Connectivity solutions are radically transforming the transportation sector. The wide variety of data that trucks can send and receive is opening up completely new opportunities for the entire logistics chain.
Thanks to their approximately 400 sensors, state-of-the-art trucks are already generating valuable information. Moreover, their software contains 100 million lines of code — more than in that of a jet plane. This data can be used to develop services for enhancing the performance of road freight traffic and making it more efficient.
Multi-brand connectivity standards
Connectivity has been an integral part of the Daimler Trucks strategy since 2013. Daimler Trucks also sets digital standards that extend across numerous brands and markets. For example, Daimler’s three flagship long-haul trucks — the Mercedes-Benz Actros, Freightliner Cascadia, and FUSO Super Great — share the same electric/electronic architecture. All three heavy-duty trucks also have the same “Common Telematics Platform”. This connectivity module is the “brain” of a connected truck. It receives and transmits data in real time and is the interface for all connectivity-related services. Like a smartphone, it uses Bluetooth, the mobile communication network, and GPS to communicate with the traffic infrastructure, with other vehicles, and with other systems that are involved in the logistics process.
Smart fleet management
The Fleetboard system for Mercedes-Benz, Detroit Connect for Freightliner, and Truckonnect for FUSO connect fleet operators’ entire logistics systems and provide drivers and dispatchers with an overview of all the essential data at a glance. Increasingly sophisticated solutions ensure that each truck is employed as efficiently as possible. For example, the Fleetboard Store contains useful apps that were specifically developed for trucks by Daimler and third-party providers.