Stoughton Trailers, LLC launched its next-generation Smart Chassis, combining cutting-edge automation and connected technologies designed to improve fleet efficiency, enhance safety and prepare carriers for the road to autonomous operation.
“Imagine a driver simply backing up, pushing a button within the cab and seven seconds later driving away with the trailer,” says Andy Aleson, engineering manager of advanced trailer development at Stoughton Trailers. “This is not the distant future. It’s here NOW. We wanted to ensure our intermodal fleet customers are ready to adopt this technology as the industry moves to gain efficiency, improve safety and pursue autonomous operation.”
Key takeaways:
· At the core of this breakthrough is Electrans Technologies’ Auto Connect system, exclusively compatible with Stoughton intermodal chassis. Auto Connect automatically couples truck and chassis air, 7-way electrical and communication lines in just seven seconds without drivers ever leaving the cab. With a simple push of a button, pneumatic airlines, electrical lines and CAN bus or other communication wiring are fully connected and operational, powering advanced sensors and cameras.
· To support this advancement, Stoughton engineered a patent-pending Auto Connect coupler into its chassis. A protected slot in the front bolster securely houses the Auto Connect receiver, complete with airline fittings and an electrical harness for streamlined installation. The system can be fitted in under an hour and is fully backwards compatible, ensuring fleets can continue to use legacy coupling systems while transitioning to automated connections.
· The Smart Chassis launch is powered by a collaboration with Clarience Technologies, leveraging the expertise of several of its industry-leading companies, including Pressure Systems International, Road Ready, Rear View Safety and Truck- Lite to create a seamlessly integrated chassis platform that advances safety, visibility and operational control.
