Alliance Shippers announced it is enhancing its refrigerated intermodal operations in North America with Carrier Transicold’s telematics solution and Vector thin-profile refrigeration units. 

The telematics solution, supported by Carrier Transicold’s monitor and enhanced control two-way data plan, is being installed on all 1,500 of Alliance Shippers’ 53-foot trailers and intermodal containers, improving on the fleet’s prior system.

“Telematics brings us many different capabilities,” said Ronald Topp, director of maintenance, Alliance Shippers. “We want to proactively monitor our customers’ freight in real time at any given point in the supply chain, and the improved visibility telematics provides enables us to support our customers with updated and timely information.”

Alliance Shippers will use the Carrier Transicold telematics solution to:

• Run pre-trip inspections remotely and verify that fuel tanks are topped off.

• Monitor fuel consumption within geofenced areas, such as distribution centers, to incentivize customers to more efficiently load and unload assets.

• Proactively monitor equipment performance remotely, using Carrier Transicold’s unit analytics, which contributes to maintenance efficiencies.

• Upgrade refrigeration unit software over the air.

“It all adds up to a positive effect on our total utilization and efficiency,” Topp said. “Anytime we can grow our load count for the fleet, our customers and the supply chain are better served.”

As with the fleet’s Carrier Transicold refrigeration units, the telematics system is fully supported by Carrier Transicold’s network of factory-trained technicians.

“We are pleased to support Alliance Shippers through our knowledgeable and expansive dealer network, which delivers a unique OEM advantage over other providers that lack such comprehensive, mission-critical resources,” said David Brondum, director of telematics, Carrier Transicold.