In February, Omnitracs announced a partnership with Peloton Technology to leverage Omnitracs’ integrated dispatch, tracking and routing applications as well as its driver-facing applications to better enable inter and intra-fleet platooning opportunities.
Peloton’s platooning system creates a direct communication link between trucks using Dedicated Short Range Communication (DSRC). The front truck tells the rear truck its engine torque, speed and other parameters. With this communication, the distance for driver perception and reaction is virtually eliminated.
Platooning allows trucks to be 30 to 50 feet apart and create aerodynamics that reduce fuel consumption by 10 percent for the rear vehicle and 4.5 percent for the front truck.
On Wednesday, April 11, Omnitracs announced that it lead a $60 million Series B funding round for Peloton.
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“We are excited to be working with a growing group of leading companies from across the industry as well as forward-looking state and federal regulators to bring pragmatic commercial truck automation solutions to market,” said Josh Switkes, co-founder and CEO of Peloton. “This new round of global strategic investment bolsters Peloton’s position as the leading provider of near-term automated truck technology in North America and soon beyond.”
Peloton says its platooning system helps drivers and trucking fleets address three major industry challenges of safety, fuel savings and operational efficiency.
“We want to expand the possibilities of truck automation on the nation’s highways and set new standards in integrated dispatch, tracking and routing as well as driver-facing applications to maximize and optimize the orchestration of both same-fleet and cross-fleet platooning,” said Omnitracs CEO John Graham.