Technology Briefs - Dec. 9 - Dec. 15
The Latest Headlines:
- Trucks at West Coast Ports to Get Electronic ID System
- Integrated Decision Corp. Buys TransSoft
- Swift Chooses Maptuit's FleetNav for Its Fleet
- TransCore's RFID System Selected for FAST
- IdleAire, Pilot Travel Centers Sign Deal
- UPS, FedEx Asked for Information on Illegal Internet Pharmacies
- Integrated Decision Corp. Buys TransSoft
Trucks at West Coast Ports to Get Electronic ID System
The West Coast Marine Terminal Operators on Wednesday introduced a wireless identification system for all trucks picking up and dropping off containerized cargo.Doug Tilden, president of Marine Terminals Corp., said in a release by transmitting information as soon as trucks pull up to marine terminals, the technology is expected to reduce the time required for trucks to pick up and drop off cargo at terminals. It also will improve port security, he said.
Terminal operators have agreed to purchase and pay for installation of any equipment required on trucks. An estimated 30,000 trucks are expected to be fitted with the devices.
Integrated Decision Corp. Buys TransSoft
ntegrated Decision Support Corp. said Dec. 8 that it bought fleet management software provider TransSoft Corp. for an undisclosed sum.
As part of the acquisition, Integrated said TransSoft founder John Bell would join the company as director of AS/400 development.
Integrated, which provides decision-support software for the truckload sector, said TransSoft specialized in AS/400 software, which provides real-time load management and could be used to help carriers manage driver hours-of-service rules set to take effect in January.
Rick Murphy, Integrated chief executive officer, said that the TransSoft software could track load arrival and departure, detention time, unscheduled stops and excessive delays to maximize driver
tilization. Transport Topics
This story appeared in the Dec. 15 print edition of Transport Topics.
Swift Chooses Maptuit's FleetNav for Its Fleet
Maptuit Corp. said that truckload carrier Swift Transportation Co. had selected FleetNav for its entire fleet of 17,000 trucks.FleetNav provides real-time directions and route-optimization solutions, Maptuit said in a release.
"We chose Maptuit because it integrates with our mobile communications system as well as all of our existing dispatch and fueling software programs," said Rod Sartor, executive vice president of operations for Swift.
wift is ranked No. 13 on the Transport Topics 100 list of the largest U.S. and Canadian trucking companies. Transport Topics
TransCore's RFID System Selected for FAST
TransCore said it been awarded a $4 million contract to make its eGo wireless radio frequency identification (RFID) system the standard for the Free and Secure Trade program at U.S. borders.The company said it would deliver more than 170,000 eGo windshield sticker tags and driver identification cards, and also install inspection booth reader equipment at 22 border crossings.
Transcore said it was selected by ITS Services Inc., which is overseeing the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection's enhanced border protection system. Transport Topics
IdleAire, Pilot Travel Centers Sign Deal
IdleAire Technologies Corp. said Thursday it reached an agreement with Pilot Travel Centers LLC to install its system at all of Pilot's truck parking lots.IdleAire's technology allows drivers to turn off their engines and still heat or cool the cab and use in-cab accessories.
The first systems will be installed over the coming months in California, Indiana, New Jersey, Tennessee and Arkansas, the release said.
Pilot currently has 264 locations in 37 states. Transport Topics
UPS, FedEx Asked for Information on Illegal Internet Pharmacies
The House Energy and Commerce Committee asked FedEx Corp. and United Parcel Service to detail their roles in helping illegal Internet pharmacies sell drugs, the Washington Post reported Wednesday.Credit card firms Visa International and MasterCard International were also asked for information about how they identify and counter problem sites that use their services.
Internet sales of narcotics and other dangerous drugs with little medical supervision have exploded in recent years, the Post previously reported.
Rep. John D. Dingell (D-Mich.) said Wednesday he plans to introduce legislation early next year to close loopholes that allow illicit Internet pharmacies to operate, the Post said. Transport Topics
