LAS VEGAS. Qualcomm, Inc. and Integrated Decision Support Corp. (IDSC) announced the launch of their jointly developed in-cab fuel services during the Truckload Carriers Association’s (TCA) annual convention here.
The new services are designed to leverage the existing capabilities of Qualcomm’s OmniTracs and OmniExpress fleet management solutions and IDSC’s fuel optimization tools to deliver fuel purchase recommendations directly to drivers.
The driver-initiated Fuel Query service offers general fuel pricing information at fuel stops in the vicinity of a driver’s current location, while the Trip Planning service is designed to provide a complete fuel optimization plan including high-level routing, recommended fuel stops and purchase quantities. Companies may also tailor purchase recommendations delivered by the services to their specific operating profiles by entering discount structures and preferred fuel stops at a secure web site.
"At a time when fuel prices are threatening to erode industry profits, these services greatly enhance the value that our customers can realize from their investments in Qualcomm fleet management solutions,” said Norm Ellis, vice president & gm of transportation and logistics for Qualcomm Wireless Business Solutions. “We are pleased to work with IDSC to leverage capabilities of both our organizations in the development and delivery of these unique services, which we believe provide compelling value to our mutual customers.”
Qualcomm made a separate announcement that it has reduced the price of its OmniExpress mobile communications solution to $990 per unit effective immediately.
In addition, with the introduction of the third-generation (3G) version of OmniExpress slated for June, monthly service plans for messaging will be reduced from the current low of $19.95 per unit.
This new pricing structure is intended to ensure OmniExpress remains a cost-effective fleet management tool for carriers operating in metropolitan areas and on major highways, according to Qualcomm’s Ellis.
The OmniExpress system is a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA)-based digital wireless fleet management system that provides near real-time, two-way communications and vehicle position reporting. The 3G version of OmniExpress will also be available with Qualcomm’s new automated arrival and depart capability to enable fleets to automatically track planned and unplanned stops without any driver input.
Qualcomm also announced the commercial availability of new hosting solutions for its T2 Untethered TrailerTracs asset management solution. Customers can now directly integrate with the T2 Untethered TrailerTracs solution using AS/400 dispatch systems.
