Orbcomm enhances data-driven truck telematics
- March 22, 2022
- Steve Rogerson

New Jersey-based Orbcomm has enhanced its data-driven truck telematics to improve the visibility, efficiency, safety and experience for fleets, drivers and their customers.
The company unveiled the technology during this month’s American Trucking Association’s (ATA) Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) annual meeting in Orlando, Florida.
The truck management system provides nose-to-tail intelligence that delivers deep data insights to fleets, streamlining their operations and helping them achieve better business outcomes.
Added features include a cargo camera sensor that lets fleets save time and eliminate margin of error by immediately identifying the status of a trailer with images that show load and unload progress, load shift, cargo or asset damage, dunnage and cleanout verification. The device can send images to the back office when the trailer’s door is opened or closed while paired with a door sensor as well as when the driver begins or ends a move for visibility and security.
Image capture can be triggered manually from the back office at any time so dispatch can see the status of the trailer when needed. With its large storage capacity, the sensor can capture, store and transmit hundreds of images.
As cargo camera technology continues to evolve, the sensor will leverage machine learning and artificial intelligence strategies that will help users gain deeper insights about their operations, including how to increase use of their trailer space, turnaround time and profitability.
Leveraging Orbcomm’s Bluetooth and radar filtering technology, its tractor ID sensor for dry vans integrates with its refrigerated trailer offering to address the costly industry pain point of incorrect tractor-trailer pairing. The sensor ensures the tractor will connect to the desired trailer, while filtering out nearby trailers that could otherwise lead to inaccurate pairings, increasing driver efficiency and retention. By validating drivers are transporting the correct refrigerated cargo to the correct location on time, the sensor helps prevent the loss of revenue due to increased fuel usage from wasted driving hours and cargo spoilage, which can lead to high insurance claims.
Orbcomm has completed an integration with Bendix focused on fleet safety and collision avoidance. Bendix’s software collects and transmits safety data and video of severe events off the vehicle along with driver identification and transforms it into actionable information in real time. Users can assess driving trends and develop targeted driver training to improve fleet safety and compliance.
Orbcomm is also partnering with Noregon to help users achieve greater savings on vehicle maintenance and increase uptime with their TripVision software, and is adding trailer maintenance to provide a complete picture of fleet health.
“Orbcomm is delivering innovative sensor technology and feature enhancements to provide the transportation industry with the most comprehensive, data-driven truck solution that extends from the asset’s nose to tail,” said Chris MacDonald, Orbcomm senior vice president. “We are empowering our customers with deep insights about their operations to address their pain points, increase the efficiency of their fleet and their drivers, and enable them to make more informed business decisions, all through one integrated platform.”