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 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 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.