Tripmaster Corp., Arlington, Texas, announced several wireless initiatives.

Tripmaster has teamed up with Wireless Matrix to provide a multi-mode wireless communications system for customers operating in a variety of operations. Wireless Matrix' Mobile Base Station, used in conjunction with Dynamic Mobile Data's MobileDispatch, offers a real-time wireless communications system that seamlessly switches between terrestrial, satellite or wireless local area networks. Messages may be sent and received through Tripmaster's Driver Data Terminal I or II, or through handheld computers. There is a single, flat billing rate for messaging services, regardless of which network is used.
"Until now, fleets that operated in a variety of mission deployments - inner city, long haul metro to rural areas and back - using the same equipment, choices were limited for data communications," said John Gaither, Tripmaster vice president of sales and marketing. "They had to make a choice between terrestrial, satellite or cellular. Or they had to commit to more expensive systems designed for the long haul truckload segment, which was really overkill."
Tripmaster is also offering a low-cost, nationwide wireless communications service as an alternative to conventional cellular or satellite systems. The service is used with Tripmaster's DT-240/GPS onboard computer platform. Both short and long messages generated by the onboard computer and the customer application are quickly delivered across the network, even through the in-and-out coverage conditions that are inherent in a wireless network. In addition, a "store and forward" capability holds onto messages until they have been delivered, even if network fading occurs during transmission.
Tripmaster's entry into two-way messaging allows Tripmaster customers to communicate with drivers at a price that fits their business, choosing the low-cost network carrier as well as controlling message sizes. Users can access messages through the Tripmaster Driver Data Terminal keyboard for drivers and Tripmaster's new web-based Messaging and AVL system for the office.
Tripmaster has also teamed up with Dynamic Mobile Data to provide wireless, two-way back office messaging and vehicle tracking support. Using DMD's MobileDispatch communications software, time-sensitive data and applications will be available in real time, without the need for synchronization or downloading.
MobileDispatch uses the Internet to affordably provide companies of all sizes with real-time, two-way messaging, status tracking and Automatic vehicle Location. In addition to the MobileDispatch service, all companies need is an Internet connection for dispatcher workstations.
For more information, visit www.tripmaster.com.