Handheld computers

Most tractor-trailers use dumb terminals connected to a fixed onboard computer and have limited text communication with the back office, but fleets are starting to adopt stand-alone handheld computers that support Wi-Fi, cellular and a wider range of applications.

J.B. Hunt is adapting a handheld computing device from Intermec Technologies that uses GPS data and mapping software to provide spoken, real-time directions to the driver. The device can be placed in a cradle mounted on the dashboard while the driver is driving. Its ability to give verbal directions is important because the driver doesn't have to look at the display, says Palmer. "That's critical from a production and safety standpoint," she notes.

As with many consumer GPS devices, directions change dynamically based on the vehicle's location. If the driver takes a wrong turn, the system immediately adjusts and issues revised instructions.

While voice synthesis works for giving directions, voice control of the device is impractical. The level of ambient noise in the cab makes voice recognition difficult, says Palmer.

Another option is BLU, a Windows CE-based handheld offered by PeopleNet Communications, includes a touch-screen interface and a range of applications -- including one that allows the driver to immediately scan documents and signatures and transmit them over a cellular link, rather than using a fax machine at the next truck stop.

J.B. Hunt's system captures both bar codes and proof-of-delivery signatures. Information is uploaded from the vehicle every 15 minutes via cellular or Wi-Fi connectivity. "We put it on the Web within minutes" so customers can then view it, says Palmer.

Electronic driver logs

US Federal regulations prevent drivers from working more than 14 hours and driving more than 11 hours per day. Drivers must then rest for 10 hours before resuming. "That tractor can only move 11 out of 24 hours, and that's best case," says Palmer, so maximizing productivity is vital.

Most large carriers still rely on having drivers fill out paper logbooks to document their hours of service, a system that makes it easy for drivers to fudge the amount of time they've spent behind the wheel. If drivers get caught breaking the rules, their carriers can be hit with substantial fines, and multiple violations can lead to a downgraded safety rating. When overtired drivers who break the rules are involved in accidents, carriers may suffer large liability judgments and lots of bad publicity.

Electronic onboard recorders (EOBR) automate the process of updating driver logs and help to verify that a driver isn't cheating, by matching the driver log entries with information on the vehicle's location and whether it was moving at a given time. "The next big wave will be onboard recording," says Avondale's Broughton.

PeopleNet offers an EOBR application for its BLU handheld, and J.B. Hunt is testing similar technology on 100 trucks. The J.B. Hunt system transmits driver log status and alerts to headquarters and also lets drivers know one hour before they need to stop for the day. Information from the EOBRs is then passed to the decision-support system when assigning vehicles and drivers to new loads, so that drivers with just a few hours left on the clock aren't sent out.

But many drivers object to using electronic logs. Because they're paid by the mile rather than by the hour, drivers have an incentive to drive more hours per day than is allowed. "If they can deliver a load in 12 hours and just drive straight through, you can do it a lot cheaper than if you have to pull it over two days," says Palmer, adding that J.B. Hunt takes steps to prevent that. Trucking businesses also have incentives not to use EOBRs.