Mel Hall Transport Chooses PeopleNet Canada's Tracking, Communications and Onboard Computing Solutions

MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO - June 11, 2004 - PeopleNet Canada, the fastest-growing provider of onboard computing and mobile communications systems, today announced that Mel Hall Transport has equipped its fleet with PeopleNet's mobile communications and onboard computing technology.

Mel Hall Transport, based in London, Ontario, is a100-tractor regional motor carrier operating in Ontario and parts of the U.S. The company, founded in 1931, carries intra-provincial loads for the Ontario Liquor Control Board as well as a variety of other customers.

"The PeopleNet System we installed in our tractors and have been using for a number of months," said Guido Mulder, Mel Hall's Information Technology Manager, "replaces a voice communications system and gives us GPS-based vehicle tracking capability. This ability and other benefits we are realizing from the PeopleNet system are especially important on longer hauls of 250 or more miles."

The real-time tracking and communications function of the Internet-based g2x system was a main reason Mel Hall chose PeopleNet to meet its technology needs. "We looked at other systems as well," Mulder stated, "and found that the cost of the PeopleNet system was comparatively very favorable. It gives us a lot more than just text messaging for a lot less money. In addition, we were able to easily integrate the PeopleNet system with our Total Mail messaging software from TMW Systems. That means we have a single system for monitoring and messaging."

The user-friendly features of the PeopleNet system were also a part of the decision, Mulder related. "One of the strengths of the g2x system," he said, "is that it's very easy for drivers and our administrative staff to use. We've had very positive feedback about the system overall. Our drivers not only find it to be helpful for getting their job done, they also consider it an added benefit because it allows them to stay in contact with their families at no additional cost."

Mel Hall, according to Mulder, is also planning to utilize the PeopleNet system in a number of other ways that will add to its value and provide an even more effective return on investment. For example, when the fleet completes an upgrade to TMWSuite, a Windows client-server based dispatch system, the PeopleNet g2x solution will be fully integrated with dispatch operations.

"That will allow us to monitor load and vehicle status and send more information to drivers easily and efficiently," Mulder reported. "Furthermore, with the integration of the ALK|FleetSuite Condensed Driving Directions module from ALK Technologies with PeopleNet's g2x system, we will be able to seamlessly provide driving directions based on actual vehicle location. This new integrated capability will allow us to have highly accurate routes, eliminating out-of-route mileage and reducing fuel use.

"We are also planning to fully integrate the tracking and operations information we receive through the PeopleNet system with out safety and compliance programs," Mulder continued. "Using PeopleNet's PerformX vehicle performance monitoring and reporting tool, we have access to a myriad of performance details and the ability to generate reports on driver and vehicle operations. That information-which is available in real-time so we don't have to wait to act-- enables us to enhance efficiency, including fuel economy, and improve safety."

Without this capability, Mulder noted, many of these fleet management processes can be very time consuming. For similar reasons, he added, the company is now considering testing PeopleNet's eDriver Logs to automate hours of service. "We're making plans to test that solution," Mulder related. "Having all of this information at our fingertips on a daily basis can be very useful and cost effective."

Mel Hall Transport, Mulder pointed out, is also looking forward to utilizing PeopleNet's OTAP (over-the-air programming) feature for its time and cost saving benefits. OTAP, which enables PeopleNet to upgrade each of the fleet's 100 mobile units without taking vehicles off the road, was one of the reasons the company chose the company's solution.

"Overall," Mulder concluded," the PeopleNet g2x system is proving to be the right choice for Mel Hall Transport. "It's a cost effective, highly efficient technology that meets our needs very effectively. In addition, from the beginning of the installation and implementation process, PeopleNet's support has been very good. Too often in my experience with tech support, the first person you speak to is reading from a list and is not very familiar with the system. That's not the case at PeopleNet. Their staff is very knowledgeable and very helpful. We're looking forward to a long and productive relationship with them."

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 Mississauga, Ontario, 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.