"If Customers Want Easy-to-Use and Safe Solutions, We Recommend ZF"

TAPA EMEA 2024 PREMIER PARTNER ADVERTORIAL

There are many electronic systems on the market that increase the safety of commercial vehicle trailers. But if customers want easy-to-use and safe solutions we recommend ZF.

Guillermo Maestre, Export Director from LeciTrailer, one of Europe’s largest trailer manufactures, explains why he recommends ZF systems above all others to his customers in an interview with Guillaume Pécout Cargo Security Suite Expert for South Europe at ZF.

LeciTrailer has been working with ZF for decades. Is such a long partnership common in the trailer industry?
It is true, we have a long history of collaboration with ZF (previously WABCO). It reaches back to 1990, when LeciTrailer first started using brake and electronic systems. Such a long partnership is a beautiful thing, but we are all in a tough competitive market. Even so, we are convinced of ZF technology and trust in it.

ZF uses its expertise in digitalization to provide attractive offers and solutions for comprehensive freight safety. Digitalization has been a significant trend in our industry for years. ZF is not only making use of this trend when it comes to telematics and fleet management. The company has managed to offer a complete cargo security suit e that appeals to many of our customers.

What are the biggest pain points in the industry in securing trailers and how does this impact their day-to-day operations?
We have two very different problems at this point:
The first is cargo theft, which mainly occurs on longer routes – where refuelling and rest stops are exploited. That is part of organized crime, with thieves targeting valuable goods such as consumer electronics or pharmaceutical products. Raw materials are also at risk, depending on price fluctuations on the international stock exchanges.

The second is related to smuggling: Freight and goods transportation, especially on semi-trailers, are exploited by traffickers for intrusion into the EU. This mainly happens on certain routes from countries close to North Africa.
These issues create immense stress for operations, leading to merchandise losses, difficulties in retaining drivers, and a range of other problems for companies involved.

How do ZF devices and solutions answer your and your customers’ needs?
In our experience, ZF solutions are versatile, well integrated and offer high connectivity. Regarding cargo security, LeciTrailer does not mandate any specific solution. It is common practice in the trailer business, including for us to comply with our customers’ specifications and install the technologies that they want. As there are already a number of systems on the market, many of our customers have already found a solution that works for them. However, for those customers who ask us for advice, we recommend ZF above all.

We increasingly offer and advise the use of OptiLock systems combined with trailer connectivity like the SCALAR EVO Guard in refrigerated and parcel trailers to secure trailers. This is a highly integrated and reliable solution, fully compliant with TAPA requirements. It helps to avoid unauthorized access to the trailer, preventing theft as well as damage and exchange of goods or transportation of unregistered goods. With both systems installed, drivers and fleet operators will be remotely informed and alarmed in case an attempted burglary is detected. Additionally, they help to maintain the cold chain when used in reefers. In other words, we are very happy with the solution.

Can you share the feedback and experiences from various stakeholders (drivers, dispatchers, customers)?
Focused on security systems, customers highly appreciate the compatibility, reliability and ease of use of the entire ZF environment. That’s another reason why we recommend installing the complete ZF OptiLock and telematics system. None of our customers have ever regretted following our advice. Some of them are testing the ZF systems before implementing them it on a larger scale and are reporting good results.

Considering the ongoing advancements in the transportation industry, how do you foresee future challenges in cargo security, especially with the transition to electrified trucks?
The pain points we highlighted before are unlikely to disappear in the future; in fact, they may become more pronounced. We need to consider that the range of electric vehicles will require more frequent and longer stops for recharging.
In the future, like any successful company, we will remain in-tune with the market. We continuously engage with our clients and partners to understand their needs and provide flexible, timely solutions.

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