Xata Corporation (www.xata.com) released an integrated digital cellular and satellite communications platform. The combination of third-generation digital cellular and satellite networks creates a speed and coverage advantage while reducing wireless costs.
McLeod Software (www.mcleodsoftware.com) announced the release of LoadMaster Interactive Fuel Module to provide fuel card conveniences in real time between carriers and their drivers. Interactive Fuel offers immediate card activity and control for driver card maintenance as well as issuance of funds to drivers.
CSI Wireless Inc. (www.csi-wireless.com), a designer and manufacturer of wireless and GPS products, announced that its Fleet-Link asset-tracking product now is being shipped to application service providers, OEMs and other customers. Fleet-Link is a cellular-based, self-powered asset-tracking product to monitor and manage trailers.
TMW Systems and SkyBitz agreed that TMW will use SkyBitz’s Global Locating System (GLS) technology to power an advanced trailer-tracking module. TMW will use the SkyBitz tracking system to provide customers with enhanced operational efficiencies such as improved detention tracking.
Terion (www.terion.com), a provider of trailer fleet management systems, released the Trailer Dashboard, its latest enhancement to its FleetView 3 system. The system consists of a set of reports designed to provide the key operational metrics needed to better manage a trailer fleet.
Many motor carriers, particularly those in the less-than-truckload sector, require drivers to capture data outside the vehicle using handheld computers. Drivers capture signatures from consignees, scan bar codes on freight, and update various applications throughout the day. Many of these carriers also capture extensive data from their vehicles in real time – such as location and driver and vehicle performance – from onboard computers.
A real-time connection between the offices inside and outside the vehicle doesn’t require a company to have two separate wireless plans, however. The latest handhelds from Symbol and Intermec can be linked directly to a company’s enterprise system through a wide-area cellular network, but traditionally fleets that use both handheld and “black box” computers do not utilize this feature. A driver captures data and places his mobile devices in a cradle that is hardwired to the onboard computer. The data then is downloaded from the device and sent back to the office through a cellular or satellite network.
