Trucker Tools is again expanding the information available on its real-time visibility platform with the addition of location data from electronic logging devices (ELDs) on AirIQ’s IoT platform. AirIQ, which operates throughout North America, offers a full suite of IoT products and services to truckload fleets and independent owner-operators.
The addition of real-time data from AirIQ’s ELD solution provides another source of reliable shipment location information, complementing the Trucker Tools mobile driver app, which uses the embedded GPS features of the driver’s smart phone to provide real-time, accurate in-transit location updates as frequently as every 15 minutes. According to both companies the integration, which was completed last month and is now live, will provide Trucker Tools customers with richer, more comprehensive shipment visibility data.
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Founded in 1997, AirIQ provides an IoT, fleet tracking and ELD solutions in the industry. Its portfolio includes software services, equipment and telematics supporting fleet maintenance, safety, regulatory compliance and analytics across all modes of trucking.
AirIQ’s ELD solution, available throughout the U.S. and Canada and registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), has been widely adopted among hundreds of trucking fleets with proven results driving reduced fuel costs, improved driver safety, and automated hours of service reporting requirements throughout the U.S. and Canada.
“AirIQ joins nearly 70 of the most popular ELD/telematics providers who are connected to Trucker Tools,” said Prasad Gollapalli, founder and CEO of Trucker Tools. “Collectively, the integrated providers serve an aggregated base of over 200,000 fleets with some 3.5 million installed units.”
Gollapalli noted that the provision of ELD data into the Trucker Tools platform is completely permission-based, with the truck owner and/or driver maintaining full control over access. Once user permission is received, a pre-built application programming interface (API) connects the Trucker Tools platform to the ELD, activating automated transmission of in-transit location data from the truck ELD unit.
Gollapalli emphasized key benefits as ease of use and simplicity for the trucker, with one-step activation, and automated updates which require no driver intervention.
“It’s really a convenience and time-saving feature for the trucker, who simply has to provide permission access, then we do the rest,” Gollapalli said. He noted as well that the only data passing to Trucker Tools from the AirIQ ELD is in-transit location updates. No other ELD data is shared.
Mike Robb, president and CEO of AirIQ, explained that the partnership with Trucker Tools aligns with AirIQ’s strategy of continually adding value to its portfolio—and solving challenges for shippers and fleet operators. “We initiated this collaboration at the request of several AirIQ ELD users, who wanted access within Trucker Tools to the precise location data our units provide to enhance visibility to shipments in-transit,” stated Mr. Robb.
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“Considering today’s congested supply chains and tight trucking capacity, knowing exactly where your shipment is in real time is more critical than ever,” Mr. Robb added. “With Trucker Tools, we are enabling the provision of real-time location updates as an added benefit to our customers, while maintaining security and access control over ELD data that supports other operations management and analytics uses.”
Gollapalli noted as well that the integration benefits truckers by providing another choice to simplify and automate the provision of tracking data – and eliminate annoying “check calls” from brokers.
“We have thousands of ‘micro’ truckload fleets and independent owner operators actively using Trucker Tools digital freight matching, one-click simplified automated booking, automated load tracking and carrier relationship management software and services,” Gollapalli noted. “Truckers and fleets that have installed AirIQ ELDs will be able to choose between their ELD or the Trucker Tools mobile app to provide tracking data. The platform has built in rules and instructions that eliminate duplicate data and ensure accurate reporting.”
