Vistar Datacom, Herndon, Va., has received an order for 210 GlobalWave satellite communications terminals from RFK Transportation, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

The GlobalWave terminals will be used on RFK's trailer fleet for tracking and monitoring shipments and optimizing trailer use.
"We're getting increasing recognition from truckers of the value of our terminals for trailer tracking," said Zvi Huber, General Manager of Vistar Datacom. Earlier this month, Satellite Intermodal Express placed an order for 6,800 GlobalWave terminals, with the possibility of 20,000 more terminals installed over the next three to five years.
GlobalWave is an end-to-end two-way satellite data communications system that allows users to automatically track and monitor mobile or fixed assets through up-to-the-minute information exchanges via geostationary and GPS satellites.
In addition to GlobalWave's tracking and monitoring capabilities, RFK intends to employ GlobalWave's daily and historical performance data and management reports to cut overhead costs and improve trailer efficiency.
"A few of my customers began requesting trailer tracking, so I wanted to find a solution that would meet their needs as well as my own," explained Robert Kazimour, CEO of RFK Transportation. "As we were examining the various alternatives, we concluded that a satellite system was the best for us, as analogue cellular is being rendered obsolete and digital doesn't have the coverage we require. Another reason we were attracted to the GlobalWave system was that with it, we can poll assets at any time, even if the trailer is unhooked, whereas with other systems, untethered assets can only be polled on a scheduled basis. Installation was also an important feature - we are able to install the unit totally inside the trailer, with no external antennas, no indication at all by looking at the trailer that it is equipped with a tracking system. And we are able to install the unit in less than 15 minutes and easily remove it and transfer it to another asset."