The carrier said it will replace its existing satellite-only system, and plans to install Aether’s multi-mode wireless communications and tracking system in substantially all of its trucks during 2003.

U.S. Xpress has been testing Aether’s MobileMax system in more than 100 trucks. The multi-mode system automatically switches between land-based and satellite communications.

U.S. Xpress said that it plans to implement several new applications including Proximity Alert, which provides automatic notifications of pre-programmed events such as when a vehicle arrives at or departs from a particular location. The carrier also plans to use applications that provide automatic state line crossing reports, as well as driver performance reports and vehicle fault code monitoring.