Glossary of Terms
Asset Trailer Tracking
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.
API (Application Programming Interface)
A software intermediary that allows different systems to communicate. In fleet management, APIs are used to integrate tracking data into TMS or ERP systems.
Backhaul
The return trip of a vehicle after delivering a load. Optimizing backhauls increases revenue and reduces empty miles.
Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)
A wireless technology used for short-range trailer or cargo sensor communication. Often used in hybrid tracking solutions.
Cargo Sensor
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.
Cellular Tracking
Uses mobile networks and terrestrial infrastructure to transmit trailer location data. Often compared to satellite tracking, which works in remote areas.
Cold Chain Monitoring
Tracking temperature-sensitive shipments in real time. Often includes door sensors and temperature sensors inside refrigerated trailers.
Connectivity
The seamless integration of TGI Connect’s hardware and software with carrier systems, ensuring reliable communication across satellite and cellular networks.
Customer Live Link
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.
Dwell Time
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.
Door Sensor
A sensor that detects when trailer doors open or close. It helps improve security and detect unauthorized access.
Dead Zone
An area where GPS or cellular signals are weak or unavailable, making it difficult to track trailers or send time-sensitive data.
Dormancy
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.
ELD (Electronic Logging Device)
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.
Fleet Visibility
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.
Freight Brokerage
The middleman role between shippers and carriers. A broker helps find capacity or freight using logistics networks.
Geofencing
A virtual perimeter around a physical location. Used to trigger alerts when trailers enter/exit yards or customer sites.
GPS (Global Positioning System)
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.
Lead Partner Program (LPP)
TGI Connect’s channel and partnership initiative that allows industry partners to collaborate on delivering trailer tracking solutions and gain shared business value.
LEO (Low Earth Orbit)
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.
Low Latency
The short delay between sending and receiving data. In trucking, low latency means faster updates for tracking and communication.
Maintenance Scheduling (Mileage-Based)
Using tracked mileage to schedule preventive maintenance. Helps reduce unplanned downtime and extend trailer life.
My Connect Manager (MCM)
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.
Networks
Refers to the cellular and satellite communication infrastructure used by TGI Connect to ensure uninterrupted global trailer tracking coverage.
Over-the-Air (OTA) Updates
Wireless software or firmware updates sent to tracking devices. Keeps hardware functional without manual servicing.
Reefer Trailer
A refrigerated trailer used to transport perishable goods. Requires temperature monitoring and cold chain compliance.
Reports
A suite of customizable reports available in MCM, including dwell time, detention billing, utilization, and mileage reporting for ROI measurement.
ROI (Return on Investment)
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.
Satellite Tracking
A method of trailer tracking that uses satellites instead of cellular networks. Ideal for remote areas and national coverage.
Sensor Integration
Combining multiple sensors (e.g., cargo, door, temperature) into a single system for unified reporting and automation.
Smart Sensor
A trailer equipped with telematics and multi-sensor technology for real-time monitoring of location, cargo status, door activity, temperature, and utilization.
SmartOne Solar Bracket
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.
SmartOne Solar Tracking Device
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.
Smart Trailer
A trailer equipped with telematics and multi-sensor technology for real-time monitoring of location, cargo status, door activity, temperature, and utilization.
Tamper Switch
An optional hardware add-on for SmartOne Solar devices that triggers immediate alerts if the device is removed or tampered with.
TMS (Transportation Management System)
A software platform used to manage freight, routing, carrier selection, and tracking. Integrates with trailer tracking systems for visibility.
Telematics
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.
Trailer Utilization
The measurement of how often trailers are actively in use. Higher utilization = better asset ROI.
Visibility (Trailer Context)
The ability to see, in real time, where trailers are, their utilization status, and their condition (cargo, temperature, doors) through TGI’s technology.
Vizicube Sensor with Probe
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).
Vizicube Smart Sensor
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.
Yard Check
The process of verifying trailer inventory and status at a yard. With TGI, this is automated via telematics data, eliminating manual counts.
Yard Check Automation
Using tracking data to replace manual yard checks. Reduces labor costs and improves accuracy of asset inventory.