HELP Inc. has moved to a new technology-agnostic platform backed by cloud-based data that is more current, complete and correct than that offered by government systems. The move offers a Smarter Roadside solution and enables HELP to launch many new services.


"Officials in the 30 states for whom we screen commercial vehicles believe current, complete and correct data on safety, credentials, tax payment and drivers is the lynchpin for successful ITS systems," said Richard A. Clasby, president and CEO of HELP (Heavy Vehicle Electronic License Plate Inc.) in a presentation to the 18th ITS World Congress. "Current, complete and correct data ensure accurate screening and reduce the potential for legal action."

No federal or state data system accurately supports truck screening. While a state's CVIEW (Commercial Vehicle Information Exchange Window) database is the closest, it represents only a part of the full complement of data that are ultimately needed. Only 25 states upload both IFTA and IRP data into the federal system and there is no mechanism to ensure the state data are consistent or correct.

According to Clasby, "This means when states query CVIEW, as many as 40 percent of the responses can be empty records."

HELP addresses this and other data deficiencies by verifying and formatting information using more than 60 rules to create a normalized set of data for use across the nation. These data sets are augmented with information directly obtained from 90 other government sources for safety, tax, credential and other information.

"With our anticipated new service offerings, state enforcement agencies need not worry about technology changes on the front-end. We're ready for all comers and have just successfully completed a new pilot deployment using cutting-edge Kapsch TrafficCom IVHS technology that is screening ALL trucks visiting inspection facilities. This helps to level the playing field for carriers by identifying deficiencies for intervention and promoting fair competition," Clasby added.

Applications made possible by HELP's new platform range from in-station screening to mobile and remote truck screening, and from on-demand permitting to unmanned weigh enforcement. Clasby added, "Because our states are asking for the services, we envision integrating with systems such as TraCS (Traffic and Criminal Software) software, Iteris' INSPECT software, ASPEN software, and weigh-in-motion. HELP's data warehousing and analytics will also support a variety of state functions from highway planning to enforcement."

HELP's mainline screening service electronically has processed more than 465 million weigh station events as of September 2011, saving carriers more than 186 million gallons of fuel. Based on Environmental Protection Agency data, PrePass has reduced emissions by at least 411 thousand metric tons, the equivalent of more than 21 thousand U.S. households, HELP claims.