Onboard computing and mobile communications systems provider PeopleNet has partnered with Par Logistics Management Systems to offer Par's suite of trailer management products through an integrated user interface, both in the cab and back office.


John Sammon III, president of Par Logistics, said Par's customers, particularly those in the dry van sector, were looking for one system that could handle multiple needs. For these fleets, their needs differ from day to day and depend on their practices and uses; the new integration was meant to address those needs, Sammon said.

The announcement was made during PeopleNet's User Conference 2010, held this week in Boca Raton, Fla.

"We believe that the integration of our specific solutions will provide PAR and PeopleNet customers with operational advantages needed to maintain their leadership positions in the industry," said Sammon.

The partnership will be the core of the PeopleNet Trailer Management portfolio, the company said.

"Partnerships with leaders in complementary technologies help us provide our customers with an increasingly comprehensive array of tools they need for maximizing productivity and driving bottom line improvements across their businesses," said Brian McLaughlin, PeopleNet chief operating officer.

While Par Logistics offers both dry van and refrigerated trailer monitoring, the New Hartford, N.Y.-based company specializes in cold chain management. Its trailer monitoring system is cellular-based and combines GPS technology with motion, power and temperature sensors. It provides for two-way communication for remote power on and off temperature control. The temperature probe is a separate device that plugs into the product itself.

According to Sammon, the reefer market was actually growing and thriving during the economic recession, unlike other sectors of the industry. These days, he said, shippers have stricter requirements for monitoring temperature-controlled assets throughout the entire cold chain, from the farm to store.

There has also been a bigger push for temperature monitoring from the intermodal community, Sammon said. And not just within North America. Temperature monitoring is expanding beyond borders to where it's now being used on the ship that's carrying the assets from overseas, to the rails, and over the road.

For more information, visit www.parlms.com or www.peoplenetonline.com.