Hoosier Tradewinds Equips Fleet with PeopleNet Onboard Computing System
Decision already paying dividends in terms of more effective communications
LAS VEGAS - TRUCKLOAD CARRIERS ASSOCIATION ANNUAL CONVENTION, March 7, 2005 - PeopleNet, the leading provider of onboard computing and mobile communications systems to the nation's transportation industry, today announced that Hoosier Tradewinds, a general commodities truckload carrier specializing in time-sensitive services between the Midwest and the northeast United States, has equipped its fleet with PeopleNet's onboard computing and mobile communications system.
Hoosier Tradewinds' President Benjamin Cook started in the transportation business with one truck and one customer. In 1997, he was joined by his father, Andy, to form the company.
Hoosier Tradewinds has grown to a fleet of nearly 90 tractors and more than 130 trailers. Based in Carmel, Ind., the company has remained true to its independent contractor roots, and while the east coast runs still account for almost two-thirds of its business, "due to customer requests we have expanded to all 48 states," says Executive Vice President Matthew Deck. "We have created a niche within the transportation industry by providing outstanding
customer service coupled with a sense of urgency that is the underlining theme in everything we do," according to Deck. "We have built our company around top quality equipment, cutting-edge
technology, experienced owner-operators as well as operations personnel who know the industry and know what it takes to exceed our customer's expectations."
In order to boost its efficiency and improve its time-sensitive service responsiveness, Hoosier Tradewinds acquired the PeopleNet system earlier this year. "We see satellite tracking and mobile communications as essential in knowing where our drivers are and getting them loaded as quickly as possible," he says. "In addition, it allows us to improve our communications with our customers."
Hoosier Tradewinds has taken the data available from the PeopleNet system and integrated it into its system to track where its drivers are and provide customers with a better idea of their pickup and delivery times. "In addition, our driver managers don't have to build loads and schedules for them," says Deck. "This is now done automatically improving accuracy and efficiency."
Not only has PeopleNet boosted the efficiency of business communications, the company has used the system to improve the quality of its communications with drivers. Hoosier Tradewinds
provides a unique service to its drivers - a corporate chaplain available around the clock. "Hoosier drivers and their families can always find a friend during personal emergencies," says Deck of the
service. "The chaplain often uses PeopleNet's e-mail capability to stay in touch with drivers and send out inspirational messages to our drivers."
The PeopleNet system has become the standard for GPS-based location tracking, two-way voice and data communications, electronic driver logs, and Internet-based fleet business tools
to provide consistent, reliable communication between business owners, dispatchers, drivers and shippers.
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 1,000 customers since its inception
more than 11 years ago.
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CONTACT:
Ellie Walradth
PeopleNet
888-346-3486 x247
