Catch4 Launches MODUS Truckload Solution
Catch4 Technologies, Lakewood, Colo., has launched a fleet management solution called MODUS, designed for truckload fleets of from five to 500 trucks. MODUS currently includes GPS tracking, logistics management, dispatch and online payment functions. Catch4 says more modules are in development.
MODUS tracking information is forwarded from trucks to the Catch4 service center over the Orbcomm low-earth-orbit satellite network. Location updates can occur at intervals from every two hours to every 15 minutes. The two-hour option costs $29 per truck per month. Fifteen-minute updates cost $59 per truck per month. The carrier and authorized customers view updated information, including detailed mapping, over the Internet.
MODUS software assists with load assignments to appropriate trucks, trailers and driver based on loads, location and availability. The package includes an online freight payment tool that automatically bills shippers and pays carriers electronically. Catch4 charges fleet owners a 1.5% transaction fee when this service is used.
For a fleet of from five to 50 trucks the MODUS software suite license costs $3,000 for one year. Subsequent years involve an 18% surcharge, or $540, to cover the cost of upgrades and technical support. GPS hardware costs $599 per unit and comes in a window mirror-mounted version or a flat, roof-mounted version. Catch4 offers a product leasing option of approximately $20 per month/per truck.
NEXIQ Launches ePod
EXIQ Technologies, Sterling Heights, Mich., has stepped into the competitive marketplace for mobile pickup and delivery systems with ePod, a pickup and delivery software system designed for private fleet operations.
The onboard ePod software can be used on any handheld computer running the Palm operating system (version 3.5 or higher) but was designed specifically for the Symbol SPT-1800 handheld. On that device, ePod can capture and store signatures, record over short and damaged information, scan barcodes, import and export data, track and report on COD collections, and more. The computer's wireless capability enables the user to download an entire day's run using the popular 802.11 wireless standard, which works in limited areas — terminals or warehouses, for example. Signatures and delivery data is stored for download at the end of the run.
On the office side, ePod requires appropriate Microsoft server software and a Pentium II 400 Mhz processor or better.
NEXIQ said ePOD integrates with existing enterprise systems and its import/export capability works with many existing software products. Future plans include handheld support operating systems other than the Palm OS.
McLeod And Melton To Interface With Fuel Advice
McLeod Software, Birmingham, Ala., and Melton Technologies, Winston-Salem, N.C. have announced their software products will interface with Integrated Decision Support Corporation's new web-based optimization service called Fuel Advice.
Fuel Advice is based on IDSC's licensed Expert Fuel product and provides fuel optimized routing on fee-per-transaction basis. Customers may subscribe to Fuel Advice, selecting from a range of transaction packages or a monthly flat rate based on fleet size.
McLeod Software provide an interface for its LoadMaster software. Melton will provide one for its Horizon Dispatch product.
Vytek Acquires Extendea
Vytek Wireless, provider of wireless and mobile computing solutions, has purchased the business of Atlanta-based Extendea, Inc.
Extendea Inc., entered the mobile logistics communications market last year with software licensed and adapted from SRI International, a research institute based in California's Silicon Valley. The wireless technology uses components of SRI's InCON command and control systems developed for the U.S. military. The software works on a variety of wireless networks and features modules for scheduling, mapping, confirmation, messaging and reporting. The confirmation module includes wireless signature capture for proof of delivery.
Vytek says it will continue Extendea's efforts to build upon the SRI technology.
Inter Control Introduces Remote Diagnostics Device
Inter Control Inc., Burlington, Vt., has introduced its new Vehicle Information Management System (VIMS), which provides remote diagnostics and prognostics to mobile communications systems.
VIMS is a user-programmable, rugged black-box device that collects data from the engine and vehicle automation system and forwards it to the fleet manager. Typical applications include public works and public transit vehicles, as well as severe-service trucks such as concrete pumps and mixers, truck-mounted cranes, fire trucks and off-road construction equipment.
