The Freight Transportation Security Consortium has begun efforts to create standards for security-related data from tracking systems for tank trailers and railcars. The standards will foster a system for centrally monitoring hazardous materials moves and communicating with emergency response personnel in the event of hijackings, thefts or tampering by terrorists, according to consortium director Drew Richardson (email: [email protected]).
EMS Technologies, a provider of satellite communications hardware and service, has named Patrick Donohue account manager for the U.S. transportation market. Donohue will help EMS introduce its PDT-100 satellite terminal and real-time two-way messaging service to the trucking market. www.ems-t.com
Reinhart FoodService, a major distributor for Subway and Burger King, is adding Cadec's Mobius TTS onboard computer to its fleet. Reinhart operates 10 full-service distribution centers serving over 20,000 fast-food restaurants in 20 states.
The Road BOSS is a remote security system from trailers, truck vans and containers that alerts both drivers and dispatchers if someone attempts to open a cargo door. Developed by Bulldog Technologies, it can send alerts up to 1.5 mi. over a pager or can be linked to wide-area wireless communications systems. The Yard BOSS is a similar system designed for monitoring cargo stored in a terminal. www.bulldog-tech.com
Onboard computer hardware and application developer XATA Corp. has named Craig S. Fawcett president and CEO. He replaces company founder Willian P. Flies, who will now serve as chairman and chief technical officer. A Harvard Business School MBA, Fawcett comes from Deere & Co., which owns a 31% stake in XATA.
A new mobile asset tracking system using low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites is one step closer to commercial operation. Aprize Satellite Inc. has been granted a license by Bermuda to build and operate a satellite command and control station. A fiber optics cable will provide customers with Internet access to data passed through the station. The company, headquartered in Fairfax, VA, is currently conducting field tests with two LEO satellites.
Maddocks Systems Inc. has released an IBM DB2 version of its TruckMate for Windows fleet management system. The new version will allow fleets currently using text based AS/400 software to move to the Windows-based client/server system, according to the developer. www.maddockssystems.com
