Affiliated Foods Upgrades to PeopleNet Onboard Computing and Mobile Communications System
PeopleNet's eDriver Logs to enhance fleet efficiency
ATLANTA-NPTC Education Management Conference & Exhibition, May 3, 2004-PeopleNet, the fastest-growing provider of onboard computing and mobile communications systems to North American transportation operations, today announced that Affiliated Foods, Inc. is equipping its entire fleet with PeopleNet's mobile communications and onboard computing technology.
Headquartered in Amarillo, Texas, Affiliated Foods serves more than 700 grocery stores and chains in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona and Wyoming. The company's 145 tractors haul produce, meats, bread and dairy products from a one million square-foot warehouse. Affiliated also manufactures bread through Tri State Baking Company, which serves more than 500 member stores.
George Lankford, President of Affiliated Foods said the decision to equip the company's fleet with PeopleNet's g2x system was made based on recommendations from within the company. Currently, installations of the modular onboard PeopleNet components are being completed on 145 tractors at Affiliated Foods and 23 power units at Tri State Baking.
Lankford related. "One of the factors behind our decision to seek a new onboard computing solution was the new driver Hours-of-Service regulations. We needed a system that could handle HOS compliance and produce accurate logs, and after the evaluation we decided that the PeopleNet g2x system was the best technology available to meet our needs."
The PeopleNet system, according to Lankford, is replacing an outdated system at Affiliated Foods. "We expect a return-on-our-investment in the PeopleNet g2x system from its ability to manage HOS compliance and to eliminate the company issued phones in our tractors," he added. "Even though those phones are only able to call dispatch or 911, they are more costly than using PeopleNet for data communications."
The web-based functionality of the PeopleNet system was also a factor in making the decision to use this technology, Lankford reported. "With PeopleNet's web-based interface, we're able to give ourselves and customers a very user-friendly way to access shipment data through," he said. "Being able to communicate with our drivers easily and regularly is a great way to enhance customer service."
The PeopleNet system's modular design is easing implementation at Affiliated Foods. Installation time per tractor is just 45 minutes. The company is also planning to fully integrate the system with its existing Roadshow dispatch and operations software.
The PeopleNet g2x system has become the standard for GPS-based location tracking, two-way voice and data communications, and Internet-based fleet business tools to provide consistent, reliable communication between business owners, dispatchers, drivers and shippers. A key feature of the system is OTAP (over-the-air programming), which allows PeopleNet to make system upgrades without taking vehicles off the road.
Headquartered in Minneapolis, PeopleNet is the fastest-growing provider of Internet-based onboard computing and mobile communications systems to the long-haul transportation and metro-based fleet industries. The company serves carriers throughout the U.S. and Canada and recently signed its 1,000th customer. For more information about PeopleNet, call 888-346-3486, e-mail info@peoplenetonline.com, or visit www.peoplenetonline.com.
