Seaboard/Harmac Transportation Group Implements PeopleNet Canada's Onboard Computing System
Largest petroleum hauler in eastern Canada implements PeopleNet solution
MISSISSAUGA, Ontario - March 7, 2005 - PeopleNet Canada, the leading provider of onboard computing and mobile communications
systems to the transportation industry, today announced that Seaboard/Harmac Transportation Group has implemented PeopleNet's onboard computing and mobile communications system, becoming the first petroleum transporter in Canada to do so.
The largest petroleum hauler in eastern Canada, Seaboard/Harmac is comprised of two well-positioned, quality transport companies, Seaboard Transport Group and Harmac Transportation Inc. Seaboard is a specialty contract carrier in the petroleum, mining industries in Atlantic Canada, whose capabilities include the transportation of liquid/food grade products and dry bulk commodities, as well as the provision of extensive materials handling services. Harmac is a prominent Ontario/Quebec-based company that se rvices the bulk liquid chemical/petroleum
industry.
It is the petroleum and bulk lubricant divisions of Seaboard/Harmac that have chosen to implement the PeopleNet solution. The units haul gasoline, distillates, heavy fuel oil and asphalt as well as jet fuel, marine fuel and industrial lubricants for all major oil companies from the refinery to various customer outlets from Ontario to Newfoundland.
"The improved communication capabilities offered by PeopleNet gave us the tools we needed to ensure that our drivers are equipped with the knowledge and practical skills needed to provide efficient, dependable delivery services," according to Bob MacQuarrie, General Manager-Petroleum Operations. "
That's what the company's petroleum customers are looking for. "Our automated dispatch system helps manage scheduled product and delivery requirements, and is completely integrated with the PeopleNet in-cab computer system," he explains, adding that all truck safety and communications are managed through this system. "In our operation, one of the most critical elements we provide our customers is notification of pickups and delivery as well as live position updates."
Today, as customers place their orders, the information is automatically entered into the company's dispatch system and sent automatically via the PeopleNet system to the truck cab. In
the past, the information was transcribed to paper and relayed to drivers via phone lines - an expensive, inaccurate and sometimes unsafe alternative. The addition of the PeopleNet technology
has allowed MacQuarrie to wean his drivers fr om cell phones that were traditionally used in dispatch.
Automating the paperwork trail has another benefit - it allows the company to better manage inventory for its customers. For instance, customers pay for orders when they are placed, regardless of how much product is actually delivered. Since shipment and customer data is automatically reported both at the rack and at the customer's site, the PeopleNet system allows for immediate billing corrections saving the customer time and inconvenience.
In addition, taking advantage of PeopleNet's tracking capability, Seaboard/Harmac can "redirect" petroleum shipments to other locations more efficiently and report these delivery issues
more expediently to their customers.
The improved visibility of his fleet through PeopleNet's GPS tracking helps MacQuarrie in another area: making sure his drivers and units comply to all governmental, customer and internal safety and compliance requirements.
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 Mississauga, Ontario, with U.S. headquarters 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 our inception more than 11 years ago.
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CONTACT:
Ellie Walradth
PeopleNet
888-346-3486 x247
