That changes with Phillips Connect’s new integration with McLeod Software. 

The Gap That’s Been Costing Fleets 

Ask any fleet planner how they decide which trailer to assign to a load, and you’ll often hear the same answer: they check what they can find, make a few phone calls, and hope for the best. That’s not a technology problem. It’s a data problem. The information needed to make a smart decision — where is the trailer, how much space is left, is it mechanically ready to roll — has simply not been available inside the systems dispatchers and planners actually use. 

That gap shows up in empty miles, underutilized capacity, and loads that sit longer than they should. It shows up in the time planners spend chasing information instead of moving freight. And it shows up in the customer experience when a committed load can’t be confirmed because no one really knows what’s available. 

Trailer Intelligence Where It Belongs 

The Phillips Connect integration with McLeod Software puts smart trailer data directly inside the McLeod TMS – no separate app, no manual data pulls, no switching between platforms. Fleet planners and dispatchers gain real-time visibility into trailer location, tire health, brake and lights status, and, critically, what’s actually inside the trailer and how much capacity remains. 

That last capability, powered by Phillips Connect CargoVision, is where trailer intelligence takes a meaningful step forward. CargoVision uses an AI-powered camera to show exactly what’s loaded in a trailer and delivers volumetric measurements that support accurate load planning. For partial shipments, multi-stop routes, or any operation where load matching matters, this level of detail transforms the trailer from an unknown quantity into a capacity-aware asset. 

MNS1, the first fleet to complete the integration, saw the difference immediately. “Our planners and dispatchers can see inside every trailer, understand how much space is left and decide quickly which trailers are ready to deploy, and which need to be repositioned,” said Mike Narkys, President of MNS1. “The Phillips Connect integration with McLeod helps us turn loads faster, reduce empty moves and put our trailers to work where they make the most impact for our customers and our drivers.” 

More Than Location — A Full Trailer Picture 

What distinguishes this integration is the breadth of intelligence it delivers. Many connected vehicle solutions stop at location. Phillips Connect surfaces the full health and status picture of every trailer: tire condition, brake performance, lights — the mechanical readiness indicators that determine whether a trailer is actually ready to move. Combine that with cargo intelligence and volumetric load data, and fleets gain something they haven’t had before: a complete, real-time view of every trailer’s operational status, all inside the platform they already run their business on. 

“With the Phillips Connect integration, mutual customers gain cargo visibility and real-time trailer location inside McLeod,” said Ahmed Ebrahim, Senior Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Integrations at McLeod Software. “This provides our customers with stronger insight into their networks and helps them plan more effectively across their fleet.” 

The First of Many 

This integration is the opening move in a broader Phillips Connect platform strategy. The goal is to meet fleets where they already work — not ask them to adopt another standalone system, but to bring smart trailer intelligence into the TMS, fleet management, and operational platforms they depend on every day. 

“Trailers become active contributors to fleet strategy when data such as tire, lights and brake health, cargo intelligence, and location are accessible in the platforms they already rely on,” said Todd Hodges, Director of Product Management for Phillips Connect. “This integration is the first of many that will help fleets bring their trailer intelligence forward, no matter what software platforms they use to run their business.” 

For fleets running McLeod across North America, the integration is available now. For the broader industry, it represents a clear direction: trailer data belongs in the operational core of fleet management, not siloed in a separate tool. 

The trailer has always been essential. Now it’s finally visible. 

Phillips Connect helps fleets maximize their ROI on every trailer, every load, and every mile. Learn more at phillipsconnect.com. 

The post Your TMS Knows Your Trucks. Now It Knows Your Trailers.  appeared first on Phillips Connect.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – March 15, 2026 – Phillips Connect today announced new platform enhancements designed to expand how fleets capture and use trailer intelligence across their operations. Introduced at the Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) Annual Meeting & Transportation Technology Exhibition, the updates improve visibility into trailer activity, cargo operations and trailer performance while making it easy for fleets to benefit from smart trailer intelligence even if they rely on another provider for GPS location tracking. 

