Untethered Trailer Tracking Control System Final Report

The security of truck operations is a major component of a secure national transportation system. Commercial motor vehicles are not only potential targets of attack, but they can also be used as a means of transferring destructive materials within the country and as weapons to attack other targets. The House of Representatives Report 107-722, Department of Transportation and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2003, stated that further development of existing trailer tracking systems was essential. As a result, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) conducted a pilot test of an untethered trailer tracking (UTT) system with the expanded functions specified in the congressional report. For this project, FMCSA worked in partnership with a review team comprised of governmental and industry participants for expert opinions and review for this project. The purpose of this pilot test was to test a UTT system that meets specific functional requirements and improves the safety and security of trailers and shipments at each phase of its movement. The UTT system included: near real-time trailer identification; accurate time of connection and disconnection activities; location and mapping of trailers; geo-fencing to identify a risk area or unscheduled trailer movement; remote sensing of a loaded or empty trailer; and security of the cargo door. The pilot test was conducted using three operational scenarios. Scenario 1 involved national truckload delivery of standard dry van deliveries. Scenario 2 involved a national truckload delivery of high value retail clothing and electronics. Scenario 3 included the regional truckload of Class 1.1 – 1.6 Explosives. Each scenario included 25 trailers, with various combinations of UTT system components installed on the trailers. Following a period of specification, systems design, and prototype testing, the UTT technologies were then installed and tested on the trailers over a 3-month period per scenario from October 2004 through January 2005. Data from field testing, staged tests, and expert opinions were collected to determine the functionality of the UTT system and potential improvements in security, safety and efficiency through the use of the UTT system.

  • Record URL:
  • Corporate Authors:

    Science Applications International Corporation

    10260 Campus Point Drive
    San Diego, CA  United States  92121

    Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

    Office of Research and Analysis
    400 Virginia Avenue, SW
    Washington, DC  United States  20024
  • Authors:
    • Boyden, Michael
    • Stock, Daniel
    • Jensen, Mark
    • Wik, Erik
    • Le, Steven
    • Alfaro-Gunion, Yamilet
    • Spector, Andrew
    • Deignan, Joseph
    • Mitchell, Carol
    • Sands, Marc
    • Vercoe, Derrick
    • Erlandson, Peggy
    • Mack, Laura
    • Wittpenn, Jennifer
    • Clark, Michele
    • McQueen, Jonathan
    • Houser, Amy
  • Publication Date: 2005-12

Language

  • English

Media Info

  • Media Type: Digital/other
  • Edition: Final Report
  • Features: Appendices; Figures; Glossary; Photos; References; Tables;
  • Pagination: 120p

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 01522376
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Report/Paper Numbers: FMCSA-MCRRT-06-002
  • Contract Numbers: DTMC75-03-F-00049
  • Files: NTL, TRIS, ATRI, USDOT
  • Created Date: Apr 22 2014 3:04PM