Blue Tree Systems, a provider of reefer monitoring, trailer tracking, and in-cab fleet management sytems, announced at the 2013 Refrigerated Division Annual Meeting of the Truckload Carriers Association that Raider Express has selected its R:COM system. The carrier will use the system to ensure efficient operation of refrigeration units and gain fuel savings, as well as have information for managing its operation and meeting customer service needs.
“We’re very forward thinking when it comes to using technology to have visibility into our refrigeration units and the location of our equipment,” said Michael Eggleton, Jr., vice president of Raider Express. “We chose Blue Tree Systems because its R:COM solution provides the data we need to more effectively manage and grow our business, and its hardware and cellular-based solution is much better than anything else we’ve seen on the market. Blue Tree has also been willing to adapt its technology to meet our unique needs.”
Headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, Raider Express is a family owned and operated refrigerated truckload carrier that specializes in hauling grocery and food products in the contiguous 48 U.S. states. The company, which currently operates 175 tractors and 300 trailers, has additional facilities in Houston, and in Sparta, New Jersey.
Raider Express is currently implementing the Blue Tree R:COM system on 270 trailers used in over-the-road service that are equipped with Carrier and Thermo King refrigeration units. The systems are being installed at the fleet’s shop and the carrier anticipates its maintenance technicians will have completed the installation on all 270 trailers by September.
An initial evaluation of five Blue Tree R:COM systems by Raider Express validated the company’s belief in the system’s ability to help save fuel, and more effectively monitor refrigeration units to improve customer service and enhance cargo security. The carrier expects to realize a return on its investment in the R:COM systems in less than one year.
Benefits of the Blue Tree R:COM system at Raider Express include fuel savings from reefer run-time monitoring. Using real-time data, the carrier is able to monitor refrigeration unit use, and remotely set temperatures and turn on and off units. Refrigeration unit engine hours can also be tracked within specified geo-fenced areas and by trailer, enabling the company to more effectively work with customers to meet their needs.
Raider Express is also using an integration enabled by Blue Tree that links the R:COM system’s data to its McLeod Software dispatch and enterprise management software. Trailer tracking and usage data is used to enhance productivity and customer service, and to have information available instantly based on customer requests or for claims processing.
