Technology Briefs - May 3 - May 9
The Latest Headlines:
- AtRoad Takes First-Quarter Loss
- TransCore Offers Trailer-Tracking Option
- Terion Adds Reefer-Monitoring System
- DHL Unveils New Web Site for U.S. Customers
- Power2Ship Reports Higher Preliminary Revenue
- PennDOT Sets Online Construction Maps
- EENT Closes Acquisition of Auxiliary Power Business
- TransCore Offers Trailer-Tracking Option
AtRoad Takes First-Quarter Loss
Fleet communications technology provider AtRoad Inc. Thursday reported a first-quarter loss of $7.4 million or 13 cents a share, compared with net earnings of $3.1 million or 5 cents a year earlier.Revenue rose to $20 million from $17.9 million a year earlier.
The earnings were hurt in part by AtRoad’s previously announced acquisition in the quarter of Vidus Ltd., its statement said.
AtRoad provides mobile wireless communications, transaction processing and Internet access to fleets. Transport Topics
TransCore Offers Trailer-Tracking Option
TransCore Holdings Inc. said Thursday it was offering new trailer-tracking sensors, including an infrared cargo sensor and a temperature sensor, for use within the company’s GlobalWave communications products.The transportation technology firm said in a statement the system would incorporate infrared beam technology, which would help keep costs down because of the technology’s widespread availability.
“The introduction of the sensors . . . marks the beginning of a series of upcoming design innovations in satellite communications,” said John Worthington, TransCore's president.
The cargo sensor can detect the presence, or absence, of cargo, sending an event trigger to fleet managers when trailers are loaded or unloaded and ready for assignment. Transport Topics
Terion Adds Reefer-Monitoring System
Trailer-tracking firm Terion Inc. said it launched a new application for refrigerated trailer monitoring.The company said it added the application to its FleetView 3R tracking system, and that it can send critical shutdown alarms by e-mail or text message to fleet managers, whether or not a trailer is hooked to a tractor.
The company released its tracking application for reefers last year.
Terion said it signed its first reefer-monitoring customer, Raider Express Inc., based in Fort Worth, Texas. Transport Topics
DHL Unveils New Web Site for U.S. Customers
DHL Americas said Monday it launched a newly designed Web site for its U.S. Customers.The new site, which links off the delivery company’s main site, was developed in collaboration with customers and provides better functionality and features, the company said in a statement.
It has an updated shipment preparation screen with a drop-box locator tool, and the ability to schedule a pick up, as well as the ability to differentiate between business and residential shipments, providing customers with more accurate rate estimates.
"We listened to . . . particularly small and medium-sized business owners, to develop an online platform that provides seamless access to the full range of DHL express shipping and logistics services," said John Pearson, executive vice president, commercial, for DHL. Transport Topics
Power2Ship Reports Higher Preliminary Revenue
Power2Ship Inc. a Web-based marketplace for the freight transportation industry, reported in a preliminary statement that its revenue surged to about $1.5 million for its third quarter ended March 31, from about $500,000 the previous year.The company said that the two acquisitions it closed on March 21, Commodity Express Transportation and Power2Ship Intermodal, contributed revenue for the last 11 days of March.
Based on early figures for April, Power2Ship said its annualized revenue would be about $25 million, versus $2.1 million for its last fiscal year ended June 30.
The company said the quarterly and monthly revenue projections were preliminary, internally prepared figures that are subject to adjustment. Transport Topics
PennDOT Sets Online Construction Maps
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Monday launched an online construction map designed to help travelers pinpoint potential trouble spots for delays on interstates and other major routes throughout the state.“To help with travel planning, we encourage motorists to visit our online construction map and find the locations where travel delays may exist so they can plan accordingly,” said Transportation Secretary Allen Biehler.
The maps for interstates and other major routes can be found in the state’s Web site, www.state.pa.us, by typing the keyword “construction,” or at PennDOT’s Web site, www.dot.state.pa.us, in the “Statewide Construction Map” link. Transport Topics
EENT Closes Acquisition of Auxiliary Power Business
Energy & Engine Technology Corporation, a provider of auxiliary power generators for the long haul trucking industry, said Wednesday it closed an acquisition of Anchor Tampa Inc.’s marine air conditioning business.EENT did not release the value of the deal.
The company in a statement that the acquisition brings in-house to EENT control of a key component of its truck power generation units. Transport Topics
