Search Results

High tech is permeating the trucking industry, which is now entering the electronics and information age. The trucks of today are becoming increasingly sophisticated with technical innovations occurring in many areas. Electronic engines, electronic service tools, onboard computers, real time communication utilities and computerized operations represent a few key technical solutions that are finding increasing penetration in the market. These technical solutions complement and/or compete with one another as they strive to meet the needs of the trucking fleets. The extent to which they complement and/or compete with one another is not readily or widely understood. It will take skill and knowledge on the part of the customer and the supplier to know the difference. A quick glance at these solutions makes one simple fact clear: electronics is the technology that is common to all these solutions and is capable of weaving them together.

The business of hauling freight for profit is not easy. To be competitive, fleets must operate at low cost and provide excellent service. The truck manager is also responsible for safety on the highways and must comply with all legal requirements. An onboard computer can help a fleet obtain better fuel economy, increase productivity, reduce maintenance costs and improve safety practices. The payback period for a properly used management information onboard computer is about nine months. On the basis of improvement in safety alone, an onboard computer is an indispensable device. Today's society demands that all responsible businesses do everything reasonable to promote safety. An onboard computer represents a technology that is available now; it is a vital management tool for getting at the root of safety problems. Used properly, it can provide the control necessary to ensure safety and prevent damage to property.