Schmitz Cargobull to retrofit 2,500 TIP Group trailers with telematics systems

Trailer rental firm TIP Group and semi-trailer manufacturer Schmitz Cargobull have signed a contract to retrofit 2,500 trailers with telematics systems.

The TrailerConnect hardware retrofits include vehicles of all trailer types and manufacturers and are scheduled to be completed by the end of 2025.

With the telematics retrofit, TIP aims to create more transparency in its global trailer fleet of around 130,000 vehicles in order to reduce operating costs and avoid unpredictable breakdowns in vehicle rental.

Installing and activating the telematics system on an S.CS curtainsider semi-trailer or an S.BO Express box body semi-trailer only takes around 30 minutes per vehicle, so there is no long downtime. Retrofitting can be carried out easily for trailers of all brands as part of the regular maintenance intervals.

Thanks to the standardised interface between Schmitz Cargobull’s TrailerConnect system and the TIP Insight system, the telematics data of the retrofitted trailers is transmitted automatically. The TIP Insight System is a cloud-based platform that provides real-time data on the location, condition and use of trailers. This enables transport companies to manage their fleets more efficiently, increase capacity utilisation, improve safety and reduce environmental impact.

The framework agreement between Cargobull Telematics and TIP stipulates that every vehicle ex works with standardised telematics or with retrofitted telematics is automatically transferred to the TIP Insight system. TIP says this is a clear advantage for the company, as all trailers are displayed on one platform.

The TIP customer therefore receives a reliable data record for each vehicle, regardless of whether it is retrofitted or equipped ex works, and can then use the data to optimise their own processes.