Conner Transport Upgrades to PeopleNet's Onboard Computing and Mobile Communications System
Carrier using Online Fuel Tax and PerformX to increase productivity
MINNEAPOLIS-May 24, 2004-PeopleNet, the fastest-growing provider of onboard computing and mobile communications systems to North American transportation operations, today announced that Conner Transport, a subsidiary of Conner Industries, has outfitted its entire fleet with PeopleNet g2x technology.
Larry Calcatera, President of Conner Transport, said the decision to replace existing Aether/HighwayMaster systems was made last year. Implementation and installation of the modular, Internet-based PeopleNet g2x tracking and communications solution began in August 2003 and was completed by the carrier's shop staff.
Based in Fort Worth, Texas, Conner Transport is a flatbed carrier. The company's 40 trucks haul steel, lumber, building materials and machinery for customers in the central and eastern United States. Founded 11 years ago with a single truck, the subsidiary of Conner Industries, a lumber remanufacturer specializing in cut lumber products, hauls primarily for its parent company as well as operates as a for-hire carrier.
"There were a number of reasons we selected PeopleNet to meet our vehicle tracking, communications and onboard computing needs," Calcatera stated. "The web-based feature of the PeopleNet system was a large factor in making the decision to use this system. We're in a service-oriented business and take great pride in making customer service a top priority. With the Internet-based solution from PeopleNet we can quickly and easily locate every truck and are able to tell our customers where their loads are and when they will be delivered, or when we will arrive to make a pick up.
"The ability to locate every truck in our fleet quickly and communicate with our drivers efficiently is also part of the payback we receive from the PeopleNet system," Calcatera continued. "Our dispatchers now have a better ability to locate our equipment and effectively address any operational issues that might arise. The communications capability of the system is also beneficial in prearranging loads and dispatching vehicles that are on the road. With it we don't have to wait for a driver to call in. We can locate the truck, estimate when it will be available for another load and communicate that information to our drivers and customers."
The PeopleNet g2x system's communication tool also frees phone lines at Conner Transport for dispatchers and for communicating with customers, Calcatera noted, while another savings comes from the PeopleNet system's interface with the carrier's Keypoint software. "We use the enterprise system for dispatch and operations, including order entry, billing, payables and contractor settlement," he added. "We're very impressed with the way PeopleNet worked with us to integrate the two solutions.
"Since the beginning of April," Calcatera also reported, "we've been using PeopleNet's Online Fuel Tax Service. Previously, this function was performed manually, running routes and mileages by hand. With the onboard computing technology, we've cut down on labor time significantly. We're spending many fewer hours keeping track of fuel tax mileage and the data is more accurate."
Calcatera also pointed out that Conner transport is making use of PeopleNet's Perform X vehicle performance monitoring and reporting tool to track idle time, mileage and fuel economy on its vehicles. Overall, he noted, the PeopleNet technology is working well for the company, and any problems that have arisen were handled quickly and effectively.
"The same way that PeopleNet has provided excellent support for us," Calcatera concluded, "the system and onboard computing technology they provide has helped us serve our customers. The PeopleNet g2x system is a cost effective and efficient way for us to meet our needs. We're very pleased with the choice we made."
The PeopleNet g2x system has become the standard for GPS-based location tracking, two-way voice and data communications, and Internet-based fleet business tools to provide consistent, reliable communication between business owners, dispatchers, drivers and shippers. A key feature of the system is OTAP (over-the-air programming), which allows PeopleNet to make system upgrades without taking vehicles off the road.
Headquartered in Minneapolis, PeopleNet is the fastest-growing provider of Internet-based onboard computing and mobile communications systems to the long-haul transportation and metro-based fleet industries. The company serves carriers throughout the U.S. and Canada and recently signed its 1,000th customer. For more information about PeopleNet, call 888-346-3486, e-mail info@peoplenetonline.com, or visit www.peoplenetonline.com.
