National Distributors Converts To PeopleNet's Onboard Computing System
Mobile Communications Technology Vital for Logistics Provider
MINNEAPOLIS - October 17, 2005 - PeopleNet, the leading provider of onboard computing and mobile communications systems to the nation's transportation industry, today announced that National Distributors, Inc. (NDI), an international logistics provider of automotive components and other high priority goods, has begun installation of PeopleNet's tracking and mobile communications system in its fleet.
"We are pleased that National Distributors has become the latest third-party logistics provider and dedicated fleet to choose PeopleNet," said Ron Konezny, chief operating officer, PeopleNet. "Because of the time-sensitive and high priority nature of its operations, NDI depends on mobile communications technology to drive innovations for its customers. We have worked closely with them 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."
Based in Sellersburg, Ind., National Distributors operates a fleet 330 power units out of six terminals nationwide. In addition to its trucking operations, about half of which originate in Mexico, the company expedites loads from border sites for consolidations and international shipments. A mobile communications user since 1994, National Distributors began converting to the PeopleNet g3 device earlier this year from older, satellite based communications technology, after a trial with six of its dedicated units yielded impressive results.
"Because of our service mix, we must offer the best equipment, the latest technology, and the finest services," says Peri Standlee, senior development manager. "To operate in the most effective manner, we have built an environment of trust and teamwork with our 279 company drivers and 40 owner-operators. We use the PeopleNet system to enhance candid communications up, down and across our organization."
"We were an early adopter of mobile communications technology," explains President Keith Vaughn, "primarily because our customers were operating in a just-in-time inventory management environment and they needed to know where their freight was so they could stage it properly."
NDI drivers, too, are experienced users and appreciated receiving dispatch instructions automatically, instead of waiting on the phone for their next dispatch. PeopleNet provides those same performance abilities but goes a step further, Standlee says.
PeopleNet's flat rate messaging capability allows for full text messaging with the drivers. No longer does Standlee have to pinch pennies by worrying about the number of characters transmitted. "With PeopleNet our communications cost actually has gone down and our efficiency has improved because we don't use abbreviations which resulted in many a missed communication. We can explain ourselves better."
"Our drivers love the email capability that PeopleNet offers," she says. "As a matter of fact, we had a number of drivers who came to us from other carriers that actually asked us to adopt PeopleNet for the email capability. They love being able to keep in touch with their friends and family."
Down the road, Standlee says she looks forward to implementing PerformX, PeopleNet's on-board performance monitoring system. "Being able to capture information in real-time about events such as over-breaking, idling and fuel efficiency will help us to control our fleet so much better," she says. "Our drivers have embraced this and we find they actually compete with themselves and each other to improve their operating performance."
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 1,100 customers since our inception 11 years ago.
For more information, contact: Brian McLaughlin, (888) 346-3486 ext. 211
bmclaughlin@peoplenetonline.com
