Cooltrax, a provider of real-time cold chain tracking and monitoring solutions for temperature-sensitive products and mobile assets, announced it has been recognized by the California Air Resources Board (ARB) as an electronic tracking system (ETS) supplier offering products that meet the criteria for compliance with ARB's Automated Recordkeeping Requirements for Electric Standby-Equipped or Hybrid Electric Transport Refrigeration Units. With integration to both Thermo King and Carrier units, the Cooltrax solution ensures compliance across the fleet owner's asset base.
Fresh inTransit a Qualified Alternative Technology
Amendments, approved November 16, 2012, to the original Transport Refrigeration Unit (TRU) Airborne Toxic Control Measure (ATCM) allow for the use of electric standby and hybrid electric systems (together referred to as E/S) as an option for compliance with California's TRU regulations. When used properly, E/S can qualify as an Alternative Technology when the record keeping and reporting requirements meet compliance standards. The automated record keeping and reporting requirements, using electronic tracking systems (ETS), will be phased in beginning January 1, 2013.
Fresh inTransit, Cooltrax's flagship product, connects directly with the refrigeration unit's controller. This unique interface allows Cooltrax to automate the collection of engine run time and hours, which is a key capability to ensuring CARB compliance.
"A Cooltrax core competency of integration to Thermo King and Carrier refrigeration units, allows us to guarantee the basis for the recent CARB mandate," states Brad Bartlett, director of sales, Cooltrax Americas. "Fleets partnering with Cooltrax not only ensures compliance, but leverages our reefer management tools to return tangible savings. The ability to install our basic CARB package today sets the foundation for a migration strategy into our wireless temperature, product, and door sensors at any time."
Fresh inTransit allows fleet managers to track the location of refrigerated trailers and reefers, manage and monitor all aspects of the performance of the fridge unit, and monitor driver behavior to ensure that they adhere to company policies and compliance mandates. The solution provides this insight using combined telemetry and wireless technologies -- all viewed through a single, web-based interface, available 24/7 from anywhere in the world. Temperature and other performance violations are reported immediately via SMS and/or email to enable proactive management. Detailed graphs and reports are available to provide an intuitive record of historical information.
New Law Reduces Toxic Air Contaminants - Automated Record Keeping and Reporting
In 2011, ARB approved amendments to the Transport Refrigeration Unit (TRU) Airborne Toxic Control Measure (ATCM). The purpose of regulation seeks to reduce emissions of substances determined to be toxic air contaminants. Specifically, this regulation uses a phased approach to reduce the diesel particulate matter (PM) emissions from in-use TRUs and TRU generator (gen) set equipment used to power electrically driven refrigerated shipping containers and trailers that operate in California.
Beginning January 1, 2013, following the approved amendments allowing for the use of E/S as an option for compliance, the amended requirements for automated recordkeeping and reporting using ETS will be phased in.
Cooltrax Fresh inTransit Meets and Exceeds Criteria
A robust wireless technology, Fresh inTransit meets and exceeds the compliance mandates of the new law. According to Shawn Allaway, president, Cooltrax Americas, "ARB's ETS Supplier list is intended to identify potential suppliers of ETS to E/S-equipped TRU owners. Users are advised to use due diligence in evaluating offerings from the companies on this list. Cooltrax has established a comprehensive checklist of features and functions that meet and exceed the standards mandated by the new law. Protecting the investment further, Cooltrax integrates with Thermo King and Carrier providing fleet owners compliance across their asset base."
Key service and hardware features include:
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Long range wireless (RF) sensors for monitoring temperatures, door status and assets
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Accredited interfaces to Thermo King and Carrier refrigeration units
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Interfaces to freight and warehouse management systems to maximize value
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Use of 3G and GSM networks for high coverage and low cost data transfer
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Highly accurate GPS for reporting location, direction and speed
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Mobile Interface supporting mobile browser platforms including Safari, Opera and Android
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Remote, real time access to fridge performance information without impacting a manufacturer's warranty
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Secure login from anywhere at any time
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Current and historical temperature and fridge performance information available via graphs and reports
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Current and historical location information available via digital maps
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Notification of specified events available via SMS and/or email
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Creation, viewing, and scheduling reports on key performance indicators, benchmarks and exceptions
