Some fleets are turning to third parties to provide the manpower to monitor, analyze and decide when to move a trailer, where to move it, when to have it maintained.

Fleets looking to order new box trailers this fall — particularly dry van or refrigerated units — may be in for some sticker shock and a long wait.

A new report from the Technology & Maintenance Council of American Trucking Associations said technology can help improve trailer utilization and help trailers become “full partners” with tractors in moving freight more efficiently.

Smart-trailer product developer Phillips Connect announced that former Wabco Americas president Jon Morrison will serve as a strategic executive to the company as it looks to increase its market share in trailer connectivity and support a future with autonomous vehicles.

Trailer manufacturer Trail King Industries announced the addition of two new dealers to its network.

American Trailer Rental Group, a rental fleet approaching 16,000 units, announced the expansion of its Meisler Trailer Rental brand to the greater St. Louis market.

Trucking technology supplier E-Smart, which offers capabilities such as adaptive speed control and load-based power management, also is pursuing opportunities to connect truck and trailer data.

Digital trailer-sharing company vHub has been expanding its collaborative marketplace since introducing the service in the United States earlier this year.

U.S. trailer orders in September went through the roof — preliminarily clearing 50,000 — to reach the third-highest monthly total ever, analysts said.

Given the importance of pre- and post-trip inspections, many fleets have implemented technology to guarantee drivers are conducting them properly and to transmit the findings early.