Inter Control supplies automation and information systems for the construction equipment and severe service truck markets.
Meridian IQ Acquires Two Logistics Companies
Meridian IQ, Overland Park, Kan., Yellow Corporation's web-enabled logistics subsidiary, has acquired MegaSys Inc. of Greenwood, Ind., and select assets of Clicklogistics Inc., Boston, Mass.
MegaSys was founded in 1989 as a third party logistics provider primarily in the automotive, chemical, manufacturing and utility industries. The company added some electronic capabilities in recent years. Clicklogistics started up in 1997 and launched its full-blown logistics services web site last year. Clicklogistics competed more directly with Meridian IQ and with Transportation.com, the Yellow subsidiary that preceded Meridian IQ.
TMC Moves To Set EDI Parts Buying Standards
The ATA's Technology and Maintenance Council is moving to establish standards for the use of EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) in the parts order process. EDI is used for many business communications functions, including logistics transactions.
At the summer TMC meeting in Tucson, Ariz., a TMC study group authorized a formal joint task force with EDI service company HDeXchange Inc. According to a task force memo to heavy duty fleet executives, the task force will seek ways to increase electronic capabilities between fleets and parts suppliers, establish standard formats and fields for transactions and encourage adherence to those standards. Work will begin with purchase orders, then move on to invoicing.
The task force expects to finalize documents for approval at the TMC meeting in Charlotte, N.C., Oct. 14-17.
Axiom Introduces New Tracking Products
Axiom Navigation, Costa Mesa, Calif., has introduced Accu-Tracker FMS-3000, 3100, 8000 and 8100 devices for fleet management and asset tracking.
By combining GPS satellite technology with Cellemetry or Aeris.Net Microburst wireless data delivery, these devices automatically report the exact location of mobile assets virtually anywhere in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and some areas of Central and South America. Cellemetry and Aeris.Net Microburst are ground-based communications systems.
"Knowing the whereabouts of high value vehicles or potentially hazardous cargo has taken on new meaning since the tragic events of last September, and these new products make continuous, low-cost, 24-hour location monitoring possible," said Rick Sill, vice president of marketing and sales for Axiom. "Cellemetry and Aeris both offer very affordable services that have wide coverage areas."
The FMS-3000 and 8000 have three discrete inputs and two outputs, while the FMS-3100 and 8100 have six inputs and two outputs. Additional features include: a forward control channel that enables commands (pages) to be sent from the client control center to the mobile unit. The FMS-3100 and 8100 offer motion-sensing capability for power management and unauthorized movement detection.
All of these FMS devices feature a geo-fencing capability that can be turned on or off at the user's discretion. The default radius for the Geofence is 200 meters, but can be programmed for other limits.
Once the mobile asset has exceeded the radius of the geo-fence, Accu-Tracker will send a position report to the monitoring center so the fleet manager can determine if the mobile asset is being stolen or just diverted off route.
U.S. Bank Voyager Fleet Systems Partners With FuelQuest
Fleet fueling card provider U.S. Bank Voyager Fleet Systems has teamed up with FuelQuest to provide fuel tank owners, fuel buyers and fuel suppliers a way to manage activities and data associated with moving, storing or buying fuel.
By combining the FuelQuest Fuel Management Online solution with the Voyager fleet card and its transaction reporting capabilities, managers now have web access to consolidated data from which to analyze and monitor their complete organizational fuel spend.
U.S. Bank Voyager issues a universal fleet fueling card that is accepted at more than 165,000 major and regional branded fueling stations throughout the United States.
Pegasus TrasmTech Launches Transflo Express
Florida-based Pegasus TransTech announced the successful launch of its Transflo Express document scanning service at 150 truckstops. Drivers hand their documents to a fuel desk attendant for scanning. In seconds, these documents are delivered electronically to the fleet for immediate billing and payroll processing.
