PeopleNet, a leading provider of onboard computing and mobile communications systems to the nation’s transportation industry, has announced that Bison Transport, one of the largest truckload carriers in Canada,
has installed PeopleNet’s tracking and mobile communications system in a portion of its fleet.
Ron Konezny, chief operating officer for PeopleNet, said, “We have worked closely with them to ensure that our leading-edge applications have helped them to enhance their efficiency in certain traffic lanes while continuing to deliver optimal functionality and return on investment.”
Based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Bison Transport serves Canada and the 48 nearby states using a fleet of 800 power units and 1,725 dry van, heated and refrigerated trailers, some of which operate in highway configurations such as Super B trains and turnpike doubles.
It was on the portion of the fleet operating turnpike doubles that the company deployed the PeopleNet solution 10 months ago, said Mike Ludwick, vice president of information services for Bison.
This operation operates 39 power units hauling two 53-foot trailers between Bison’s Winnipeg and Calgary facilities – a run of 830 miles
“These units provide maximum productivity at the lowest costs so we can compete with the rails, “says Ludwick. “But the province of Saskatchewan had very specific permitting requirements that control drivers, vehicles and access to certain road networks.” For instance, one of the operating restrictions prohibits those units from traveling in excess of 90 mph. To enforce that regulation, the government requires Bison to report operating speeds every three minutes during transit. “We had a specific fleet that had specific needs that PeopleNet helped us solve,” says Ludwick. “We needed a position on these trucks on a secure time line. Other options we looked at were more cumbersome and costly.” Headquartered in Minneapolis, PeopleNet provides Internet-based onboard computing and mobile communications systems to the transportation industry, including truckload, LTL, private, and service fleets.
For more information, call Brian McLaughlin at (888) 346-3486 ext. 211 or e-mail him at bmclaughlin@peoplenetonline.com.