PeopleNet Orders Leap 75 Percent
Transportation fleets in record numbers turn to PeopleNet as they upgrade their mobile communications and onboard computing systems and adopt next-generation technology
MINNEAPOLIS - March 7, 2005 - PeopleNet, the fastest-growing provider of onboard computing and mobile communications systems, today reported significant sales growth in 2004 with orders up 75 percent from the previous year. In addition, the average order size increased two-fold as larger fleets adopted the PeopleNet system.
Other highlights from PeopleNet's record year included:
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Revenues jumped more than 40 percent from those in 2003.
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Shipments increased nearly 40 percent from those in 2003.
These results are due to strong demand and a significant increase in the adoption of the PeopleNet g3 system among transportation operations in the United States and Canada. This adoption spanned across fleets of all types.
"The widespread acceptance of PeopleNet by multiple carrier segments is proof that PeopleNet - with unparalleled success - has combined the best attributes of both onboard computing and mobile communications solutions," said John Sarto, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board. "The result is a best-of-breed platform capable of delivering high-value applications that are attractive and proven to reduce operating costs for all fleet types."
In 2004, PeopleNet signed a record 135 new customers across a range of segments, including:
Long-haul fleets Morgan Southern, Shipper's Transport, Bilbo Transports
Private fleets Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire, Trinity Industries
Food service fleets Affiliated Foods, Quickway Carriers, Domino's Pizza Distribution
Tanker fleets Groendyke Transport, Tankstar USA, Service Transport, Petroleum Transport Co.
Less-than-truckload fleets Pitt Ohio Express, Renzenberger Inc.
Dedicated fleets Ryder System, Inc., RUAN Transportation Management Systems, Cardinal Logistics Management, Inc.
The PeopleNet system offers a convergence of mobile communications and onboard computing - all in a system called PeopleNet g3, which was introduced in 2004. PeopleNet g3 offers multi-network communications, advanced onboard computing capabilities and open software and hardware connectivity options.
Users of PeopleNet g3 are benefiting from increased data transmission through the use of highspeed cellular networks, unparalleled expandable onboard memory, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 port for peripheral expansion, and an open architecture to enable third-party development.
Built on the g3 platform are a suite of applications for effectively managing all aspects of the transportation function, including operations, safety/compliance, maintenance, customer service, driver productivity and costing.
Significant new applications developed by PeopleNet, in conjunction with customer input through the company's product advisory panel, were the driving force behind the strong product demand in 2004. Those applications included key enhancements to:
eDriver Logs®, a paperless program that automates the hours of service process.
PACOS automated messaging, which uses geofencing to automate load status notification across pickups and deliveries - all with little to no driver interaction.
Automated Fuel Tax Reporting including fuel service tax recovery for PTO, idle, off-road and reefer events.
PerformXTM driver and vehicle performance reporting for managing fleet productivity.
Activity Standards to measure the efficiency of fixed and dedicated routes, providing a benchmark for driver and fleet productivity.
"PeopleNet gives carriers the tools to take their operations to the next level through continuous improvement across their core operations: safety and compliance, route and vehicle management, driver services and supply chain communications," said Sarto. "We continue to lead the industry by offering an innovative, customer-driven approach to fleet management. PeopleNet g3 is paving the way for the continued development of next-generation applications that deliver a measurable return-on-investment to our current and future customers."
Another key application is OTAPTM over-the-air programming allowing PeopleNet to transmit new capabilities and product enhancements wirelessly while trucks are on the road. OTAP was used to transition PeopleNet customers to the new Hours of Service regulations that took effect Jan. 4, 2004 and will be instrumental in helping commercial fleets comply with potential regulatory changes in the future.
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 11 years ago.
For more information about PeopleNet, call 888-346-3486, e-mail info@peoplenetonline.com, or visit www.peoplenetonline.com.
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eDriver Logs is a registered trademark of PeopleNet. PerformX and OTAP are trademarks of PeopleNet.
CONTACT:
Ellie Walradth
PeopleNet
888-346-3486 x247
