SAN DIEGO, CA — Wireless provider QUALCOMM has been awarded $2 million to develop new trailer tracking technology.

The contract, awarded by U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety, is specifically aimed at developing an untethered system for high-value or high-security risk loads.

Qualcomm has joined forces with Science Applications International Corp. for the project.

The new system should provide sophisticated on-board hardware, advanced power management network services, and extensive data integration capabilities using digital cellular, PCS, and analog communications.

A field operational test should quantify the costs and benefits associated with systems designed to track trailers when they are not attached to a tractor, the company says. The test is expected to assist companies in their decisions to deploy this type of technology for more effective trailer utilization and improved safety and security in the movement of hazardous materials and high-value cargo.

In the test, QUALCOMM will use its TrailerTRACS untethered tracking system, already under development.