Truck Service, Inc. Installs PeopleNet's Mobile Communications and Onboard Computing System
Truck Service, Inc. Installs PeopleNet's Mobile Communications, Onboard Computing System
LAS VEGAS - ATA Management Conference & Exhibition, Oct. 5, 2004 - PeopleNet, the leading provider of onboard computing and mobile communications systems to North American transportation operations, today announced that Truck Service, Inc. of Forest City, N.C. has begun installation of PeopleNet's onboard computing and mobile communications system.
The general commodities truckload carrier, which next year celebrates its 30th year in business, operates 75 power units and 180 trailers. Ten of its units are operated by independent contractors. Truck Service runs predominately in the East Coast and no further west than Texas while serving customers such as Baxter Healthcare, BASF, PPG Industries, and a host of other manufacturers.
Truck Service maintains a limited size and scope of its operation. "We try hard to get drivers home every weekend," says Jennifer Bennett, who serves as I.T. Director for the company. "It makes it easier when they're closer to home. Plus we worry that we would start losing that personal contact with the drivers if we grew too much bigger."
The goal of retaining that family feel for her drivers, while staying in the sweet spot of customer service, prompted Bennett to switch its GPS satellite tracking and mobile communications to the PeopleNet system in April.
"We liked the PeopleNet system because it was easy to use by both drivers and dispatchers, it offered greater functionality and it was internet-based."
This latter point was a great advantage to a family owned business. "I can get all the information I need from home," says Bennett. "That means no more going into the office to handle emergency breakdowns, weather-related delays or changes in dispatch." Drivers also have embraced the e-mail service. "There is no more confusion on dispatch instructions," she says. "Since many of our loads are delivered before 5 a.m., drivers don't have to wait for a dispatcher to get into the office." The e-mail will also help Bennett do away with cell phones, which currently cost the company about $1,500 per month.
As she completes the installation of the PeopleNet system, Bennett looks forward to taking advantage of another feature, PerformX, which offers real-time monitoring of engine performance. From a maintenance standpoint "our people will be able to monitor engine performance and predict when a unit needs servicing and schedule it in for service before it fails," she says. "That should help reduce if not eliminate the amount of en-route failures."
In addition, with PeopleNet's online fuel tax, paperwork will be greatly reduced and easier on drivers. The trip sheets they have to keep up with now will be less time consuming.
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 carriers throughout the U.S. and Canada and has signed more than 1,000 customers since our inception 10 years ago. For more information about PeopleNet, call 888-346-3486, e-mail info@peoplenetonline.com, or visit www.peoplenetonline.com.
