SAF-HOLLAND has announced a new technology called SmartSTO™. This system is designed to solve two major problems for truck drivers: staying safe while uncoupling a trailer and protecting expensive air and electrical lines from getting damaged. By making the process smarter and more organized, SmartSTO™ helps fleets save money on repairs and keeps drivers out of harm’s way.

Solving the “Reach-In” Problem

One of the most dangerous parts of a truck driver’s job is uncoupling a tractor from a trailer. Traditionally, drivers often have to reach deep under the trailer to pull a manual release handle on the fifth wheel. This puts them in a cramped, oily, and potentially dangerous position.

SmartSTO™ changes this by moving the control for the fifth wheel air release to a much safer location. Drivers no longer have to struggle with heavy manual pulls. Instead, the system uses air pressure to do the heavy lifting, allowing the driver to stay in a more ergonomic and visible position during the process.

Protecting Your Connections

When a driver uncouples a trailer, they must disconnect the “gladhands” (air lines) and the electrical cord. If a driver forgets to do this and pulls the truck away, these lines can snap. This causes expensive damage and forces the truck to stay off the road for repairs.

SmartSTO™ acts like a digital bodyguard for these lines. It integrates the fifth wheel release with a special storage station for the lines. The system is designed so that the fifth wheel will not unlock until the air and electrical connections are safely disconnected and “stowed” (stored) in their proper holders.

How the System Works

The SmartSTO™ system uses a series of safety checks to make sure nothing goes wrong. First, the truck’s parking brake must be set. Once the driver disconnects the lines and clicks them into the SmartSTO™ dock, the system recognizes that the lines are safe.

Only then does the release button become active. When the driver presses it, the system provides both a visual light and an audible sound to confirm that the trailer is successfully disengaged. This double-check ensures the driver knows exactly when it is safe to pull the tractor away.

Easy to Install and Maintain

SAF-HOLLAND built SmartSTO™ to be simple for mechanics to handle. It only requires three airline connections to set up. Because it is so simple, it can be installed on brand-new trucks at the factory or added to older trucks that already have air-release fifth wheels.

By preventing “drive-aways” where lines are still attached, fleets can reduce unplanned downtime. It also helps prevent “high-hitching,” which is a common and costly mistake during the coupling process.

Availability

The SmartSTO™ system is a forward-looking technology designed for the next generation of trucking. SAF-HOLLAND expects the system to be available for purchase and installation in the fourth quarter of 2026.

For more information on how this system can improve fleet safety, visit www.safholland.com.

 

Also read: New Fleet Safety Savings Calculator Available for U.S. Fleet Operatorrs