Garmin® International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd., the global leader in satellite navigation, announced a telematics tracking API at the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, KY. The API allows Garmin’s licensed partners to easily incorporate the company’s award-winning tracking functionalities into their own applications. Garmin provides a Software Development Kit (SDK) in the form of a Web API that works in conjunction with the company’s GTU 10 tracking device. Developers can use Garmin’s SDK to develop applications that, for example, track containers, trailers or heavy-duty equipment.

In addition to the introduction of the tracking API, Garmin also announces a software update for the Garmin d?zl 560 that enables the device to now comply with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations for Automatic on-board Recording Devices (AOBRD).

Garmin’s Telematics API works in conjunction with the company’s GTU 10 tracking device, which includes a built-in GPS receiver and a wireless module with nationwide coverage across AT&T’s wireless network to transmit location data back to a Web interface. The small, light and waterproof unit can easily be installed and set up. Garmin’s SDK allows developers to access a whole range of information, including data on the current location of the tracking device, where it has been and for how long it stayed at specific locations.  Users can also set up a geo-fence to get alerts when the device crosses in or out of a defined area.

 One example of how Garmin’s telematics tracking API can be utilized is a new trailer tracking GPS light developed by Babaco. By placing the GTU 10 into a trailer tracking light fixture all a company has to do is replace anexisting trailer light with a Babaco Tracking Light. What makes this product stand out is the ease of installation and more importantly the amount of data it can provide. Existing trailer tracking devices require modifications to the trailer and only send their location once or twice a day on a scheduled basis to not drain the battery.  Since the GTU 10 is chargedwhen the trailer lights are on, users can ping a trailer on demand andeven schedule up to 12 pings a day on an automated basis. Additionally, thesystem allows users to set up geo-fences to report whenever they arrive or depart depots or distribution centers.  

 
In addition to the introduction of the Telematics API, Garmin also announces asoftware update for its d?zl 560 units, allowing truck driver’s to record their Hours of Service (HOS) when integrated with a telematics data transponder manufactured by one of Garmin’s authorized partners. This provides Garmin partners an AOBRD compliant digital solution that replaces paper logs and meets FMCSA requirements.

The d?zl 560LMT is a navigation device designed with truckers in mind. It has a large 5" display, an extra-loud speaker, and external video input for backup cameras. Features include trucking speed limits, truck-specific route highlighting and trucking points of interest (POIs). With detailed maps providing turn-by-turn directions that speak street names, d?zl 560LMT provides specialized routing to support truck-related restrictions in both the U.S. and Canada (customizable by height, weight, length, width and hazardous materials). Simply enter dimensions and load restrictions, and d?zl 560LMT guides you according to your requirements