ZF and Sioen win award for telematics innovation that combats trailer cargo theft

An alarm is automatically triggered when the tarpaulin is tampered with, alerting the driver and the fleet back-office in real time.

ZF and Sioen Industries have won the trailer telematics category in Telematik Markt’s highly covered awards in Germany with a new innovation that addresses the increasing burden of cargo theft.

The award reflects the success of ZF’s new Commercial Vehicle Control Systems division, formed from its recent acquisition of WABCO, combining its expertise with Belgium’s Sioen Industries.

ZF and Sioen’s collaboration introduces an innovative ‘detector’ solution featuring an upgraded version of Sioen’s Dynatex Protector technology, a smart, multi-layered tarpaulin with conductive layers that can be fitted to trailer doors, roofs and sides. TX-Trailerguard, an advanced Fleet Management Solution (FMS) available under the Transics brand, powers the solution, optimising trailer security through increased connectivity between the trailer and the back office.

An alarm is automatically triggered when the tarpaulin is tampered with and the driver is alerted through an audible warning or in-cabin notification. An alarm is also transmitted to the fleet back office in real time through the Transics-branded TX-Connect solution.

When this new product is combined with WABCO’s ELB-Lock OptiLock, an advanced wireless electronic locking solution, which enables remote live monitoring and management of trailer access, fleets can now further improve their ability to control potential trailer breaches in real time.

Sioen’s Detector is already a fully working solution, having been field tested extensively by several leading fleets.

“We are deeply honored to have been recognized with this top trailer telematics award, having powerfully combined our innovations and expertise with Sioen to deliver this practical solution,” said Nick Rens, EVP, President EMEA – ZF Commercial Vehicle Control Systems. “The rising issue of cargo theft is a significant challenge for the commercial vehicle industry which is already facing many other pressures across Europe. ZF is fully committed to applying its technology to counter this costly trend in support of our customers, delivering improved levels of safety and security to the commercial vehicle transport sector.”

“Around 86% of Europe truck theft incidents relate to cargo. In addition to disrupting our customers’ supply chain, cargo theft has a significant adverse impact for fleet owners coming from vehicle damage and downtime. With Sioen Industries, we have taken a major step forward in helping combat this and the Telematik Award recognizes that we are addressing another key industry issue,” said Peter Bal, Business Leader Digital Customer Services EMEA with ZF Commercial Vehicle Control Systems.

“Having joined forces with ZF to develop this unique all-in-one solution, we are proud to have been recognized for helping support fleets in providing advanced protection for their customer’s cargo,” added Frederik Vroman, Sioen Sales and Business Development Manager.