Patent for Automating Distribution Center with Powered Trailer

ChangeBridge: Patent Apps - Business Methods (G06Q)

Detected March 26th, 2026

Summary

The USPTO has published a patent application for a method of automating a distribution center using a powered trailer. The application describes a trailer with an electric drive train and a controller that communicates with GPS and distribution center personnel to navigate autonomously.

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What changed

This document is a USPTO patent application (US20260084712A1) for a method and system to automate distribution center operations using a powered trailer. The described technology includes an electric, battery-powered drive train on the trailer, a controller that interfaces with GPS and distribution center personnel, and a trailer control algorithm to manage multiple trailers. The patent application was filed on September 19, 2024.

This patent application does not impose any new regulatory obligations or compliance deadlines on regulated entities. It represents a novel technological development in logistics and automation. Companies involved in manufacturing or implementing such automated trailer systems may be interested in the intellectual property described.

Source document (simplified)

← USPTO Patent Applications

Method for Automating a Distribution Center

Application US20260084712A1 Kind: A1 Mar 26, 2026

Inventors

Vincent Loccisano

Abstract

An example embodiment is a trailer for a semi-trailer truck that includes an electric, battery-powered drive train mounted on at least one axel of the trailer. A controller sends and receives signals from a global positioning system and from distribution center personnel. Signals are interpreted by a protocol in the controller to move a powered trailer from its current location to a destination. A trailer control algorithm monitors a plurality of variables and communicates to a controller in each trailer to control a plurality of trailers according to the variables.