ORLANDO, FL. Rand McNally announced a new web-based solution to improve routing and also availability of the company’s new HD 100 device this week at the American Trucking Assns. Management Conference & Exhibition in Orlando.
TrueTrack, powered by IntelliRoute – Rand McNally’s navigation system – allows fleet managers to control the in-cab routing experience and track a drivers’ adherence to predefined routes. TrueTrack works in conjunction with Rand McNally’s suite of mobile fleet management solutions, the TND 760 and TPC 7600, and will be available via the Rand McNally Connect web portal, the company’s online command center for its mobile fleet management solutions.
The initial release of the software will allow fleet supervisors to manage driver alerts proactively. Fleets can dictate when warnings or alerts are issued and drivers are proactively advised (at a fleet-specified distance) of what is ahead including posted speed limit changes, toll roads, sharp curves or steep declines.
There is also a company address book that allows fleets to upload a spreadsheet of locations into TrueTrack and then have those locations downloaded into in-cab devices across the fleet. Locations can be organized by account or locations.
Also, fleet managers can control the type of route computed on the in-cab device. Route settings include restrictions for 53-ft. trailers, 48-ft. trailers, double, triple or straight truck configurations, Hazmat routes or routed to avoid tolls or take the shortest or fastest route.
Managers can also monitor any vehicle’s destination and estimated time of arrival, as well as the driver’s available hours of service (HOS) information. Drivers and dispatchers share the same ETA information, which helps minimize dispatcher calls to the truck for updated information.
“Beyond efficiencies gained through improved control capabilities, TrueTrack will provide a single version of the truth, allowing alignment between fleet managers and drivers on the route driven, actual miles, and the estimated time of arrival.” said Jim Rodi, senior vice president, mobile communications, Rand McNally. “Fleets will like the expanded management capabilities provided by TrueTrack, and drivers will enjoy having access to critical information at their fingertips.”
The company also announced the release of its new HD 100 device. A small black box about the size of a deck of cards, the HD 100 is designed to pair with tablets, phones, and the company’s IntelliRoute TND 720 GPS device, to create a fully functioning mobile fleet management solution.
The device provides electronic hours-of-service (HOS) recording, vehicle inspection reporting, text- and dispatch-integrated messaging, plus driver performance monitoring capabilities. Features are dependent upon the service plan selected.
“The device will solve many industry problems – a cost effective, simple solution, that meets the needs of the market while being platform agnostic,” said Rodi. “It’s a home run for the industry, helping fleets and drivers alike with meeting the upcoming ELD implementation mandated by MAP 21 while leveraging their current in-cab technology investment.”
Designed to work seamlessly with a variety of mobile devices, the HD 100 plugs into a truck’s onboard diagnostics port and records the truck’s GPS position along with critical vehicle-specific information such as engine diagnostics and driving behavior.
Currently compatible with the IntelliRoute TND 720, the HD 100 will be available for iOS and Android devices, by the end of the year.
