Truck-Lite Previews New Trailer Back Up Safety System at TMC Press Conference

Truck-Lite is developing a cost-effective, integrated reverse-lighting and audible alarm system with safety and cost-saving benefits for trailer fleets and OE’s.

Nashville, TN – March 17, 2026 - During the Clarience Technologies Press Conference on March 17, held alongside TMC’s Annual Meeting and Transportation Technology Exhibition, Matt Mrakovich, VP of Engineering, provided an overview of the new Truck-Lite Trailer Back Up Safety System that will be available for 2027 builds. This new system provides a simple, cost-effective solution that improves backup safety and efficiency.

Most trailers still lack essential backup lighting and audible alarm systems needed for safe, confident maneuvering by drivers because adding these devices has been too costly for most fleets. Truck-Lite aimed to develop a streamlined and affordable solution that could be easily adopted by fleets and straightforward for OEMs to install, while providing immediate safety and efficiency benefits.

“The lack of visibility behind a trailer at loading docks, yards, and parking areas creates a challenge for drivers, with a real risk of property, equipment damage, and personal injuries," commented Mrakovich. “Our goal was to produce a product to solve this long-standing problem, where fleets can easily justify the cost and time to add it so they can realize the benefits of having such a system on their trailers.”

Benefits of the new Truck-Lite Trailer Back Up Safety System include:

• Injury Reduction: Lighting combined with an audible alarm helps protect ground personnel by clearly signaling trailer movement during reverse maneuvers.
• Heightened Driver Awareness: The system alerts approaching drivers that the trailer is backing up, reducing the chance of vehicle to trailer collisions in dark or low visibility conditions.
• Improved Operator Visibility: Reverse lighting enhances what the trailer operator can see and improves overall situational awareness around the trailer.
• Cost Avoidance: Reverse lighting reduces the likelihood of backing related vehicle or property damage.
• Efficiency Gains: Better illumination improves driver accuracy and speeds up backing operations in dark or low visibility conditions.
• Proven ROI: A backup accident cost model shows strong financial returns based on national averages for collision frequency and repair costs.
• Cost Effective Solution: The Truck Lite system delivers these safety and efficiency benefits at a lower cost and with less complexity than alternative systems.

The system is showcased in collaboration with Fruehauf on a trailer located in the Fruehauf TMC Booth (#1561), giving attendees the opportunity to experience the solution firsthand.

About Truck-Lite

Truck-Lite Co., LLC, a Clarience Technologies company, is a global technology leader focused on forward and safety lighting, wiring harnesses, turn signals and safety accessories for the medium- and heavy-duty truck, trailer, off-road and commercial vehicle industries. The company is headquartered in Erie, PA, with additional U.S. facilities in Coudersport, McElhattan and Wellsboro, PA and international facilities in Harlow, England and Puebla, Mexico. Learn more at www.truck-lite.com. 

About Clarience Technologies

Clarience Technologies is a global leader of visibility, safety and digital technologies for transportation. Built on the foundation of proven company brands, each with a legacy of innovation, its solutions include vehicle lighting, camera and vision systems, telematics and safety solutions that protect our world and our livelihoods by keeping people, assets and businesses safe, secure and productive. Its team of companies includes Al-Van, AMFS, American Van, Code 3, DAVCO, Durite, ECCO, Elkhart Brass, Foam Pro, FRC, Kerr, Labcraft, LED Autolamps, Lumitec, Pressure Systems International, Prime Design, Randall, Ranger Design, RIGID, Road-Ready, Roll-Rite, R.O.M., RVS, Safe Fleet (Law, Bus & Rail), SEON, Truck-Lite and Vango. For more information, visit www.clariencetechnologies.com.