The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (www.fmcsa.dot.gov) has awarded a $2 million contract to QUALCOMM Inc. (www.qualcomm.com) and Science Applications International Corp. (www.saic.com) to develop an untethered trailer asset management system.

The system will provide on-board hardware, advanced power management, network services and extensive data integration capabilities using tri-mode (digital cellular, PCS and analog) communications. A field operational test will quantify the costs and benefits associated with systems designed to track trailers when they are not attached to a tractor.

The expectation is that this technology will make for better use of existing trailers and will lead carriers to use the technology for safety and security, particularly in handling hazardous materials and high value products. SAIC is the prime contractor for the project with QUALCOMM as the technology integrator.

Trucking companies planning to participate in the test include Super Service Inc., Somerset, Ky.; R&R Trucking, Duenweg, Mo.; and Paschall Truck Lines Inc., Murray, Ky. Operational field testing is scheduled to begin next summer. LT