Service Transport Upgrades to PeopleNet's
Liquid Bulk Hauler Cites Security Benefit from Mobile Technology
MINNEAPOLIS - Nov. 4, 2004 - PeopleNet, the leading provider of onboard computing and mobile communications systems to the nation's transportation industry, today announced that Service Transport Company, a liquid bulk hauler located in Houston, Texas has equipped its fleet with PeopleNet's tracking and mobile communications system, providing it a key security advantage.
"We have used the PeopleNet satellite tracking as a key ingredient of our safety and security response plan," says Jim Brown, Vice President of Operations and Business Development for Service Transport Company. The for-hire carrier operates 275 power units and 425 liquid bulk trailers transporting primarily chemicals throughout the 48 continental United States, Mexico and Canada.
Satellite tracking plays key role in giving us the location of our units," he says. "We are putting a geo-fence where the truck should be and when it should be there. Eventually, we'd like to geo-fence the entire route. Anytime one of our units goes out of route could be a cause for concern, and we'd like to know about it."
As it looked to upgrade security, Service Transport found that its existing mobile technology provider not only couldn't meet the challenge, but its existing onboard computers were in dire need of maintenance. That proved to be the impetus Brown needed to make a change.
Service Transport converted to the PeopleNet system beginning late last year. "We went with PeopleNet because they are always trying to change and improve their technology," recalls Brown. "They offered more features and seamless integration with our dispatching software."
Plus PeopleNet, through its PerformX feature, offered Brown the ability to track key performance indicators such as idling, truck speed and miles per gallon. "This information allowed us the ability to take cost out of operation by correcting driver behavior and by becoming more proactive in terms of our preventive maintenance program."
"As you begin to learn all the different capabilities of the system, you quickly realize there's more than just messaging to take advantage of," he says. "If we can use the system to help us recognize some of our inefficiencies, we can take the steps needed to improve."
Getting his drivers comfortable with the new system also proved to be less of a challenge than he had thought, according to Brown. "We showed them the benefits - the ability to communicate via e-mail with their family as well as the visual display available through PerformX that enables them to track their performance," he said. "It didn't take them too long to see the benefit."
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 10 years ago. For more information about PeopleNet, call 888-346-3486, e-mail info@peoplenetonline.com, or visit www.peoplenetonline.com.
