New tracking system for tow truck companies

GMC, a division of General Motors Corp., has selected Gearworks’ etrace wireless system for its new towing concept vehicle. Drivers use a Palm Pilot handheld device to operate the system, which provides dispatchers and tow truck drivers real-time tracking via Global Positioning Systems. Messages, prepared electronic work orders, electronic signature capture, credit card and receipt printing, and bar code reading of vehicle identification numbers are also possible with Gearworks’ system.

"There are 36,000 towing companies, yet, less than 5% use a, wireless fleet management system," said Keith Lauver, Gearwors’ CEO. He added that this is this is the second year in a row that GMC has featured etrace in a commercial fleet concept vehicle.