Outpost, a network of managed semi-truck parking facilities, has launched a new technology platform that helps fleets and owner-operators book truck parking nationwide while giving fleet managers and operations teams visibility into their assets’ location and condition. Integrated hardware, software, and cloud services have begun rolling out at 21 truck yards, with plans to expand to the majority of properties over the summer.
“The state of the industry is that if you need yard space or parking, you're working with thousands of different operators around the country,” Greg Akselrod, chief technology officer at Outpost, told FleetOwner. “You're asking for referrals, you're searching the web, and then to find one or to book one, you're emailing back and forth, phone calls, and there's a lot of friction. And then once you get there, it's a mixed bag in terms of experience.”
According to Akselrod, Outpost’s customers have three major concerns regarding truck parking and yard space: booking and managing, visibility of equipment, and security.
Outpost's new technology platform is a direct response to these challenges, informed by the company's experience as a truck yard owner and operator. With the platform, trucking companies are able to create a virtual network of their own terminals through the use of proprietary hardware, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, computer vision, video streaming, inventory management, and analytics. By connecting operations teams with their equipment and drivers, the company said the platform provides a level of control and visibility previously unattainable.
See also: Outpost raises $12.5 million to target the nationwide truck parking shortage
In addition to enabling customers to find, book, and manage parking reservations at yards across the U.S., Outpost’s platform provides:
- Real-time inventory shows the number of trucks, trailers, and personal vehicles parked in each yard.
- Unique access codes are created for each location or driver, including one-time use for temporary access. According to Akselrod, this feature ensures drivers easily have access to the yard, preventing stressful technical issues.
- Asset identification uses AI with human verification to read license plates as well as USDOT, MC, tractor, and trailer numbers. According to Akselrod, the use of AI on this platform is overseen by an operations team to ensure accuracy and continue to teach the AI to be even more accurate.
- Asset condition assessment uses AI to identify visible damage to the tractor and trailer.
- Intrusion detection uses AI to scan perimeter fencing for unusual activity.
- Live and on-demand video of every entrance and exit confirms driver identification, equipment condition, and time of access. According to Akselrod, this feature will also protect drivers from false reports and help fleets determine when and how their equipment became damaged.
Outpost will continue rolling out this platform to its customers through the summer and fall. According to Akselrod, the hardware Outpost is installing in its yards has more potential than is currently being used, so the company can easily add more features as customer feedback is received.
“Many truck yards and terminals remain absent from the digital landscape, operating with manual processes for reservations, access control, and billing, unable to provide customers with visibility or reassurance into the status of their assets,” said Akselrod. “By deploying a consistent technology platform, we’re improving the driver experience at each yard while providing fleets with a new way to remotely manage their assets at scale.”
