Glossary

The process of monitoring the location and status of physical assets (like trailers) using GPS, sensors, or RFID. Often includes automated yard check features for operational efficiency. 

A software intermediary that allows different systems to communicate. In fleet management, APIs are used to integrate tracking data into TMS or ERP systems. 

The return trip of a vehicle after delivering a load. Optimizing backhauls increases revenue and reduces empty miles. 

A wireless technology used for short-range trailer or cargo sensor communication. Often used in hybrid tracking solutions. 

In fleet tracking, breadcrumbs are the digital “trail” of GPS points recorded during a vehicle’s journey. This breadcrumb trail shows the exact path a truck has taken, including stops, speeds, and route deviations.

A sensor that detects the presence or absence of cargo inside a trailer. Can detect load status (empty, partial, full) to improve trailer utilization. The Vizicube Smart Sensor gives you visibility into the trailer for a smarter fleet.   

Uses mobile networks and terrestrial infrastructure to transmit trailer location data. Often compared to satellite tracking, which works in remote areas. 

Tracking temperature-sensitive shipments in real time. Often includes door sensors and temperature sensors inside refrigerated trailers. 

The seamless integration of TGI Connect’s hardware and software with carrier systems, ensuring reliable communication across satellite and cellular networks. 

A feature within MCM that allows carriers to share a secure, real-time tracking link with their customers, reducing calls for shipment updates and improving transparency. 

he time a driver or trailer waits during loading/unloading beyond the scheduled time. Impacts operational efficiency and cost. Managing dwell with fleet management software like My Connect Manager is critical to operational efficiency. Get dwell reports on demand or scheduled to gain visibility on who has your trailer assets.  

A sensor that detects when trailer doors open or close. It helps improve security and detect unauthorized access. 

An area where GPS or cellular signals are weak or unavailable, making it difficult to track trailers or send time-sensitive data. 

The period a trailer or truck remains idle or inactive. Lower dormancy improves utilization and ROI. MCM also has a dormancy report with a grace period adjustment for your customers. 

A system required by regulations to record a driver’s hours of service. Required in the U.S. and Canada to ensure compliance with Hours of Service (HOS) regulations. 

The real-time awareness of where assets (trucks, trailers, equipment) are located and their status. Provides dispatchers and managers with real-time insights for decision-making and operational efficiency. 

The middleman role between shippers and carriers. A broker helps find capacity or freight using logistics networks. 

A virtual perimeter around a physical location. Used to trigger alerts when trailers enter/exit yards or customer sites. 

A navigation system that provides location coordinates using satellites. In traditional trailer tracking, GPS devices often rely on store-and-forward messaging, meaning they can only transmit location data once they reconnect to cellular service. This differs from TGI Connect’s use of the Globalstar Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network, which enables continuous communication without relying on cellular coverage. 

TGI Connect’s channel and partnership initiative that allows industry partners to collaborate on delivering trailer tracking solutions and gain shared business value. 

A satellite orbiting between ~160 km and 2,000 km above Earth. LEO satellites enable low-latency, near real-time communication and are used by TGI Connect through the Globalstar network for continuous trailer tracking. Compared to MEO satellites (10,000–20,000 km altitude, commonly used for GPS navigation) and GEO satellites (35,786 km altitude, fixed over one point on Earth, typically used for broadcast and weather), LEO satellites provide faster response times and stronger coverage in remote areas, making them ideal for fleet visibility.

The short delay between sending and receiving data. In trucking, low latency means faster updates for tracking and communication. 

A shipping method where a carrier consolidates freight from multiple shippers into one trailer. Each shipment does not fill the entire truck, so costs are shared among shippers. LTL is best suited for smaller loads, typically between 150 and 15,000 pounds.

Using tracked mileage to schedule preventive maintenance. Helps reduce unplanned downtime and extend trailer life. 

TGI Connect’s fleet management software platform that consolidates tracking data, sensor insights, and reporting into a single interface. Provides trailer utilization, automated yard checks, dwell, detention, mileage, and ROI-driven analytics. 

Refers to the cellular and satellite communication infrastructure used by TGI Connect to ensure uninterrupted global trailer tracking coverage. 

Wireless software or firmware updates sent to tracking devices. Keeps hardware functional without manual servicing. 

Refers to the cellular and satellite communication infrastructure used by TGI Connect to ensure uninterrupted global trailer tracking coverage. 

A routing and logistics term referring to trips with multiple pick-up and/or drop-off locations. Instead of moving freight directly from point A to point B, a polypoint load may involve several stops along the route.

A refrigerated trailer used to transport perishable goods. Requires temperature monitoring and cold chain compliance. 

A suite of customizable reports available in MCM, including dwell time, detention billing, utilization, and mileage reporting for ROI measurement. 

The measurable benefit (typically in cost savings or revenue) from investing in tracking technology or efficiency software. Measured in cost savings, improved utilization, reduced dwell, and operational efficiency. 

A method of trailer tracking that uses satellites instead of cellular networks. Ideal for remote areas and national coverage. 

Combining multiple sensors (e.g., cargo, door, temperature) into a single system for unified reporting and automation. 

A trailer equipped with telematics and multi-sensor technology for real-time monitoring of location, cargo status, door activity, temperature, and utilization. 

A custom mounting bracket designed to securely attach the SmartOne Solar device to trailers for optimal performance and durability. This is an optional add-on to the SmartOne Solar device that defends against impact.

A rugged solar-powered satellite trailer tracking device designed for reliable, long-term asset visibility. Provides location, tamper detection (with optional Tamper Switch), and seamless integration into TGI’s My Connect Manager (MCM) software. 

A trailer equipped with telematics and multi-sensor technology for real-time monitoring of location, cargo status, door activity, temperature, and utilization. 

An optional hardware add-on for SmartOne Solar devices that triggers immediate alerts if the device is removed or tampered with. 

Trailer Connect ID is a smart device that connects your truck and trailer wirelessly using Bluetooth. It broadcasts the status of the trailer to the cab. It eliminates the risk of incorrect trailer hooks. It also provides real-time monitoring, reporting, and notification of trailer hooked/unhooked events. It is easy to install and activate, and works with all android. It is waterproof, shock resistant, and extreme temperature durable.

A software platform used to manage freight, routing, carrier selection, and tracking. Integrates with trailer tracking systems for visibility. 

The integration of telecommunications, GPS, and sensor data to track and monitor fleet performance and health. TGI Connect seamlessly integrates with some of the industry leaders in telematics like: Trimble, McLeod, Platform Science, Transplus, ISAAC, Datadis, Fourkite, Macropoint and many more.

A shipping method where one shipper’s freight fills an entire trailer. TL/FTL shipments usually travel directly from origin to destination without intermediate stops, offering faster transit times and reduced handling.

The measurement of how often trailers are actively in use. Higher utilization = better asset ROI.

The ability to see, in real time, where trailers are, their utilization status, and their condition (cargo, temperature, doors) through TGI’s technology. 

An advanced Vizicube sensor variant with an external probe for precise temperature monitoring of high-heat or sensitive cargo (e.g., asphalt, chemicals, or food-grade syrups).

An all-in-one trailer sensor providing real-time data on cargo, temperature, and door status. Integrates directly with MCM software for automated reporting and trailer utilization insights. 

The process of verifying trailer inventory and status at a yard. With TGI, this is automated via telematics data, eliminating manual counts. 

Using tracking data to replace manual yard checks. Reduces labor costs and improves accuracy of asset inventory.