CALGARY, Alta. — CSI Wireless has announced its Fleet-Link asset-tracking product is now being shipped to application service providers, OEMs and other customers.

Fleet-Link is a self-powered asset-tracking device used to monitor and manage truck trailers, freight containers and other mobile assets from a central command center. The first model of the device includes a solar-powered option and is available for trucking companies and international shippers. It communicates using the low-cost MicroBurst cellular network developed by Aeris.net which CSI says provides seamless coverage throughout North America.

The company plans to soon release a second Fleet-Link model which will communicate using the Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) cellular technology which is used by nearly 75 per cent of the world’s wireless subscribers and networks.

CSI says its Fleet-Link system has competitive advantages including: easy installation in just 15 minutes or less; it’s self-powered by its own battery which can be recharged by the truck’s battery or a solar-panel when attached to a truck-less trailer; it’s affordable, rugged and self-contained; and it’s pre-configured to work with a wide variety of telematics and fleet-tracking applications.

"Fleet-Link will ‘future-proof’ our customers because it can be easily upgraded to digital from analog, and to 3.0G from 2.5G," said Stephen Verhoeff, CSI Wireless’ president and CEO. "Our initial release is designed for analog MicroBurst use, but it can be easily upgraded to digital MicroBurst or other available technologies as customer needs evolve. We also plan to offer versions incorporating IXRTT and WiFi technologies."

Fleet-Link can report incidents including: cargo that’s been opened during transit; cargo that has stopped outside its origin or destination for an extended period of time; excessive vehicle speeds; vehicles that have strayed from their route; excessive engine use or idling time; reefer trailer temperatures; activated door alarms and other such events.