Carrier Transicold updates Lynx Fleet telematics for TRUs

Carrier Transicold has updated its Carrier Lynx Fleet telematics platform with a focus on monitoring transport refrigeration unit (TRU) performance. The update supports dry van telematics, electric TRUs, new sensor technology, and API integrations for location, temperature, and TRU performance data.

“The Lynx Fleet platform takes TRU visibility and control to the next level with unprecedented insights and the ability to optimize performance like never before,” said James Brand, senior digital product manager for Lynx Fleet Telematics. “It gives fleet managers the data and intelligence they need to make performance-based decisions about operations, maintenance, and cold-chain compliance.”

The updated platform’s new features include TRU Health, a new telematics module, telematics support for dry vans, an API toolkit, and the ability to work with battery-electric TRUs.

TRU Health allows users to manage service activity based on TRU performance, with a dashboard that offers insights on battery voltage, fuel levels, active alarms, engine run hours, time spent in continuous or start-stop modes, and door metrics. The new telematics module supports cellular or dual-mode satellite-cellular communications and a rechargeable battery, and the system can accommodate up to five temperature sensors for multizone reefers. It uses CAN bus and Bluetooth Low Energy for wireless connections, and the battery itself can offer 10 days of reporting with no vehicle power

Additionally, the updated Lynx Fleet supports GPS and telematics sensors for dry vans, even if fleets have a mix of vehicle types and TRU suppliers. This allows them to track a vehicle’s location, temperature, and more from the Lynx Fleet platform, while the platform’s API toolkit lets users share their fleet data with most major transportation management systems. Finally, the platform also works with Carrier Transicold’s eCool eTRU product line, allowing fleets to track an eTRU’s voltage, temperature, charging cycles, and battery health history.

Lynx Fleet hardware comes standard on the Carrier Transicold X4 and Vector 8000, and it can be field-installed on most Carrier Transicold truck/trailer TRUs. Fuel sensors, temperature probes, door switches, and solar panels can be spec’d as needed. However, Lynx Fleet does require a data plan, which can be commissioned by an authorized Carrier Transicold Dealer.