check the suction pressure, as well as the compressor oil level and overall condition. Every 4,500 hours or annually, check compressor efficiency and pump down the refrigeration system. It is also important to empty the oil collection container that is mounted on the compressor.
For fleets that also use the Carrier Transicold eSolutions telematics platform, refrigeration unit performance can be monitored collaboratively with Carrier Transicold dealers for a more seamless handling of service matters.
The ability to effectively manage refrigeration equipment while in transit is also enhanced with eSolutions. Before a driver is even aware of a potential service issue, a dispatcher can receive an alert and determine whether or not the issue is critical.
The TRU is not the only element of a refrigerated trailer that has been evolving. Design features that enhance thermal efficiency, improve safety, and reduce maintenance needs have been a focus of the trailer manufacturers themselves.
Another example of refrigerated trailer evolution is Stoughton's PureBlue. This trailer features several design elements to protect against air loss and water intrusion. For instance, the use of bonded side posts reduces the number of holes in the sidewalls, while a triple wiper seal door gasket helps block out the elements. Thanks to features like these, the refrigerated cargo is better protected, and so is the trailer interior itself.
Successful management of refrigerated trailers comes down to two vital aspects: maximizing efficiency and protecting the cargo. Manufacturers of TRUs and the refrigerated trailers themselves are making advances to help a fleet achieve both of those objectives. Service technicians continue to play a vital role, as well, with an increasingly influential nudge from technology.
As a global leader in yard management solutions since 2004, Kaleris YMS offers a broad range of solutions that are trusted by leading brands and offer unique capabilities for real-time location systems, automated gate check-in, task automation, and more.
Tasking YMS includes all of the features of the Standard YMS above, with the addition of GPS tracking of yard and shuttle trucks, creating tasks, and automating moves. Tasking YMS includes scheduling, releasing, and assigning from a single location.
RTLS YMS (real-time location system) includes all of the features of the Standard and Tasking YMS with the addition of real-time location information, automated check-in/out, automated location determination, move validation, and move generation.
Kaleris YMS does not let labor shortages or manual errors slow your gate down. With Kaleris kiosks, drivers can check in at their convenience in the language THEY need. Once a driver completes the kiosk check-in process, they will receive an RFID tag and instructions on trailer placement. Kaleris YMS automates the planning process for quick and efficient yard movements. No more spreadsheets. No more missing assets. No more gate congestion.
The gate system can be manned or unmanned in managing inbound and outbound rail and truck shipments. This automatic process streamlines gate procedures and increases the velocity of gate check-in and check-out of yard tractor-trailers, yard trucks, shuttle trucks, tractors, and drivers up to 100%.
Yard managers, warehouse teams, carriers, and suppliers can use this feature to easily self-schedule inbound and outbound appointments, which are then leveraged by the YMS to automate the dock schedule. Automated scheduling eliminates time-consuming manual efforts, reduces errors and delays, balances loads, and decreases detention charges.
Through an in-cab touch monitor, Kaleris facilitates two-way communication between the traffic managers and the drivers to assign, prioritize, and confirm tractor-trailer move tasks. Additionally, yard managers can solve yard management challenges by monitoring the location of the yard and shuttle trucks in real time.
Carriers gain real-time visibility over assets in their customer yards and can make gate appointments online 24/7, eliminating the need for frequent phone calls and faxes. Carriers can also perform live inventory checks, view current load status, and obtain historical records of asset activities.
Records refrigerated trailer information including temperature, fuel level, and operating status. Alerts operators to ensure regular checks are performed on all reefer trailers at a facility and all necessary and important information is recorded.
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