Mobile asset tracking is making the transition from a high-end service with questionable value to an essential business tool for transportation fleets, according to a new report from Vertical Wireless Associates, "North American Markets for Mobile Asset Tracking." New, more integrated product designs that come closer to meeting the industry's economic price points and value-added information reporting are spurring demand among large and mid-sized fleets, according to the report. The availability of miniaturized, low-cost GPS chip sets is allowing hardware designers to integrate GPS circuitry into low-cost substrates, dropping the cost of tracking systems and shortening the payback period. As the hardware costs come down, the business case for rolling asset tracking is becoming more compelling, the report says. Because trailer tracking can reduce fleet capital costs through fewer lost trailers and higher equipment availability, it is now perceived as an investment in lower business costs by many fleets. With millions of dry trailers, and tens of thousands of specialty rolling trailers, the worldwide market for tracking trailers is significant. The average commercial truck fleet has between three and four trailers for every power unit or tractor. In addition to reporting a trailer's exact location, higher end trailer tracking systems enable carriers to access information from tethered and untethered trailers. Two other segments, rail cars and shipping containers, also represent significant potential for market participants. "North American Markets for Mobile Asset Tracking" contains application descriptions, market data, statistics, profiles, and forecasts designed to assist participants in strategic marketing and business planning, and to provide readers with all of the information necessary to identify industry trends, buying criteria, market factors, and emerging opportunities. About Vertical Wireless Associates Vertical Wireless Associates is a marketing and technology strategy company specializing in markets and applications for wireless data communications. Their coverage of these markets includes the publication of market reports and studies. Each publication consists of in-depth analyses, descriptions and evaluations of current and probable future market developments, technology issues and business factors.