BOCA RATON, Fla., Aug. 16, 2011 – PeopleNet User Conference Keynote Speaker Dan Murray, vice president of research for the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI), told 737 attendees representing 255 firms that trucking industry regulatory initiatives should utilize new benefit cost analyses that consider crash responsibility, and differentiate user benefits and costs from those of society. Doing so would ultimately place greater attention on car drivers and marginal carriers and further improve what is now the lowest truck-involved fatality rate in U.S. DOT-recorded history. In describing the industry’s economic outlook, he optimistically noted that a devalued dollar is boosting exports and, in the short run, lower GDP growth takes pressure off of inflation and interest rate increases. At the same time, motor carriers are plagued by rising and volatile fuel prices, a growing driver shortage, and a game-changing regulatory landscape—all making for a challenging operational environment.

Murray, who is responsible for directing ATRI’s portfolio of research initiatives, has served as project manager on transportation research sponsored by multiple local, state and federal agencies. He has also been on various transportation research committees for organizations such as the National Research Council, TRB, General Accounting Office and Council on Competitiveness, and previously represented freight interests as a board member of the Minneapolis-St. Paul MPO.

To kick off its ninth annual user conference last evening, the leading provider of innovative and integrated onboard computing and mobile communications systems for effective fleet management hosted a welcome reception and exhibit featuring 26 prominent PeopleNet partners. Conference sponsors include:

·    Platinum—Maptuit Corporation, McLeod Software, TMW Systems, Inc.

·    Gold—Par Logistics Management Systems, EBE Technologies, Penske Truck Leasing Company L.P., SpeedGauge, Takata;

·    Silver—BOLT, T-Chek Systems, Inc., BatRF by STEMCO, PACCAR Leasing Company (PacLease), Fleet Advantage, ITS Compliance, Inc., Noregon Systems, RAIR, CCJ

Today is the first full day of the ninth Annual PeopleNet User Conference being held in Boca Raton, Fla., at the Boca Raton Resort. More than 36 sessions are helping fleets maximize ROI and MPG and reduce maintenance costs with the tools and information that PeopleNet provides them, including the unique needs of truckload, LTL, private, and service fleets.

About PeopleNet
PeopleNet is exclusively focused on providing innovative Internet-based and integrated onboard computing and mobile communications systems to improve North America’s trucking industry’s fleet management. Its products are used by nearly 1,500 truckload, LTL, private, and service fleets in the United States and Canada, including several Fortune 500 companies. Reputed for its customer-driven technological innovation, unparalleled flexibility, and proactive customer care, PeopleNet was the first major technology provider to offer Internet-based communications to the transportation industry 15 years ago. Since then, the company annually reinvests 100 percent of its profits into the business for aggressively developing new products that continue to improve fleet management. Industry recognition of the company’s leadership includes: Frost & Sullivan New Product Innovation Award, Inbound Logistics Top 100 Award; Food Logistics’ 100 Top Technology Solutions and Service Providers; Frost & Sullivan Market Engineering Award; and M2M Value Chain Award. For more information about PeopleNet and its products, call (888) 346-3486, or visit www.peoplenetonline.com.