Under these guidelines, fleets are expected to carry out four laden brake performance assessments per year – conducted via roller brake tests (RBTs) – costing fleets time and money. However, by using a compliant EBPMS to demonstrate brake performance throughout the year, fleets could potentially reduce the need for multiple physical brake tests.
By continuously monitoring braking data, Samsara’s EBPMS – part of its new Smart Trailer solution – reduces the need for manual testing, helping fleets maintain compliance without unnecessary interruptions to operations.
"The introduction of EBPMS marks a major step forward for fleet safety and operational efficiency," said David Gal, VP of product and engineering at Samsara. "Our new system enables proactive maintenance, minimising costly failures and vehicle downtime.
“By leveraging real-time data from the trailer’s electronic braking systems (EBS) via our Asset Gateway, fleet operators can proactively address braking issues before they become problematic, and could save fleets up to £1,200 per trailer a year.”
According to Fox Brothers – the Lancashire-based business with a fleet of more than 80 lorries specialising in the supply and haulage of aggregates and recycled materials – the new EBPMS system looks set to strengthen their compliance while ensuring their vehicles stay on the road for longer.
“We're keen to implement Samsara's new EBPMS solution across our trailer fleet to meet compliance requirements,” said Simon Colderley, transport manager, at Fox Brothers.
“Rather than taking trailers off the road for manual testing, being able to import performance data directly will make testing much easier – especially since our fleet operates nationwide,” he said.
Lee Wills, director Conway Bailey Transport Ltd. RR Transport Ltd, added: "When the Samsara team promises something, they follow through. Samsara's EBPMS will provide a one-stop solution for our Trailer compliance needs. The 'plug and play' nature of Samara provides simple and fast installation but also a single system for our Trailer information needs, as opposed to a confusing mix of individual systems.”
The new DVSA guidelines are part of a wider move toward technology-driven fleet management, with Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) also becoming mandatory for new trailers in the EU from July 2024. The UK, while no longer part of the EU, continues to follow many of the same vehicle safety standards, and TPMS adoption is expected to align with these changes.
Samsara’s TPMS, another component of its Smart Trailer solution, which is in open beta, continuously monitors tyre pressure and temperature, sending real-time alerts to fleet managers and drivers. This enables proactive maintenance, reducing the risk of costly breakdowns and ensuring vehicles remain safe and efficient while on the road.
