Manufacturing company Michelin’s subsidiary, Michelin Connected Fleet, unveiled its new Trailer Premium offer, a comprehensive solution designed to assist fleet operators in overcoming pressing challenges related to trailer management, compliance, safety and efficiency.

The launch took place during the Transport Month Power Brunch, co-hosted with the Road Transport Management System (RTMS) and industry leaders, aiming to foster collaboration and innovation in the South African transport industry.

The event gathered industry leaders, fleet managers and logistics experts who engaged in discussions about trailer management challenges and best practices.

The keynote speaker, FleetWatch managing editor Patrick O’Leary, provided insights into critical trends concerning brake and tyre wear, while representatives from supply chain solutions company Unitrans, mining company Mamoja Trading and transportation service VDS OneLogix shared their effective road safety practices, proven through real-world experience.

A key benefit of the Trailer Premium offer is its role in enriching road safety by enabling operators to make proactive decisions about their trailers, helping to prevent issues such as tyre punctures, overloads and worn-out brakes, while flagging issues pertaining to driver behaviour.

The solution leverages “cutting-edge connected vehicle technology and performance analysis”, empowering fleet operators with real-time alerts on critical metrics, such as live location tracking, among others.

The combination of these features enhances productivity, safety and cost control, enabling effective management of trailer operations.

A highlight of the day included a live demonstration of the Trailer Premium, showcasing its customer-driven design and key features.

Operators were able to interact with the team, experiencing the “powerful” data insights generated by the Trailer Premium first hand. The feedback from attendees underscored the excitement surrounding the solution.

The day culminated in a panel discussion led by specialised and advanced driver training programme provider MasterDrive CEO Eugene Herbert, featuring industry experts such as RTMS director Dr Paul Nordengen, Michelin Connected Fleet country manager Shivani Pillay and Michelin Tyres sales director Charl Lensley.

The panel sparked engaging conversations about the future of safe and efficient trailer management, while emphasising the necessity of collaboration.

“Effective trailer management is crucial for enhancing fleet safety and efficiency. With our Trailer Premium offer, we prioritise this essential aspect by providing operators with advanced tools that improve productivity while ensuring compliance and safety through preventative maintenance,” Pillay remarked.

She added that this solution represents a transformative approach for operators seeking to excel in a competitive landscape.

Meanwhile, Nordengen noted that managing trailers alongside trucks is vital for the improvement of road safety and productivity while ensuring regulatory compliance. Additionally, he stated that the Michelin Connected Fleet Trailer Premium offer aligns with the RTMS principle of continuous improvement in fleet management practices.

“[It] empowers operators to reduce costs, enhance safety, and adhere to compliance standards, providing a significant advantage in today’s challenging environment.”

By leveraging this advanced solution, fleet operators can gain a competitive edge, proactively address challenges in the transport sector and drive sustainable improvements in their operations.