Also known as transportation management systems, these computer-based applications offer a comprehensive portfolio of tools to track and manage various aspects of a fleet operation. The intent of these systems is to help fleets reduce expenditures, while simultaneously improving productivity, efficiency, and asset utilization. Here is a sampling of what is available.
Take part in free FleetMentor beta test
J. J. Keller & Associates Inc. has launched the beta test for its new online fleet management system, FleetMentor. As part of the beta test, participants will have free, unlimited access to the service through June 2008 and will be asked to provide occasional feedback to aid development of the service.
FleetMentor provides more than 60 interactive tools to more effectively manage operations, personnel, and safety.
The Operations area provides tools to make better business decisions. These tools range from identifying fixed and variable costs to determine optimal bill rates, tracking accident claims, and managing insurance policies. The Personnel area provides features to aid in the management of drivers and other operations personnel with tools for creating competitive pay packages, improving driver retention, and managing the DOT-required drug and alcohol testing processes. The Safety area provides help with OSHA and DOT recordkeeping requirements, compliance audits, and hazardous materials management.
Register to participate in the free beta test by visiting the website www.FleetMentor.com or calling 877-595-1157.
OnTrack offers customizable solutions
Telogis describes its OnTrack fleet management program as an integrated and highly customizable tool designed to optimize fleet efficiency for reduced cost of operations.
Among its features are real-time alerting and exception engine, real-time vehicle tracking, mapping, fleet, and driver management.
OnTrack offers a full suite of reports which can be run by vehicle, fleet, driver, or team.
Visit www.telogis.com to learn more.
Vehicle tracking systems from NavTrak
Navtrak's GPS tracking systems show, in real time at any time, the location of any of fleet's vehicles.
With its web-based reports, a fleet can get a snapshot of its business operation, including driver habits and behavior, mobile asset performance information (engine data, fuel efficiency, etc), and route management.
There is a variety of vehicle messaging tools available to instantly communicate to one driver or the entire fleet, and to deliver customized or pre-set messages.
Additional informational can be found at www.navtrak.net
FleetMatics provides historical information
Fleet management tracking systems from FleetMatics can be accessed from any Internet enabled site for GPS vehicle tracking in real time, enabling a fleet to know its vehicles' exact location, status (starting up, in use, or shutdown), and speed at any given time.
Along with this capability, the systems record all historical activity of the vehicles, allowing historical route replay.
An alert component sends notifications of any unauthorized vehicle activity or excessive speeding, as well as servicing needs of each vehicle.
For details, visit www.fleetmatics.com.
IDC selects McLeod Software technology
McLeod Software will partner with truckload carrier Interstate Distributor Co. (IDC). This multi-phase initiative will replace IDC's operating system with McLeod's LoadMaster enterprise management and document imaging system.
The two organizations will implement McLeod's technology, which will include several new modules such as Container Module for Truckload and the LoadMaster Symphony Mobile Communication interface. New modules will be hosted on an IBM System i (AS400) platform.
The LoadMaster and Document Imaging systems will interface with IDC's existing fuel optimization, cost analysis, and maintenance management software, as well as its current mobile communication systems.
