Abstract: A coupling access device for a semi-trailer includes: a cover mechanism to cover an air hose coupling for pneumatic brakes of the semi-trailer, the cover mechanism to restrict access to the air hose coupling when in a closed position, and the cover mechanism to provide access to the air hose coupling when in an open position; a lock device to engage the cover mechanism in the closed position; and a controller to actuate the lock device to allow the cover mechanism to transition from the closed position to the open position.

Abstract: A communication system includes a trailer module disposed on a cargo trailer, the trailer module including a power line transceiver. The trailer module is programmed to use the power line transceiver to receive a data message from a second trailer module of a second cargo trailer that is following the cargo trailer and is connected thereto by a power line carrier. The trailer module is further programmed to forward data of the data message using the power line transceiver and power line carrier, the data being forwarded to a trailer module of a leading trailer or to a tractor module mounted in a tractor.

Abstract: A door access device for a semi-trailer includes: a lock device to control access to the semi-trailer and a controller for the lock device. The lock device includes a door lock at a door of the semi-trailer, the lock device to be electrically actuated to lock and unlock the door. The controller programmed to: determine that a semi-tractor has established an electrical connection with the semi-trailer; determine whether the semi-tractor is authorized to connect to the semi-trailer; and, in response to a determination that the semi-trailer is authorized to connect to the semi-trailer, actuate the lock device to unlock the door.

Abstract: A communication system, includes a trailer bridge disposed on a cargo trailer, the trailer bridge comprising a power line transceiver for communicating with a tractor module when the trailer and a tractor having the tractor module are electrically connected; and a locator module for communicating with the trailer bridge, the locator module comprising a mobile or cellular transceiver for communicating with a mobile or cellular communications network external to the trailer. The locator module is to communicate making of the electrical connection between the trailer and tractor to a remote datacenter of an owner/operator of the trailer in response to a signal from the trailer bridge indicating that the electrical connection has been made.

Abstract: A communication system, including: a trailer module disposed on a cargo trailer, the trailer module including a trailer identification number for the cargo trailer; a tractor module disposed on a cargo tractor, the tractor module to electrically couple to the trailer module; and a communications bus to couple the trailer module to the tractor module when the trailer is coupled to the tractor, wherein, when coupled to the tractor module, the trailer module communicates the trailer identification to the tractor module.