Technology: Wireless Mobile Communications Tracking Systems

Wireless mobile communications tracking systems use satellite-tracking Global Positioning System (GPS) technology for vehicle location information, as well as satellite and/or cellular communications technologies for two-way communication.

Using mobile communications tracking systems, drivers, dispatchers, and fleet managers can easily communicate during daily operations and emergencies. These systems allow on-site carrier personnel to efficiently send messages, such as load assignments, directly to the truck drivers in near real time. Then, drivers can send messages to dispatchers and respond with current information, such as arrivals and departures.

In addition, the systems can provide on-site carrier personnel with vehicle location information, such as latitude, longitude, and distance from cities, towns, and landmarks. Some systems display the last known locations and position history information of vehicles. As a result, dispatchers know when vehicles are expected to arrive at destinations, and they can relay this information to their customers. By assessing vehicle locations along with operating parameters, carriers can track driver and vehicle performance to conduct more efficient and safe operations.

By wirelessly communicating routing information, specific routes can be pre-determined and last minute route changes can be conveyed to drivers to improve delivery times. In addition, the geo-fencing feature provides alerts to the carrier when a vehicle departs from a set route for appropriate action to be taken.

The use of mobile communications tracking systems can enhance the safety, security, and efficiency of commercial vehicle operations by providing information about asset locations and a direct means of communication between carrier personnel and drivers. To increase security, these systems allow drivers to make real-time contact with carrier personnel in emergency situations. By closely tracking vehicles and assets, opportunities for cargo and vehicle theft can be reduced.

Additional benefits include potential improvements in delivery service and asset utilization through vehicle location and routing information. Human resource management and worker productivity can be enhanced by carriers receiving more accurate status and arrival time information on shipments. Increased visibility into this information can expedite deliveries and help to ensure on-time performance to customers. Furthermore, implementation of mobile communications tracking systems with tethered trailer tracking units have the potential to maximize vehicle utilization and facilitate better trailer inventory management. Overall, this information allows carriers to improve scheduling of deliveries.

The use of mobile communications tracking systems can improve safety when operational maintenance personnel remotely diagnose vehicle-operating parameters to maintain optimum vehicle safety and minimize repair expenses. In addition, safer operations can result from the carrier using information from these systems to monitor driving performance. Increased safety, security, and efficiency also have the potential to lower costs to carriers.