“Track-and-trace GPS units have long been the baseline for trailer visibility, but fleets need more than location to make informed decisions that affect operations, safety, dispatch, compliance and maintenance,” said Mark Wallin, general manager and senior vice president of product at Phillips Connect. “The next generation of connected trailer technology is already here, enabling fleets to capture intelligence from across the trailer and supply those insights to every role in the fleet.” 

JumpStart Expands Trailer Intelligence Beyond Location 

Phillips Connect announced JumpStart, a new offering designed to help fleets quickly begin capturing smart trailer insights beyond basic location tracking.  

Track-and-trace telematics providers deliver simple trailer GPS location but typically cannot capture operational intelligence from critical trailer systems. Without insight into how equipment is being used and performing, fleets have limited information to support operational, maintenance and safety decisions.  

Even if fleets are capturing location data from another provider, JumpStart provides easy access to smart trailer insights through six entry points: automated TrailerID, cargo intelligence, brake systems, tire health, liftgate performance and temperature monitoring. Fleets can start with any of these systems and expand over time as they add more smart trailer insights.  

Phillips Connect CargoVision Adds People Detection Inside the Trailer 

Phillips Connect introduced People Detection, a new enhancement to its CargoVision platform that identifies when individuals enter or exit the trailer cargo area. The enhancement gives fleets greater awareness of activity inside the trailer during loading, unloading and other operations. CargoVision with People Detection also helps fleets detect unauthorized access, identify potential cargo theft and safety risks, and better understand how trailers are being used throughout the day. 

Driver Behavior Insights Provide Visibility into How Trailers Are Operated 

Phillips Connect also added Driver Behavior Insights to its platform, helping fleets understand how their trailers are being operated on the road. Using smart sensor data from the trailer, the Phillips Connect platform detects events such as harsh braking, aggressive acceleration and sharp cornering. These insights provide visibility into driver behavior even when trailers are being pulled by third-party tractors.  

This visibility is particularly valuable for fleets that rely on leased equipment, independent carriers or drop-and-hook operations, where trailer owners may not have direct access to tractor telematics. By identifying unsafe operating patterns earlier, fleets can better protect cargo, equipment and their brand on the road. 

Building the Next Generation of Trailer Intelligence 

These innovations reflect Phillips Connect’s broader strategy to capture operational insights from across the trailer and make them easier for fleets to use in their daily operations. 

By combining sensor data, visual intelligence and behavioral insights within a single platform, fleets can move beyond simple location tracking to gain a deeper understanding of how trailers are being used, maintained and operated across their networks. 

Phillips Connect will showcase these technologies at TMC in Nashville, March 16–18. Show attendees can learn more about the company’s smart trailer platform and see the latest innovations in connected trailer intelligence at the Phillips Connect booth 2029. 

About Phillips Connect 

Phillips Connect develops smart trailer technology that helps fleets capture and apply intelligence from across the trailer. Its platform brings together sensors, cameras and integrated systems to provide visibility into trailer operations, equipment health and cargo activity. By turning trailer intelligence into operational insight, Phillips Connect helps fleets improve safety, increase uptime and operate more efficiently. 

Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Irvine, California, Phillips Connect develops technology that helps fleets monitor trailer systems, identify issues earlier and make better decisions by making trailer intelligence accessible across the fleet. Learn more at www.phillips-connect.com. 

The post Phillips Connect Introduces Platform Enhancements for Connected Trailers  appeared first on Phillips Connect.

Today, the conversation has shifted. Cargo Monitoring for Trailer Fleet operations is no longer about simple verification. It is about gaining real-time awareness, improving safety, and making smarter decisions based on clear data. It is about turning the trailer into a connected, visible, and intelligent asset.

Modern systems like the CargoVision camera help fleets move from guesswork to insight. Here is how this new approach is reshaping cargo awareness and improving fleet performance.

