Terion (www.terion.com), a provider of trailer fleet management systems, has launched FleetView 3R, a version of its FleetView 3 trailer management system specifically designed for refrigerated trailers. Upgrades planned for 3R include the ability to pull data such as temperature set points from the microprocessor.
ALK Technologies (www.alk.com) announced that its ALK FleetSuite Tolls module now is available to AS/400-based enterprise solutions, following the Windows-based version introduced earlier this year. The company also released PC Miler Mobile, a Web-based driver tracking system with GPS navigation for trucks on mobile phones. The solution also provides turn-by-turn driving directions respecting commercial truck restrictions.
SiriComm (www.siricomm.com), a nationwide broadband wireless software and network company, announced that Idling Solutions LLC selected SiriComm’s Pulse telematic service for all IS9000 units installed by Idling Solutions. Information reported by Pulse includes battery voltage and amperage, engine status and GPS navigation data.
Tripmaster Corporation (www.tripmaster.com) – a manufacturer of onboard computer systems, mobile communications and software – has introduced Enterprise, a new browser-based system that provides access to company-wide data, including standard DOT data as well as vehicle maintenance, fuel and tracking data.
GE Global Research (www.crd.ge.com) plans to integrate and expand its efforts with telematics applications, such as GE’s VeriWise asset tracking product, by forming a Telematics Technology Center of Excellence based at its upstate New York R&D headquarters.
McLeod Software (www.mcleodsoftware.com) unveiled a new suite of business intelligence tools for its LoadMaster enterprise software. The browser-based modules enable carriers to measure and monitor the complex key performance indicators (KPIs); to pull information from throughout their trucking operation to determine the most profitable elements; and see graphically loads and available trucks on a map.
Intermec Technologies (www.intermec.com) has introduced SmartSystem technology to simplify most of the tasks associated with implementation and device management, such as configuring mobile computers, downloading updated security patches or performing routine maintenance. All new Intermec mobile computers, bar code and RFID printers, scanners, wireless access points and application software are being developed with SmartSystem.
EMS Technologies (www.emssatcom.com) has released eNcompass Tracker, a tracking and management solution that incorporates a satellite terminal, tracking and management software, airtime and an in-vehicle terminal.
If you live in a state that requires emissions testing, you probably think the rule is a nuisance. After all, you waste time and money to get a physical test that only proves your vehicle is in compliance. For fleet managers, the nuisance becomes a real problem when several drivers and vehicles lose productivity each month to visit a local shop for emissions tests.
In San Diego, at least one company has found a way to comply with California’s required bi-annual emissions tests without losing an ounce of productivity. Cloud 9 Shuttle – a 120-truck, San Diego-based airport shuttle service – enrolled in an exception-based remote smog check program, the Continuous Testing Pilot (CTP). The program is the first of its kind in California and in the nation, according to Networkcar, a developer of remote monitoring systems.
To participate in the CTP program, Cloud 9 Shuttle uses a Web-based vehicle tracking and monitoring solution from Networkcar that automatically alerts CTP and Cloud 9 Shuttle when any one of its vehicles is out of compliance. As long as Networkcar does not detect an emissions problem, through analyzing data from the vehicles’ OBDII diagnostic system, the vehicles are in compliance with California emissions rules. Since the device is independent of the vehicle manufacturer or repair facilities, there is no conflict of interest.
If the CTP receives notification of a problem, the agency mails a letter notifying Cloud 9 Shuttle that it has 45 days to repair the problem. Because the Networkcar system automatically detects whether or not the car is repaired during that time period, there is no need for a follow-up inspection. If the vehicle is not brought into compliance in 45 days, it is removed from the CTP program and placed back into the traditional bi-annual inspection program. Networkcar also is working with other states to develop similar remote emissions compliance programs, says President Dave Dutch.
“We bought Networkcar primarily for the tracking component,” says Tom Elliot, fleet and safety manager for Cloud 9 Shuttle. Having automatic emissions compliance was an added bonus, he says. Both Cloud 9 Shuttle, which operates as a franchise, and its drivers use Networkcar’s alerts feature to diagnose vehicle problems early – even if the “check engine” light is not on. Drivers also can log in to manage their vehicle maintenance service intervals, such as oil changes, based on odometer readings.
