Commercial vehicles are becoming increasingly connected, even in the heavy-duty sector. For seamless fleet management, trailer manufacturer Krone from Werlte, Lower Saxony, teamed up with the software provider Webfleet in February 2025. Now, a quarter of a year later, one of Europe's leading trailer specialists also aims to optimize data exchange between individual vehicles. The cooperation with the Californian provider of transport and logistics network solutions, Platform Science, is instrumental in this effort. As stated in Krone's press release, the newly decided "Europe-wide, strategic partnership" plans to offer a fully integrated telematics solution for tractor units and trailers. The application is currently being presented at Transport Logistic in Munich until June 5, 2025.
Simplified Handling
Envisioned as a unified solution, it is intended that all data is visible in the TMS (Transport Management System) at the press of a button, without the customer having to deal with cumbersome setups or activations:
"There is no need to switch between different portals, no more
duplicate invoices, and no additional hardware is needed. The result is a significant relief of workload as well as cost and time savings,"
the report states. Transport and logistics companies will be offered three packages with different levels of functionality to choose from.
Lutz Siegert, Country Manager DACH & CEE (Central & East Europe) at Platform Science, states that the collaboration now marks the final step towards "bringing tractor units and trailers together": the deployment of a single telematics solution for the entire semi-trailer is thereby considerably facilitated and "as easy as never before."
Digitally Valuable
Maximilian Birle, Head of Telematics & Digital Services at Krone says:
"Our aim is the seamlessly integrated trailer. With Platform Science, we are creating a solution that is ready for use straight upon delivery and fully visible in the customer's system."
The telematics, it further states, relieves IT departments and significantly enhances the trailers "digitally." The three selectable packages are divided into a base package with
GPS locating and tracking (Track & Trace), a premium package with additional data from the electronic braking system (EBS), the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), and door sensors, as well as the "Premium Package Cool," which also includes full cold chain integration with temperature data and sensors.
Upon delivery of the trailer, the system is reportedly automatically activated: all data is transmitted into the TMS, where it is immediately visible within the Platform Science environment without requiring further actions such as setup, approval, or contract negotiations:
"Transport and logistics companies receive a solution that is ready to use immediately and have only one contact for questions or concerns."
Additionally, the telematics solution works independently of the manufacturer and is "open," making it suitable for larger fleets with mixed vehicles. Furthermore, the system can be combined with various technologies, allowing not only the upgrade of older vehicles but also connection possibilities for example for solar units.
According to reports, Krone and Platform Science
are interested in a long-term collaboration and aim for "comprehensive integration, digitization of fleets, and easy scalability for international fleet operators."
Visitors to the Transport Logistic in Munich can experience live demonstrations of the new trailer telematics solution at the Krone booth in Hall A6, Stand 201/302 and at the Platform Science booth in Hall B1, Stand 101/202 until June 5, 2025.
Founded in 2015 to develop advanced networking solutions for the transport industry, Platform Science aims to advance fleet management from a single platform. According to its own statements, the US company, which acquired the global transport telematics business from the transport and logistics division of technology company Trimble only in February 2025, collaborates at every stage of the supply chain with leading industry representatives. To accelerate the implementation of advanced networking solutions for transport or the "transformation of the global transport industry," engine manufacturer Cummins, truck manufacturer Paccar, and Daimler Truck, for example, are involved in the company, according to