Complete Visibility Through a Full Interior View

Traditional cargo cameras offer a limited look inside the trailer. A system designed for full visibility provides a wide-angle, high-definition view from nose to doors and from floor to roof. That clarity supports better decisions across the operation.

Load Securement Verification: Fleets gain visual confirmation of how a load was secured and whether it shifted in transit. This helps teams address issues quickly and resolve claims with confidence.

Space Utilization: A reliable, complete image of the interior helps teams assess available floorspace and volumetric capacity in seconds. That accuracy supports better planning and higher trailer utilization.

Proactive Safety That Protects Drivers and Teams

Safety remains the strongest return on investment. Live interior visibility gives drivers and yard teams a safer, more informed way to work.

Driver Protection: Before opening trailer doors, drivers can see whether cargo has shifted toward the rear. This reduces the risk of injuries caused by falling freight.

Pre-Trip Verification: Dispatchers and yard personnel can confirm load integrity and safety from the platform, reducing the need for physical inspections and adding an important layer of assurance.

Smarter Operations Through AI and Machine Learning

The value of cargo visibility grows when images become insights. Machine learning models help transform captured images into usable information.

Automated Analysis: Algorithms can identify trends and calculate space utilization with precision. This helps teams uncover efficiency gaps that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Evolving Intelligence: As data volume grows, fleet-specific insights become more accurate, supporting better planning and continuous improvement across the network.

A Complete and Integrated Approach to Visibility

Effective Cargo Monitoring for Trailer Fleet operations requires more than hardware. It requires a connected platform that helps teams access, interpret, and act on the data quickly.

Flexible Image Capture: Fleets can trigger images on demand or automate capture based on time, motion, door openings, or geofence activity.

Real-Time Decision Making: With images and data available instantly, fleets can respond to security events, confirm load status, and improve coordination across operations.

Designed for Value and Ease of Adoption

Modern cargo visibility should be simple to install and simple to use. A system that supports rapid deployment and lower operating costs helps fleets see value quickly.

Solar Powered: Continuous visibility without complicated wiring reduces maintenance and supports long-term reliability.

Fast Installation: Designed to be installed in minutes so trailers can return to service quickly.

Consistent Quality: In-house manufacturing and distribution help ensure reliable performance and consistent data.

The Bottom Line: Do Not Just Monitor Cargo. Understand It.

The future of fleet efficiency is built on data. Next-generation Cargo Monitoring for Trailer Fleet operations help teams move from reactive problem solving to proactive planning. They help protect drivers, strengthen cargo safety, and give fleets the visibility they need to run more efficiently.

Turning the unknown interior of the trailer into a source of real intelligence gives fleets a meaningful operational advantage.

Is your cargo monitoring strategy keeping up with the needs of modern logistics? How are you using visual data to improve planning and safety across your operation?

The post Move Over, Guesswork: The New Era of Intelligent Cargo Monitoring for Trailer Fleets appeared first on Phillips Connect.

With a host of cutting-edge features and a commitment to quality, this camera system is poised to become an indispensable tool for fleet operators and logistics professionals. Here are some of the features that make Phillips Connect’s CargoVision camera stand out from the competition:

High Quality Images with Full Field of View
The CargoVision line of camera products offers a remarkable wide angle field of view capturing more than just the cargo; it also covers the full interior of the trailer – the nose, floor, roof, and doors. The high quality 1080p image and complete interior view is a game-changer when it comes to using cameras to assess trailer condition, space utilization, and safety.

Safety First
Safety is paramount in the transportation industry, and the CargoVision camera system is designed with this in mind. Our customers can use CargoVision to check that cargo has not shifted against the doors before opening the doors, preventing avoidable injuries.

Load Securement Verification
We’ve all heard that an image is worth a thousand words, but it can also document how a load was secured and if the load moved in transit, saving our customers thousands of dollars in cargo damage claims.

