Technology news and briefs for the week of March 27, 2022:
Fleet Complete to launch new integrated platform for SMBs
Fleet management provider Fleet Complete plans to launch its Insights Solution Suite, a new integrated platform to address the needs of small and medium-size businesses (SMBs), on April 26.
The platform will be available directly from Fleet Complete as well as through authorized network providers, including AT&T, Telus and Rogers.
The platform gives SMB fleet operators intuitive, real-time insights for effectively managing remote operations, improving driver safety, lowering business risks and optimizing asset utilization.
"The Fleet Complete Insights Solution Suite integrates our most popular products such as an AI-enabled video telematics system, intuitive dashboards, award-winning ELD compliance tools and fleet and asset tracking technology into a single unified interface," said Tony Lourakis, Fleet Complete's CEO. "Coupled with our new onboarding experience, it's an affordable game-changer for SMBs who want to better manage their fleets."
A thorough hands-on support package is also available for customers who want to simplify and streamline the integration process even further.
In the future the platform will allow customers to expand the FC Insights Solution Suite with plug-ins and tools from Fleet Complete and third parties as their needs grow and options become available.
Truckstop.com launches mobile app for carriers
Truckstop.com is launching a new mobile app to help carriers find loads in real time, book loads instantly, locate competitive rates and get paid quickly.
The Truckstop Go app, which will be available in April, features live loads, which notifies carriers in real time when a new load matching search criteria is posted, and book it now, which allows carriers to book loads instantly from trusted brokers with competitive rates. The app will also soon feature factoring, which eliminates paperwork and allows carriers to be paid through the app.
Truckstop said mobilizing operations is crucial for carriers.
According to a Truckstop.com survey, 46% of respondents use a mobile app daily to do their jobs: 59% of carriers use mobile apps for freight matching/finding loads; 50% use it for checking spot rates; 58% use it for getting paid quickly; 54% use it to eliminate paperwork; and 48% use it for ensuring compliance. Forty-six percent also say they use a mobile app for load planning every single day, and 93% use an app at least once a month.
ProStar completes Trimble integration for flagship PointMan product
Precision mapping provider ProStar Holdings Inc. has completed the Trimble GPS/GNSS receiver integration of its flagship product PointMan for Apple iOS.
This integration provides ProStar access to the Trimble GPS/GNSS receivers and Trimble Software Development Kit (SDK) and allows ProStar to integrate its flagship mobile solution PointMan with Trimble’s wide range of precision GPS/GNSS receivers, including the new Trimble Catalyst DA2.
Trimble Catalyst is a GNSS concept that delivers positioning-as-a-service to Android and iOS devices. With the addition of the Trimble DA2 GNSS receiver and an on-demand accuracy-based subscription, PointMan’s integration provides a precise and comprehensive data collection solution to capture, record and display the location of critical underground infrastructure.
With this recent Trimble SDK release, PointMan now supports Trimble receivers for mobile devices running Google Android operating system and Apple iOS including, the DA2, R2, R12/I, and R1.
PointMan iOS is now available on the Apple Store.
Kenworth battery electric vehicles eligible for incentives
The Class 6 Kenworth K270E zero emissions battery electric vehicles are eligible for a $100,000 base voucher incentive available to qualifying purchasers under the New Jersey Zero Emission Incentive Program (NJZIP).
The pilot program includes support for businesses and organizations purchasing new K270E models in the four designated greater community areas of Camden, Newark, New Brunswick and Shore. Lease deals are also eligible with a required term of at least 36 months. Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis and can be found at the NJZIP website.
Battery electric vehicles are exempt from New Jersey sales tax.
The Kenworth K270E cabover is ideal for local pickup and delivery, as well as short, regional haul operations. It offers a direct-drive motor rated at 355 hp. The electric powertrain is available with high-density battery packs of 141 kWh, 209 kWh and 282 kWh that deliver up to a 100-, 150- and 200-mile range, respectively. The vehicle uses a DC fast-charging system capable of recharge in as quick as one hour. End-of-shift and overnight AC charging is also offered.
In addition to the K270E, the Kenworth “Driving To Zero Emissions” program also features the Class 7 K370E and Class 8 T680E battery electric vehicles and PACCAR Parts charging stations.
