PeopleNet Communications Corp., Chaska, Minn., announced that Plains Transportation Inc. has equipped its entire fleet with PeopleNet's mobile communications and onboard computing technology.

Plains Transportation is a refrigerated truckload carrier with 165 tractors. The family-owned company hauls frozen and refrigerated food goods in Southwestern states and is based in Amarillo, Texas.
"We did not have a system before PeopleNet," said Jane Gripp, president of Plains Transportation, "but customer requests for real-time load tracking led us to determine that we needed to be able to monitor vehicle locations and communicate with drivers. In some instances, we pull our customers' trailers. In others, we deliver to stores and have to meet precise time windows.
"The web-based functionality of the PeopleNet system was a key factor in making the decision to use this technology. This capability will reduce service calls by allowing shippers to access vehicle location information online," Gripp said.
Currently, the PeopleNet system is running independently, but Plains intends to integrate it with their Innovative Computing Corp. dispatch and order entry software.
The company also expects to streamline communications between drivers and dispatchers.
"We're looking to eliminate all standard check calls, greatly reducing the time drivers and dispatchers spend on the phone and the cost of that service," Gripp explained.
For more information, visit www.peoplenetonline.com.