Floorspace and Volumetric Utilization
The full interior view provided by CargoVision allows customers to utilize advanced machine learning models to calculate floor space and volumetric utilization accurately and confidently within seconds of image capture.

Leveraging Machine Learning: The Power of Smart Processing
In today’s digital age, machine learning plays a pivotal role in enhancing the capabilities of technology. Phillips Connect recognizes this and employs machine learning algorithms to process images. As the technology continues to advance, machine learning models are evolving to meet the unique needs of different fleets. Phillips Connect has an impressive roadmap ahead. Customers can expect even smarter and more tailored solutions in the future.

Complete Solution: More Than Just a Cargo Camera
Phillips Connect doesn’t just offer a cargo camera, it offers a full solution to quickly process cargo camera images and put that data in the hands of fleet managers. CargoVision integrates into the Connect1 user interface, allowing fleet managers to view and manage images and data in real-time. This complete solution allows immediate response to situations and enhanced decision-making. Connect1 allows fleets to monitor interactions with doors, automate processes based on data from other sensors, and respond to events as they occur. Whether you need to track activity within a specific geofence or generate customized queries, this interface puts the power in your hands.

Connect1 Provides a Full Range of Image Capturing Options
Connect1 offers our customers a wide range of options to take CargoVision images. Images can be captured on demand, in pre-programmed intervals, or driven by specific events (e.g. motion, door opening or closing, geofence entry or exit, etc). This level of control is invaluable for monitoring trailer utilization, trailer health, and cargo security.

Value and Cost-Effectiveness: Solar-Powered Solution
In addition to its impressive features, the CargoVision camera offers exceptional value. It is the only cargo camera on the market that offers a full interior view, and it can be installed in under fifteen minutes. CargoVision is 100% solar-powered, providing lower operating costs and a smaller environmental footprint.

Manufacturing and Distribution In-House: Quality Assurance
Phillips Connect takes pride in having full control over the manufacturing and distribution of products. This ensures the highest quality and effectiveness of products, ultimately leading to the most reliable and useful data analytics possible.

“We are excited to introduce a cargo camera with even greater visibility and volumetric calculations,” says Phillips Connect CEO and Founder Rob Phillips. “Not only does it benefit a fleet’s bottom line, but it also keeps drivers safe. Imagine heavy cargo shifting during transport and falling on the driver when they open the doors. It happens way too often, and CargoVision prevents that. The images captured allow operators to see the problem before it happens.”

Phillips Connect’s CargoVision camera system is a game-changer for the transportation industry. With its advanced features, commitment to safety, user-friendly interface, and cost-effective solutions, this system will continue to transform the way cargo is monitored and managed – leading the way to a safer, more efficient future.

Click here to get in contact and learn more.

ABOUT PHILLIPS CONNECT

Based in Irvine, CA, USA, Phillips Connect takes telematics light-years beyond basic GPS tracking by combining the industry’s most advanced connected asset solutions for trailers, chassis, and containers with a variety of sensors including brake, tire pressure, and light sensors, among others. It combines cutting-edge connected asset solutions with sensors like brake and tire pressure, enhancing fleet efficiency. Its products are seamlessly integrated with the Connect1 user interface, giving fleet managers the information they need to turn their assets faster and maximize driver productivity. Phillips Connect has developed industry IoT sensor connection technology that is widely used in the freight industry. The products are designed to improve overall safety and security, reduce costs in fleet maintenance, and dramatically enhance fleet asset utilization.

Phillips Connect, Phillips Industries, Phillips Europe, Phillips Asia Pacific, Phillips de Mexico, Phillips Innovations, and Phillips Connect Motorsports are entities under the Phillips Family umbrella. Together, they provide comprehensive solutions that meet the evolving needs of commercial vehicle operators, with a focus on safety, security, cost reduction, and asset utilization. Phillips continues to set industry standards through its unwavering commitment to research, development, innovation, and customer-centric collaboration. For more information, please visit our website: www.phillips-connect.com.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is cargo monitoring?

