Dedicated Logistics Switches to PeopleNet's Onboard Computing System
Innovative Third Party Logistics Provider Uses Technology to Tailor Creative Solutions
MINNEAPOLIS-June 2, 2005-PeopleNet announced today that Dedicated Logistics, Inc., (DLI) one of the nation's most creative providers of third-party logistics solutions, has selected the PeopleNet onboard computing and mobile communications system as their standard onboard offering.
"We are pleased that DLI has joined the esteemed ranks of third-party logistics providers and dedicated fleets that have chosen PeopleNet," said Ron Konezny, chief operating officer, PeopleNet. "DLI has established itself as an innovative company that uses technology to drive innovations for its customers. We have worked closely with DLI to ensure that the PeopleNet solution provides a suite of leading-edge applications that can be tailored to help deliver optimal functionality and return on investment."
President Tom Wintz echoed those comments. "One of the reasons we switched from Qualcomm was that PeopleNet offered us the tools we need in our drive to customize innovative solutions for our customers," he said. "We needed to look for new ways to use technology to drive a better solution for our customers."
DLI, headquartered in St. Paul, Minn., operates about 500 units to provide unique distribution management solutions for a diverse range of more than 50 customers.
"Each of our customers has its own unique needs and our services are developed to fit those needs," says Wintz. "For instance, we have supplemented the value add for our customers, we expanded our operations to include public warehousing, trailer leasing, logistics and consulting services, freight brokerage and especially more dedicated fleets." DLI operates primarily in the Central part of the US with roughly 80 percent of DLI's business coming from long term contracts with our customers."
By offering creative solutions, DLI has saved millions of dollars for numerous companies, including 3M, General Motors, Ford and Chrysler. For instance, it was able to convince General Motors and Chrysler to share trailer space on parts deliveries to its dealers in the Midwest.
To support its diverse and expanding service portfolio, DLI looked to capture real time operating and performance information including automatically capturing information on pick up and delivery times. When its existing supplier balked, DLI switched to PeopleNet's PACOSTM Automated Messaging and Exception Management tool. Before making the switch, Wintz reports that his drivers were entering in that information manually, resulting in lost time and inaccuracies.
"PeopleNet didn't just talk about it," says Wintz. "They did it. We wanted to associate ourselves with a forward-looking company that is actively interested in helping us meet our goals."
Integrating the PACOS system with his own internal software, Wintz placed a geofence around shipper and receiver locations. When that border is crossed by a DLI driver, the shipping information is sent automatically to the screen of the on-board computer. The message eliminates the need for the driver inputting information. The message asks the driver whether he or she has picked up the load. All the driver has to do is respond yes.
Once the units were installed, DLI started capturing the benefits from other PeopleNet features. He plans to take advantage of Onboard Event Recording (OER) a newly released feature that allows the capture of events immediately before and after an incident or accident. "You never know what you might be exposed to when operating on the road," explains Wintz. "OER gives our people the access to data to prove or disprove the facts in the event of an accident."
He also looks forward to implementing the eDriver Logs, PeopleNet's electronic log keeping solution. This, he says, will improve driver efficiency and eliminate their frustration of recording everything they do on paper. Plus it will provide dispatchers with a more accurate view of drivers' status.
But far and away the biggest attraction for Wintz of the PeopleNet solution is that it brings more value into all of its accounts. "By cross pollinating best practices across all our customers, we can actually get a better handle on improving service for all of them," says Wintz. "Better, more accurate and more timely information will allow us to compare and contrast everything from driver performance to idling."
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 more than 11 years ago. For more information about PeopleNet, call 888-346-3486, e-mail info@peoplenetonline.com, or visit www.peoplenetonline.com.
# # #
CONTACT:
Ellie Walradth
PeopleNet
888-346-3486 x247
