During meetings at the ninth annual PeopleNet Users conference in Boca Raton, Fla., PeopleNet executives shared new features and enhancements that will soon be available on its in-cab computing and mobile communications platforms.

PeopleNet has experienced a 38 percent growth rate, year over year. The company has added 29 new positions and now has 240 total employees. In 2010 it signed 224 new customers and has added 151 so far in 2011. By customer request, 90 percent of new units shipped have eDriver Logs, PeopleNet’s application to electronically record and manage driver logbook data, said Brian McLaughlin, chief operating officer.

PeopleNet announced a discount opportunity through Brazos Risk Insurance. The insurance company is offering a 5 to 10 percent reduction in premiums to qualified fleets that use the PeopleNet onboard computing system with SpeedGauge service to monitor drivers’ actual speeds to posted speed limits, by road segment.

Through its partnership with SpeedGauge, PeopleNet plans to add real-time alerts for when drivers exceeded posted speed limits, said Matt Voda, vice president of product management. The company also plans to add new metrics to an in-cab driver scorecard that show drivers their performance with regards to speed, use of cruise control, shifting patterns, etc.

“Feedback will be on a much more real-time basis,” he said.

Voda also said that PeopleNet has enhanced its driver vehicle inspection report (DVIR) form and created a streamlined login process for drivers. The company also will be working with a design firm to redesign the driver interface for its Windows-based BLU and Tablet platforms to simplify and improve usability of the in-cab computer.

Future possibilities for the BLU and Tablet platforms include driver entertainment options such as in-cab video and web connectivity for Netflix, Skype and casual gaming.