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Mobile business software maker Vettro hopes to roll out its Java-based application, which connect truckers to dispatchers involved with pickup and delivery, from 6,500 USF drivers to 17,000 drivers throughout YRC Worldwide, which acquired USF in 2005.

The application, called Vettro FieldMaster is integrated with the dispatch system and is available for drivers with Java-enabled phones and dispatchers through the web. It provides manifest information to the driver and relays the status updates from the driver to the dispatcher to improve visibility into field operations.

“We’re strong on integration,” said Dan Friedman, vp of services. “This is important for customers with a homegrown or off-the-shelf solution they need to integrate with dispatch.”

The application provides the driver with a list of equipment and a list of pickup-and-delivery stops associated with that equipment.

“It provides the workflow the drivers go through,” said Friedman. “They could update their workflow per stop and capture information such as the number of pieces and weight of the delivery. As they go through their day they can go through pickups and input that information via barcode scanning directly into the device, which eliminates keying errors.”

The solution constantly maintains a server connection through the Sprint Nextel network for real-time status updates.

The initial rollout at USF began about a year and half ago. “We pride ourselves on the user interface and ease of use for drivers. We understand that the users aren’t always tech savvy or willing to take on a new application on a cell phone. We make it easy for them to read the screen and to key in information and do their job,” said Friedman.

Looking forward, Vettro is looking to add more GPS and mapping capabilities. “We’re looking to do more geofencing so our customers can establish territories,” Friedman said. “For example, one concept is automatic tripping: once you cross a geofence, like within 500 yards of a site, that could update the work status.”

For more information, go to www.vettro.com/fieldmaster/index.html

To comment on the article, email Terrence Nguyen at tnguyen@fleetowner.com

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