TMW Unveils New OnRoute Trucking Software
March 13, 2007 Alex Woodie
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Trucking companies that rely on TMW Systems‘ dispatching software may be interested in a new mobile communications product the vendor recently announced, called OnRoute. The new offering, which is based on TMW’s own D2Link technology, uses GPS communications technology from Qualcomm, and installs on Sprint‘s Nextel handsets, is expected to boost communication between drivers and dispatch, while keeping integration and equipment costs down. Over the years, various methods of connecting truckers with trucking companies’ dispatch centers have been tried, including expensive satellite-based tracking systems and dedicated terminals. While these systems still have their place, especially with long-haul operations, TMW is hoping to open a new era of communication for other segments where advanced satellite or terrestrial systems were cost-prohibitive, including local delivery fleets, owner-operators, and seasonal and temporary drivers. With OnRoute, drivers get a single device for voice and data communications. The software is designed to be used for all dispatch-to-driver communications, including load assignments, pick-up times, delivery schedules, customer information, road conditions, and accident alerts. Since it’s designed to install on Sprint-Nextel phones equipped with GPS chips, it can also be used for vehicle location tracking. TMW says OnRoute is the first application to launch on Qualcomm’s Mobility Services for Transportation platform running on Sprint’s Nextel National Network. The software, which is Java-based, becomes available April 2, and integrates easily into all of TMW’s dispatch suites, including the OS/400-based TL2000 suite, and the Windows-based TMWSuite and TruckMate applications. “This solution is perfect for almost any trucking company,” says David Wangler, president and chief executive officer of TMW. “Companies already using mobile communications can easily add OnRoute to cover those portions of their fleets where conventional in-cab systems are not cost-justified. Others can adopt this well-integrated solution with low up-front investment,” he says.
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