AirBoxOne from Drov provides real-time notifications in the cab on the status and location of trailers. (Drov)
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ABF freight is increasing its use of Drov Technologies AirBoxOne platform which integrates truck sensors and trailer sensors. Oklahoma City-based Drov confirmed this.
ABF Freight is ArcBest Inc.’s less-than truckload division. ArcBest is ranked No. Transport Topics Top 100 List of the largest for hire companies in North America. ABF Freight ranks No. ABF Freight ranks No. 7 among the largest LTL carrier. ArcBest is also ranked No. ArcBest also ranks No. 40 on the TT Top 100 List of the largest logistic companies.
ABF Freight has completed a 120 day trial of AirBoxOne, with its city and road-trailer fleet. The AirBoxOne mobile app was tested at its North Little Rock (Ark.) service center. ABF will begin a second phase with Drov after completing an initial pilot. This was announced in a press release on June 4.
Drov CEO Lisa Mullen said to Transport Topics on June 6 that the second phase of testing would include additional features such as blind-spot monitoring systems linked to sensor platforms. Volumetric sensors will also be used to determine if a trailer is full or empty, with measurements of the total percent filled/empty and linear floor space.
Seth Runser is the president of ABF Freight. “Safety and operational efficiency are two of our core strategic goals, and this cutting edge technology aligns with them well,” he said. “The Drov team was a strategic partner right from the beginning. They have been proactive in addressing challenges during the first trial period. They understand our objectives to remain safe on the road, operate efficiently and be efficient.
AirBoxOne’s dynamic tire-management system and the SKF TraX hub sensor were of particular interest to ABF, said Mullen. ABF was particularly interested in AirBoxOne’s dynamic tire-management system that can inflate and deflate tires, as well as the SKFTraX hub sensor.
According to Drov, the system’s goal is to reduce the cost of tire ownership and improve ABF service quality by preventing unexpected failures and service delays.
The AirBoxOne platform is capable of monitoring tire pressure. (Drov)
Mullen told TT that “what we find and prevent is the most important part of what we do.” “It’s about — what are the main challenges a fleet faces and how can our data help? These challenges are different from one fleet to another.
Mullen stated that “ABF offers the opportunity to demonstrate the [return-on-investment] for dry vans trailers.” “We are trying to take a calculated approach in these markets, rather than trying to be everything for every fleet or boil the ocean.”
AirBoxOne is available on the products of five dry van trailer manufacturers, including Stoughton Trailers and Kentucky Trailer. Other options include Great Dane, HyundaiTranslead, Vanguard National Trailer, and Great Dane.
AirBoxOne can be used for refrigerated and tank trailers as well as dry vans.
In February, Drov extended its partnership with Engineered Transportation International (ETI), owner of the Heil Trailer brand, Polar Tank, and Jarco tank trailers.
AirBoxOne is a technology that allows for automated tire inflation and deflation. According to Engineered Transportation, tank trailer fleet owners could extend tire life up to 50% by using this technology.
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