Fleet Management News & Business Info | Commercial Carrier Journal
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MAKING THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENTS WORK FOR YOUR FLEET BY AARON HUFF protecting fleets from the litigation risks of having an IC business model. Equinox Owner-Operator Solu- tions has more than 12,000 active IC customers using its mobile and cloud-based software systems to help operate their businesses. Equinox is owned by OnRamp Transportation Services, which specializes in providing low-mileage tractor and trailer leases to independent contractors. Through agreements with fleets, the company uses its cloud-based software to extract settlement, fuel mileage and other performance data from back- office information systems. Equinox "We try to provide [drivers] an avenue, and uses this real-time data feed to provide drivers with business consulting. Equinox monitors up to 200 data points on drivers who receive informa- tion in a readable, intuitive format by using the company's Android mobile app and Website. As exceptions such as low mileage or pay occur, drivers receive automated alerts; they also may receive a call from an Equinox employee trained to coach drivers on how to operate more profitably. Equinox recently opened a new virtual mailbox service for drivers to have their mail sent to the company's office to be opened, scanned and sent to them online. The company plans to add the capability for drivers to authorize and pay bills electronically. Equinox also has about 100 online training programs that drivers can access through Equinox University. Courses include how to use a profit- and-loss statement and increase fuel efficiency. The company also offers low-cost income tax preparation and incorporation services. When fleets allow Equinox to they choose to take it." – TOM KRETSINGER JR., PRESIDENT, AMERICAN CENTRAL TRANSPORT extract data, it can compare the profitability of its IC clients versus nonclients within the same fleet. Equinox clients average about 60 percent more profit, says Spencer Angerbauer, president of OnRamp. Contractor Management Ser- vices also has a full suite of tools for fleets and ICs. Drivers that use its Web-based IC Power system can store insurance policies, operating authority and other qualifications. IC Power interfaces with Equinox to give drivers access to its business services. A new CMS program, IC Direct, will allow drivers to advertise their services to motor carriers. Motor vehicle records, background checks and training will be visible to carriers, which can negotiate with drivers on- line and sign contracts electronically. While fleets may have the internal resources to assist ICs, outsourcing might be a less risky and perhaps more effective way to provide drivers the services they need to succeed. AARON HUFF is Senior Editor of Commercial Carrier Journal. E-mail ahuff@ccjmagazine.com or call (801) 754-4296. INBRIEF ALK Technologies announced the release of the newest version of its CoPilot Truck GPS navigation app for professional drivers that brings the latest truck-specific turn-by-turn guidance and routing technology to iPhones, iPads and Android-powered smartphones and tablets. announced more than 50 enhancements and functional- ity improvements to its Paragon Version 5.6 routing and scheduling optimization software to help fleets cut operating costs, improve asset utilization and enhance customer service. now is processing live customer transactions via its cardless fueling technology that automates the fueling process and data entry requirements. announced a partnership and integration with Spireon to provide for-hire car- riers and private fleets with detailed informa- tion on trailer location, capacity and operations. system now utilizes Verizon Wireless' M2M Management Center to deploy and manage devices for fleet customers with devices on the Verizon Wireless network. released Trinium-MC2, its next-generation mobile application for smartphones designed to provide a cost-effec- tive means for trucking companies to improve operational efficiencies, including driver-to- dispatcher ratio, data accuracy and timeliness. provider of the FuelOpps fuel ef- ficiency application, announced a collaboration with Qualcomm Inc. through which FuelOpps integrates with Qualcomm' s Mobile Comput- ing Platforms and leverages data from Qual- comm' s Performance Monitoring application. Encompass compliance manage- ment tool now supports the U.S. oldfield log- ging exception through Keller' electronic onboard recording system. COMMERCIAL CARRIER JOURNAL | SEPTEMBER 2012 53 s Android-based