The exception-based emissions compliance program offers a powerful example of how the private and public sector are using technology to accomplish two objectives that are seemingly at odds: decrease the burden of emissions compliance and improve it at the same time.
PeopleNet launches next-generation system
Following 18 months of development, PeopleNet has released PeopleNet g3, its next-generation onboard computer. The new system leverages multiple digital networks to reach speeds up to 144 kilobytes per second (kbps) compared to 0.3 kbps for first-generation satellite systems. With analog support, the system is available nationwide for ubiquitous coverage even in remote areas, the company says.
PeopleNet g3 is capable of providing the bandwidth for data-intensive applications such as in-cab mapping and document scanning with the flexibility for multiple data plans and the option for voice services. The computer has an open architecture platform with Universal Serial Bus (USB 2.0) to support expanded memory and peripherals such as multi-media message displays and handhelds, in-cab scanners and printers, and Wi-Fi access points.
Another advancement is precise GPS location data. PeopleNet g3 uses Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) technology to provide greater precision. And PeopleNet g3 is backward-compatible with the PeopleNet g2x system, allowing users to leverage existing applications. The hardware upgrade is $100 more than the existing g2x system, and the wireless service plans remain the same as before, the company says.
Qualcomm releases untethered trailer tracking
Qualcomm has released its T2 Untethered TrailerTracs solution, a stand-alone satellite/cellular system that offers reporting of position and operational events for improved fleet utilization and security.
The company announced that features of T2 include: on-board hardware, power management for 30 to 60 days of untethered use, multi-mode network services, cargo and door sensors, and data integration capabilities, the company says.
The solution is installed on the nose of the trailer in a cavity-sealed enclosure, making it virtually invisible. The solution can be upgraded remotely with over-the-air application management capabilities. In addition, the solution has an added auxiliary port for future sensor upgrades as they become available.
The company announced that Schneider National has purchased and began implementing the T2 Untethered TrailerTracs solution across its fleet of more than 48,000 trailers.
Qualcomm also announced that its OmniTracs satellite mobile communication solution now has service in Alaska and Hawaii.
Nextel works with Symbol, Prophesy
Nextel (www.nextel.com) last month announced separate integration arrangements with Symbol Technologies (www.symbol.com) and Prophesy Transportation Solutions (www.mile.com).
Symbol and Nextel have agreed to embed Nextel’s iDEN technology into future Symbol handheld devices. Symbol and Nextel plan to jointly develop and market voice and data mobility solutions. By working with Nextel, Symbol will be able to incorporate Nextel’s 4-in-1 wireless offerings, including digital cellular voice, Nationwide Direct Connect service, Nextel Online wireless data and two-way messaging.
Nextel has teamed with Prophesy to deliver wireless dispatch solutions to the long-haul trucking market. The two companies will bring to market new GPS-enabled mobile resource management solutions based on Prophesy’s DispatchSeries software and using Nextel’s digital network and handsets. The integration will allow drivers and dispatchers to share and update itinerary, and load and job status while providing carriers with real-time shipment tracking and route mapping.
New customers
PeopleNet (www.peoplenetonline.com) said Charlotte, N.C.-based Nation’s Express Inc. and Morgantown, N.C.-based Four Truckers Inc. both have equipped their fleets with its onboard computing and mobile communications system.
Pegasus TransTech (www.transflo.com) said Transport America, which already uses the company’s imaging and workflow solution, has implemented its Transflo Express truck stop scanning solution.
TMW Systems (www.tmwsystems.com) said Houston-based liquid bulk carrier Service Transport Co. and Omaha, Neb.-based refrigerated carrier Merit Transportation had selected the company’s TMWSuite as its enterprise software.
Maptuit (www.maptuit.com), a provider of transportation optimization solutions, announced that J.B. Hunt Transport Services plans to deploy Maptuit’s FleetNav across its truck and dedicated fleets for truck-to-door routes and optimized fuel plans.
Cetaris (www.cetaris.com) said U.S. Xpress Enterprises will implement the company’s Fleet Assistant, a maintenance software system with PocketPC wireless capability designed for technicians and parts people.
