By Maphuti Mongatane
Michelin Connected Fleet has taken a significant step forward in addressing key trailer management challenges with its Trailer Premium offer, an all-encompassing solution set to transform fleet operations in South Africa. Introduced during the annual Transport Month Power Brunch, co-hosted with the Road Transport Management System (RTMS), this event brought together top minds in fleet management to foster collaboration, innovation and shared commitment to advancing the South African transport industry.
Held during Transport Month, a pivotal time for the industry, Michelin’s launch drew fleet managers, logistics experts and transport operators who recognised the increasing demands on trailer operations. Keynote speaker Patrick O’Leary shared essential insights on fleet safety and maintenance, specifically brake and tyre wear trends directly impacting trailer reliability. Additionally, Unitrans, Mamoja Trading, and VDS OneLogix representatives provided hands-on perspectives, enriching discussions with actionable road safety practices and industry insights.
The new Trailer Premium offer is more than just a management tool; it’s a proactive solution designed to tackle fleet operators’ most pressing issues, such as safety compliance, trailer performance monitoring, and cost control. Built with advanced connected vehicle technology, Trailer Premium offers a suite of features that empower operators with real-time insights, enabling informed decision-making to reduce risks and prevent operational breakdowns.
“Effective trailer management is crucial for enhancing fleet safety and efficiency,” explains Shivani Pillay, Country Manager for Michelin Connected Fleet. “With Trailer Premium, we’re offering operators the tools they need to be proactive, improve productivity, and meet stringent safety standards. This solution represents a transformative approach, supporting operators in an increasingly competitive landscape.”
Key features of Trailer Premium include:
- Driver Behaviour Monitoring: Identifies unsafe driving habits, allowing for targeted interventions and safer road practices.
- Live Location Tracking: Provides real-time trailer location updates to enhance asset security and streamline logistics.
- Journey Analytics: Captures comprehensive journey data, empowering fleet managers with actionable insights.
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Alerts: This system sends alerts on critical tyre health metrics to prevent punctures, blowouts, and downtime.
- Temperature Notifications: Ensures trailers maintain appropriate conditions that are ideal for sensitive car
Through these intelligent features, Trailer Premium elevates safety standards. It enhances fleet efficiency by addressing issues like overloading, worn-out brakes, and incorrect driver behaviours before they cause costly damages or accidents.
The launch event offered participants an exclusive, hands-on demonstration of Trailer Premium’s capabilities. Attendees interacted with Michelin’s expert team and witnessed the potential of the solution to deliver powerful insights into trailer health and performance. This interactive session allowed fleet managers to see the data-driven approach in action, deepening their understanding of how Trailer Premium could enhance their specific operations.
Feedback from the event was overwhelmingly positive, with many fleet operators expressing excitement about integrating this solution into their fleets. Attendees were particularly impressed by the solution’s focus on customer-driven design, which addresses real-world needs and enhances operational oversight.
The day concluded with a thought-provoking panel discussion moderated by Eugene Herbert, CEO of MasterDrive. It featured prominent industry leaders, including Dr Paul Nordengen from RTMS, Shivani Pillay of Michelin Connected Fleet, and Charl Lensley from Michelin Tyres. Their discussion centred on the future of trailer safety and fleet management, emphasising the importance of regulatory compliance, safety, and productivity as pillars of effective fleet management.
“Managing trailers alongside trucks is vital for improving road safety, enhancing productivity, and ensuring compliance,” remarked Dr Paul Nordengen. “The Michelin Connected Fleet Trailer Premium offer aligns seamlessly with RTMS’s principle of continuous improvement. This platform empowers operators to streamline processes, reduce costs, and comply with rigorous industry standards.”
The Trailer Premium solution offers fleet operators a clear competitive edge in South Africa’s dynamic transport landscape. Trailer Premium enhances operational efficiency, reduces unexpected downtimes, and optimises resource utilisation by facilitating preventive maintenance and ensuring trailers are road-ready. Michelin’s new solution empowers operators to effectively meet the demands of South Africa’s vast and varied geography – vital for fleet managers serving agricultural and rural communities reliant on robust, reliable logistics.
In an industry where downtime can translate to significant financial loss, Michelin Connected Fleet’s Trailer Premium is invaluable. It allows operators to make informed decisions that safeguard cargo and personnel. As agriculture and logistics continue to evolve, solutions like Trailer Premium are crucial for creating resilient, future-ready operations that meet modern safety and efficiency standards.
Michelin Connected Fleet, part of the Michelin Group, pioneers fleet management solutions designed to improve efficiency, productivity, and safety for fleet operators worldwide. Leveraging Michelin’s renowned vehicle technology and data analytics expertise, it offers cutting-edge insights that empower fleets to make smarter, more informed decisions.
With Trailer Premium, Michelin Connected Fleet remains committed to supporting South Africa’s fleet operators toward a safer, more efficient, and resilient transport industry.
