Aether Adds Tracking Features to Wireless System

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img src="/sites/default/files/images/articles/printeditiontag_new.gif" width=120 align=right>Aether Systems Inc. said it added a vehicle-tracking feature to its MobileMax fleet management system.

The new software, Proximity Alert, allows fleet managers to receive a message on their desktop or wireless device whenever a truck enters or leaves a predefined, virtual route or location. The information makes it easier to automatically verify arrival and departure times at customer locations, detect vehicle movement, out-of-route miles and off-duty activity, according to a company statement.

Similar "geo-fence" features have become common in wireless vehicle tracking systems, especially with heightened security concerns about keeping shipments away from potential high-profile targets.

Aether also announced truckload carrier J&R Schugel Trucking Inc., New Ulm, Minn., has agreed to outfit its 600 tractors with MobileMax two-way communication units.

J&R has been an Aether customer since March when Aether purchased @Track Communications Inc.'s customer list as part of a wider deal to expand its long-haul transportation services, said spokesman Greg Abel. He said Aether continues to support @Track's Highway Master 5000, but is working to convert customers to the more advanced MobileMax in-cab communication system when their contracts expire.

This article appears in the Nov. 11 print edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.