Qualcomm Inc., a mobile communications leader for the transportation industry, announced several new technologies for its fleet management solutions at the Truckload Carriers Assn. (TCA) 65th annual convention in Orlando, Fla.

Those innovations include a high data rate technology, a portable computing solution for load management with electronic signature capture and transfer, and an untethered trailer monitoring system initiative.
These new technologies enable transportation carriers to protect their assets and improve fleet efficiency and productivity.
"When Qualcomm entered this industry almost 15 years ago, we vowed to produce the most technologically advanced solutions to enable our customers to run highly efficient transportation operations worldwide," said Glynn Spangenberg, vice president and general manager of transport logistics for Qualcomm Wireless Business Solutions."
Qualcomm's high data rate technology, originally developed by Qualcomm for CDMA-based terrestrial applications, will enable carriers to send large volumes of data at peak data transmission rates of up to 200 times the existing rate that Qualcomm customers enjoy today.
"Successfully transferring high data rate wave forms into the satellite environment is perhaps one of the most significant milestones in the realm of wireless data communications for the transportation industry," said Spangenberg.
Qualcomm's new portable computing solution also provides operational optimization support for transportation companies. The solution enables secure, over-the-air transfers of load assignments and delivery confirmations complete with electronic signature via handheld devices. Additionally this solution features Agentek's delivery management software with data transfers over Qualcomm's satellite-based mobile communications system.
Qualcomm plans to further expand its service offerings to include an untethered trailer asset management system initiative for transportation carriers. Qualcomm currently offers a tethered-tracking system -- TrailerTRACS --, which provides trailer location, status and refrigeration information when, connected to an OmniTRACS-equipped tractor. Qualcomm will license its technology to third parties for development of a suite of untethered trailer tracking products. In addition, Qualcomm has begun developing a tri-mode untethered trailer-tracking system with its commercially deployed GlobalTRACS solution for construction equipment. This system will offer the same features as the TrailerTRACS system plus a variety of other options, including door and cargo sensors that will allow operators to visibly monitor their assets and loads whether connected or disconnected from a tractor.
For more information, visit www.qualcomm.com.