Tankstar USA Upgrades to PeopleNet's Onboard Computing System
Bulk hauler holding company sees gains in operational efficiency
LAS VEGAS - TRUCKLOAD CARRIERS ASSOCIATION ANNUAL CONVENTION, March 7, 2005 -- PeopleNet, the leading provider of onboard computing and mobile communications systems to the
nation's transportation industry, today announced that Tankstar USA, Inc., a Milwaukee-based holding company, has begun the implementation of PeopleNet's onboard computing and mobile
communications system across its five independently operated dry and liquid bulk carriers.
The implementation began last year with its long-haul subsidiaries Schwerman Trucking and Rogers Cartage Co., and will be rolled out across its other operations - Wheatfield Trucking, Bulk Logistics and North American Bulk Transport - later this year.
In its role as a holding company, Tankstar USA, provides support for the various subsidiaries by offering accounting, sales, billing, payroll finance, information technology, insurance, legal, maintenance, quality and safety. Together, the companies operate 900 power
units and 1,940 tank trailers.
"As a provider of transportation services, our performance has a direct impact on the quality of our customer's products and services," says President Jack Schwerman, a third-generation
executive. "Our goal is to contribute to the quality of our customers by consistently providing them with the best services available in the tank truck industry."
Given his customer focus and a strong heritage of innovation, Schwerman realized that future breakthroughs resided in the realm of information technology. The problem he faced that the
acquisition of different bulk carriers had saddled Tankstar with a variety of mobile technology offerings.
For Schwerman, that turned out to be a mixed blessing. On the one hand, he had actual performance data that he was able to analyze to determine both the cost and benefits of each system. On the other hand, he didn't like what he discovered - that both of the onboard systems deployed were running into tremendous cost overruns in terms of installation, maintenance, and operations.
"We had learned to live with the costs," says Schwerman. "But we weren't happy about it because we believed that there would be a lot more information available. That's when PeopleNet came in and got everyone's attention."
In making the switch. Schwerman was looking primarily to boost the tracking and dispatch capability for both the Schwerman operation, the nations largest carrier of cement and a major transporter of various liquid commodities, and the Rogers business, which hauls is 95 percent the transportation of liquid chemicals and the other five percent assorted dry bulk products.
What he found was a more robust, feature-laden system that allowed him to accomplish more of his operating and safety goals as well. For instance, PeopleNet allowed him to construct
geo-fences around certain terminals that automatically trigger a report when a truck arrives at departs from a terminal location. "We have trucks in remote locations where there are no facilities
and no management," he says, "so this move-alert is especially helpful."
The PeopleNet system also allows Tankstar to feed timely and accurate data into its quality process, known as its "Error Free Shipments" program. "This program defines and communicates
to all employees our vision of success through each individual job function," explains Schwerman.
"Each employee is trained to this program and its standards. Error Free Shipments stresses on time performance, dispatch standards, maintenance schedules, safety guidelines, billing issues
and many other vital areas of our operations. Tracking performance is vital to our ultimate goal of zero defects in all aspects to providing service to our customers. All areas are subject to
performance review through non-conformance tracking and reporting."
All failures of the "Error Free Shipments" program are documented in the Tankstar system. Routine review of individual performance and customer service levels are conducted. This analysis gives the company the opportunity to spot any developing trends and address problems in a proactive management approach.
For instance, the PerformX feature allows Schwerman to capture key performance metrics such as idling, truck speed and miles per gallon that allow him to improve efficiency and safety. For instance, reports on drivers exceeding company speed settings or excessive braking are used to help target and improve training programs to improve overall performance. "This allows us the ability to correct driver behavior while becoming more proactive in terms of our preventive maintenance program."
The PeopleNet system has become the standard for GPS-based location tracking, two-way voice and data communications, electronic driver logs, and Internet-based fleet business tools to
provide consistent, reliable communication between business owners, dispatchers, drivers and shippers.
Headquartered in Minneapolis, PeopleNet is the fastest-growing provider of Internet-based onboard computing and mobile communications systems to the transportation industry, including
truckload, LTL, private, and service fleets. The company serves several Fortune 500 companies in the U.S. and Canada and has signed more than 1,000 customers since its inception 11 years ago.
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CONTACT:
Ellie Walradth
PeopleNet
888-346-3486 x247
