ORLANDO, FL. -- CarrierWeb's new CarrierMate in-cab terminals, announced at the Truckload Carriers Association Annual Convention this week, offer largely automated electronic driver logs, in-cab navigation, and also monitor factors such as speed, mileage, driver activities and vehicle positioning.

The CarrierMate 2500 has a 4.3-inch high-resolution touchscreen. Its larger cousin, the 5700, has a 7-inch screen, plus an on-board scanner.

Among the more unusual features is the ability to do polygonal geofencing. Instead of drawing a circle from a particular latitude and longitude, the CarrierMate products allow companies to draw specific fences around, say, a particular delivery location.

In addition, the driver logs feature is much more automated than competitive units, according to the company. There's also an ability to ease drivers into EOBRs by first having them enter their driver activities into the system while still keeping paper logs.

Other features available include:

* GPS positioning reports every minute
* Turn-by-turn voice navigation from ALK
* Messaging
* Carbon emissions reporting
* Hard braking monitoring
* State mileage reporting
* Auto dispatch with driver workflow
* Screen blanking while tractor is in motion
* Training videos
* SpeedGauge speed monitoring
* Alert notifications

The data comes into CarrierWeb's online portal, and some smaller fleets find they actually can use the online system for dispatch. The system also offers integration with back-office management and dispatch systems such as TMW and McLeod.

Installation takes about 20 minutes, according to the company, and can be done by CarrierWeb or by a fleet's own technicians after CarrierWeb training. Future upgrades to software or features can be done over the air; it uses the AT&T cellular network.

CarrierWeb emphasizes the low cost of the units, at $675 for the 2500 and $875 for the 5700. Software, communication and maintenance are all included in one monthly fee. There are three levels of service -- a basic EOBR, a Plus and a Premium package.

An optional fuel-tank sensor will soon be available to help monitor fuel usage and identify theft.

CarrierWeb got its start in 2001 and has operations in Brazil, China, Europe and the U.S. It has been offering its products in the U.S> for about five years. In coming months, it will unveil a third-generation of its ReeferMate refrigerated tracking device and two new dry van tracking devices, one of which is suitable for use on the underside of a flatbed trailer.

More info: www.carrierweb.com