Cargo monitoring is the use of sensors and telematics to keep track of the condition and security of goods inside a trailer or container. Determining temperature, humidity, door status, shock events, and whether cargo has been tampered with are all examples of cargo monitoring.

How does cargo tracking work?

Cargo tracking uses GPS, cellular or satellite communication, and IoT sensors on trailers, containers, or pallets to provide real-time location and status updates.

What is the difference between cargo monitoring and basic trailer tracking?

Trailer tracking tells you where your trailer is. Cargo monitoring tells you what is happening to your cargo inside and beyond the trailer. Cargo monitoring focuses on conditions like temperature, humidity, shock, tilt, and light levels to ensure the payload remains intact, within specification, and undamaged throughout its journey.

What types of cargo benefit most from real-time monitoring systems?

While valuable for many goods, it is critical for:

• Perishable goods: pharmaceuticals, food, flowers (monitors temperature & humidity).
• High-value electronics: sensitive to shock, vibration, and humidity.
• Dangerous goods or hazmat: requires strict temperature control and tamper-proof logging.
• High-theft-risk cargo: provides tamper alerts and interior motion detection.

The post Revolutionize Cargo Monitoring: Phillips Connect’s CargoVision Camera appeared first on Phillips Connect.

That’s why we made solar power central to the CargoVision camera system. No wiring, no battery maintenance, no service delays. The unit installs in about 15 minutes and stays up and running using reliable solar energy. It works as long as your trailer does, with fewer interruptions and lower operating costs. 

CargoVision isn’t just a camera. It’s a full view of the trailer interior in high-resolution, including the floor, roof, doors, and nose. You can confirm load status, document securement, and see if cargo has shifted before the doors open. 

With machine learning built in, the system delivers volumetric and floorspace data within seconds of image capture. This means more accurate detention billing, better trailer utilization, and faster decision-making across your fleet. 

Need visual proof of a pickup or delivery? Want to reduce check calls and improve response times? All images and data feed directly into the Phillips Connect Connect1 platform, giving your team a clear view of trailer activity in real time. 

CargoVision also integrates with leading TMS platforms to automate trailer packing workflows and optimize space planning. That connection between real-world visibility and digital operations helps fleets load smarter, dispatch faster, and reduce wasted trips. 

Solar power makes it simple. CargoVision makes it smart. Better visibility leads to better billing, safer operations, and faster turns. And with a self-powered system that never stops working, you stay one step ahead. 

The post Solar Power That Pays Off: Why CargoVision Is a Smarter Way to See Inside Your Trailers  appeared first on Phillips Connect.

Trailer cargo can shift during transport and create safety hazards. The 100 percent solar-powered Phillips Connect CargoVision™ camera monitors and can report the quality of the load (green = safe, red = unsafe) before the doors are open for unloading. With this information, actions can be taken to safeguard against injury.

“Currently available interior trailer cargo cameras tend to be complex and pretty expensive,” commented Jim Epler, Executive Vice President of Phillips Connect. “We took a different approach, developing a very effective, affordable interior cargo camera that our fleet customers can install quickly to monitor their trailer loads for unsafe conditions, or verify the load condition without a large investment in money and time.”

The Phillips Connect CargoVision™ solution can be installed in as little as 15 minutes. These 1080p cargo images are continuously captured to be delivered on demand, in a pre-programmed time interval, or driven by a specific event (motion or door open/closed) via Bluetooth connectivity to the Phillips Connect trailer gateway module.

Phillips Connect CargoVision™ will be exhibited during the American Trucking Associations’ Technology & Maintenance Council Annual Meeting (TMC) on September 12-16, 2021 at the Huntington Convention Center in Cleveland. CargoVision™ can be viewed in the Phillips Connect exhibit (Booth #2038) and installed on a Utility Trailer in its space (Booth #7096).

The post Introducing the Industry’s First Wireless & On-Demand Cargo Camera appeared first on Phillips Connect.