Heartland Express to Replace Onboard Computing System with PeopleNet
PeopleNet onboard applications and strong back office integration support Heartland Express' commitment to improved operations, equipment utilization and on-time delivery
BOCA RATON, Fla. Aug. 11, 2010 - PeopleNet® (www.peoplenetonline.com), the leading provider of innovative and integrated onboard computing and mobile communications systems for effective fleet management, today announced that Heartland Express, Inc. (Nasdaq: HTLD) has chosen PeopleNet as the mobile communications provider for their truckload fleet. The Iowa-based provider of dry-van truckload transport will replace their current mobile communications systems and move their total vehicle fleet to the PeopleNet onboard computing platform. Heartland Express and its integrated efficiency-driving applications will provide their customers with improved operations, systematic equipment utilization, and on-time delivery.
With PeopleNet onboard, Heartland Express will electronically monitor hours of service (PeopleNet eDriver Logs) to support compliance, monitor vehicle and driver performance (PeopleNet Vehicle Management), and strengthen the integration between their onboard computing system and back-office platforms. Heartland's plans include the utilization of Vusion, PeopleNet's predictive data analytics capabilities to drive more effective decisions from the onboard data.
"Integrated mobile communications has become a vital part to being branded as one of the best service providers in trucking," said President of Heartland Express Michael Gerdin. "As our industry is ever challenged to respond to the increasing demands of regulation and service needs of our customers and drivers, we have never faltered in fighting to find ways to hold on to the service we provide and the low 80's operating ratio we pursue. We viewed the newer communications platforms as a means to help meet the challenges ahead. In our search to become better, PeopleNet clearly demonstrated that they have built a product platform and organization with vision, innovation, ability and flexibility that aligns well with the present and future goals of our organization. The investment we make today stands as a testimony of the belief we have in PeopleNet's culture and commitments and our desire that this relationship will serve to mutually strengthen our organization."
"We are very excited to be partnering with one of the most respected fleets in the transportation industry," PeopleNet COO Brian McLaughlin said. "Heartland Express is known for consistently reporting the best operating ratio in the industry. Heartland has seen the value of being able to leverage a more advanced onboard system, and will do so with a full suite of services from PeopleNet."
PeopleNet Vice President of National Accounts Mark Kessler added, "Heartland Express' partnership with PeopleNet marks nearly 40 of the top 100 fleets across for-hire and private fleet categories to use the PeopleNet Fleet Management System. This new relationship further validates how our unique combination of open systems, leading applications, and powerful ROI engine give leading fleets compelling reasons to change to PeopleNet."
About PeopleNet
PeopleNet is exclusively focused on providing innovative Internet-based and integrated onboard computing and mobile communications systems to improve North America's trucking industry's fleet management. Its products are used by nearly 1,500 truckload, LTL, private, and service fleets in the United States and Canada, including several Fortune 500 companies. Reputed for its customer-driven technological innovation, unparalleled flexibility, and proactive customer care, PeopleNet was the first major technology provider to offer Internet-based communications to the transportation industry 15 years ago. Since then, the company annually reinvests 100 percent of its profits into the business for aggressively developing new products that continue to improve fleet management. Industry recognition of the company's leadership includes: Inbound Logistics Top 100 Award; Food Logistics' 100 Top Technology Solutions and Service Providers; Frost & Sullivan Market Engineering Award; and M2M Value Chain Award. For more information about PeopleNet and its products, call (888) 346-3486, or visit www.peoplenetonline.com.
About Heartland Express
Heartland Express is an irregular route truckload carrier based in North Liberty, Iowa serving the continental U.S. Heartland is considered a leader in on-time service specializing in mission critical levels of service for leading shippers throughout the United States. Organizations or individuals seeking more information can contact Heartland Express at 1-800-451-4621 or access the company website at www.heartlandexpress.com.
