Fleets using AirIQ telematics services in Mexico can now switch from analog wireless service to faster digital GSM/GPRS networks, according to the company. Under an agreement with Telefonica Moviles Mexico, current AirIQ analog users can now make the switch without changing online user interfaces or back-end applications. Replacement fees for the digital hardware will be based on the age of the analog systems, according to the company.
www.airiq.com
Schneider National has announced that it will equip its entire fleet with PrePass electronic pre-clearance technology by the end of the year. Independent contractors leased to the fleet will be included in the program, according to the carrier. PrePass allows registered users to bypass weigh stations as well as pay tolls electronically.
Hand Held Products' IT4600 handheld imager line now uses Adaptus Imaging Technology Plaform 5.0, improving its ability to read linear or 2D bar codes as well as capture digital images with increased resolution. www.handheld.com
Noregon Systems' Data Link Adapter for SAE J1939 and J1708 data bus connectors is now offered with a USB connector for use with new PCs not equipped with serial or parallel ports. Like other company adapters, it supports all RP1210A compliant applications. www.noregon.com
Quality Distribution, which operates the largest tanker fleet in the U.S., has decided to install the SkyBitz GLS trailer tracking system after two years of evaluations, according to president and CEO Jerry Detter. Quality manages 7,600 tank trailers and 3,500 tractors.
Tow Trucks contracted to the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority will be fitted with WebTech Wireless telematics systems. The system will be used to monitor tow-truck activity, improve customer service and simplify billing, according to the authority.
Approximately 280 owner-operators leased to flatbed carrier Fikes Truck Lines will install MobileMax Multi-Mode communications systems by the end of the year, according to the carrier. Fikes supplies the GeoLogic Solutions systems to its owner-operators for a nominal monthly fee, according to Jerry Davis, the fleet's VP of safety and insurance. The MobileMax system is used in an after-hours dispatching system that allows Fikes drivers to access loads even when dispatchers are off duty.
The driver log auditing software LogPlus from Prophesy Transportation Solutions has been updated to meet the revised Federal Hours of Service (HOS) rules that took effect Oct. 1, 2005. Version 7.5 includes the modified split sleeper-berth rules and 16-hour short-haul exemption, as well as the ability to set up rules of intrastate and other operations that vary from standard HOS rules.
www.mile.com
TruckTax-Plus is an online driver trip report management service that allows independent or company drivers to submit trip reports for fuel tax reporting quickly without mailing or shipping actual paper documents. The Web-based service requires no software beyond a standard browser. www.trucktaxplus.com
Canadian truckload carrier Bison Transport has begun installing PeopleNet tracking and mobile communications systems in turnpike-doubles operation between Winnipeg and Calgary. The fleet, which has a fleet of over 800 power units, was looking for speed monitoring and real-time location information along the 830-mi. route, according to Mike Ludwick, vp of information services.
The private fleet operations of Shaw Industries has installed the TMWSuite management system for its 300-tractor linehaul division. Integrated with its PeopleNet wireless system, the new software package will also include TMW's web-based performance monitoring application, ResultsNow. Shaw Industries is the largest carpet manufacturer in the world.
