TIP trailers get connected with BrakePlus
TIP began its journey into Electronic Braking Performance Monitoring Systems (EBPMS) more than six years ago. The result of that work is BrakePlus, TIP’s own EBPMS solution, now being fitted to hundreds of trailers every week as part of the company’s wider TIP Insight connected services platform.
“A lot of people don’t realise that we began our EBPMS journey more than six years ago,” explained Mark Carlin, fleet and engineering director at TIP Group.
“It wasn’t something we rushed to market – we carried out extensive testing and trials to make sure BrakePlus would deliver the accuracy and reliability fleets need.”
That testing has paid off, the company reports; today, between 200 and 300 trailers per week are being retrofitted with BrakePlus. The choice of whether to include it remains with the customer.
“We’ve now fitted BrakePlus to over 22,000 trailers, both from on our fleet and for customers,” said Carlin.
“One thing we’re clear about is that BrakePlus is an option, not an obligation. Operators decide if and when it’s right for them. Our job is to provide the tools that help fleets improve safety and efficiency.”
BrakePlus provides operators with a more efficient way of monitoring trailer braking performance, says TIP, continuously monitoring the system in real time instead of relying solely on physical roller brake tests.
It works by capturing braking event data via the trailer’s electronic braking system. Using a modem device, it calculates a Braking Performance Value, which is displayed as a ‘Pass’, ‘Low Performance’ or ‘Action Required’ status.
“BrakePlus gives operators complete visibility of trailer braking performance. Instead of waiting for a physical roller brake test, fleets can see how their brakes are performing in real time,” said Carlin.
If a trailer moves from ‘Pass’ to ‘Low Performance’, the system automatically sends an email alert to the user. Fleets can also generate a Braking Performance Report, which can be added to a trailer’s inspection record and used as evidence for compliance.
“If there’s a problem, the system doesn’t just log it – it alerts you. That means you can plan maintenance proactively rather than deal with the cost of a trailer breakdown or an unexpected workshop visit,” he added.
This approach can help reduce downtime, improve safety, and support compliance with the DVSA’s Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness, says TIP – and for operators aiming for Earned Recognition status, BrakePlus can also make a valuable contribution.
BrakePlus is one element of TIP Insight, TIP’s digital services platform that provides fleets with visibility over not just where their trailers are, but how they are performing.
“BrakePlus sits within TIP Insight, our wider connected services platform. TIP Insight goes beyond simple track and trace – it gives you a complete picture of trailer health,” said Carlin.
TIP Insight services provide accurate trailer location data alongside braking information, to FleetBeat-Cooler, which adds refrigeration monitoring. At the heart of the platform is FleetConnected, where operators can access reports, set up live alerts, and integrate data into their own systems.
From geofencing and track-and-trace to real-time updates on braking performance, and fridge temperatures, the platform takes trailer telematics well beyond simple tracking.
The future, Carlin believes, lies in smarter, more connected trailers.
“We see connected services as the future of trailer operations. It’s not just about knowing where your trailers are – it’s about knowing how healthy they are, and making smarter decisions with that information.”
With BrakePlus and TIP Insight, fleets have the tools to cut costs, reduce downtime, and improve safety, says TIP, all while simplifying compliance.
