Automated HOS for Qualcomm

A new Hours of Service (HOS) application available this summer for Qualcomm's OmniTRACS mobile communications system complies with DOT regulations governing the use of electronic on-board recorders (EOBRs) to document HOS compliance, according to Norman Ellis, vp & gm of the company's transportation & logistics wireless business. Information from the HOS system can be delivered to a fleet dispatch system via a web interface or it can be viewed online with a web browser.

Ellis pointed out the automated record-keeping system offers numerous avenues to cost savings, including eliminating the manual creation and processing of paper logs; mitigating driver violations and fines associated with non-compliance, and improving dispatching decisions. He also noted that since the HOS application runs on the OmniTRACS platform, the up-front investment and driver training needed to deploy it are minimized.

Other features of the new application include:

• Automatic driving time detection using vehicle sensor data to minimizes driver interaction and data entry

• Web interface for review of driver status, availability and reports

• Automatic HOS reports for driver management and safety audits to eliminate expense of paper logs

• Near-real-time notification to drivers and dispatch of impending or actual violations

• Support hotline available for roadside inspections 24/7.

Cost for adding the HOS application to the OmniTRACS system will be $5 to $10 per month per tractor, according to Ellis.
www.qualcomm.com.