F. T. Silfies Implements PeopleNet Onboard Computing System
Fast-Growing Carrier Expects Mobile Communications To Boost Efficiency
MINNEAPOLIS - January 6, 2006 - PeopleNet, a leading provider of onboard computing and mobile communications systems to the nation's transportation industry, today announced that mid-Atlantic regional dry bulk carrier F.T. Silfies, Inc. has installed a suite of PeopleNet tracking and mobile communications products in its fleet of 161 power units.
Headquartered in Nazareth, Pa., Silfies specializes in transporting bulk commodities such as sand and fly ash, along with other products such as bag cement and other construction materials, by flatbed. The company operates a fleet of self-contained storage vessels, giving it the ability to meet customer demands and handle jobs of all sizes.
PeopleNet's integrated suite of products will streamline Silfies' dispatching capabilities through on-demand fleet tracking and simplify its back-office work by automatically processing items such as fuel taxes, logs and billing invoices. In addition, PeopleNet will allow Silfies to battle soaring energy prices by better monitoring fleet idle time and fuel economy.
"PeopleNet provides efficient solutions to intricate problems that affect a transportation company's customer service and, ultimately, their bottom line," said Ron Konezny, chief operating officer, PeopleNet. "We will help F.T. Silfies enhance their already-strong reputation for customer service. We are very excited to work closely with them to optimize our products' effectiveness and ensure their greatest return on investment."
Recognizing PeopleNet's Value
Over time, Silfies has primarily used manual processes with very little integration, including the communication with its drivers. The adoption of the PeopleNet onboard communications will infuse greater efficiencies in an operation where drivers average three 180-mile hauls each day.
"If the driver is late for any reason, it causes a chain reaction for the remainder of our customers," said Randy K. Sheeler, president and CEO, F.T. Silfies. "Prior to implementing PeopleNet's on-board mobile communications, we had to wait until the driver called in after delivering his first load before we knew what his status was. With PeopleNet, we can notify our customers about the status of their deliveries and make alternate arrangements if necessary."
Now, Sheeler said that drivers won't have to spend extra unnecessary time coming back to a central dispatch, which is critical given the new hours of service requirements, and that he expects his company to save about three hours each day in their dispatch operation by sending instructions directly to their trucks, then preloading them. "This gives our drivers the ability to hit the ground running rather than spending hours waiting until they get loaded," he said.
About PeopleNet
Headquartered in Minneapolis, PeopleNet is the fastest-growing provider of Internet-based onboard computing and mobile communications systems to the transportation industry, including truckload, LTL, private, and service fleets. The company serves several Fortune 500 companies in the U.S. and Canada and has signed more than 1,200 customers since its inception 10 years ago.
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For more information, contact: Brian McLaughlin, (888) 346-3486 ext. 211
bmclaughlin@peoplenetonline.com
