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The trucking firm CRST Inc is deploying a satellite-based mobile communications system for its fleet of 925 tractor-trailers to enhance the efficiency of its dispatching operations. CRST's system is based on the Rockwell Link2000 satellite communications system and will be in place by the middle of 1994, and is supported by a global positioning system that tracks the location of the trucks. In the future, the mobile communications system may be equipped with satellite voice communications that will connect drivers directly with dispatchers.

United Parcel Service (UPS) uses a private cellular data network to support mobile communications for its fleet of 50,000 delivery vans in order to provide timely delivery information to its customers. The UPS mobile communications system that was developed over a six-year period at a cost of over $150 million allows transmission of data while UPS drivers are en route. UPS drivers are equipped with a hand-held computer and an electronic device that collects signatures, and information is transmitted immediately after delivery via a cellular telephone service. The new system allows UPS to tell customers when a package was delivered and who signed for it.

The trucking firm TMC Transportation has decided to use American Mobile Satellite Corp's satellite mobile communications system to support its fleet of approximately 500 tractor-trailers. TMC already is using a global positioning system to collect information from the trucks to track their positions, and is deploying new dispatching and message management computer software to support routing and dispatching. The new satellite mobile communications system also is expected to improve the efficiency of billing by automating the process at truck-level.

Mobile communication is vital to the success of the materials-handling equipment rental company High Reach Equipment. High Reach maintains high customer service by equipping its sale personnel, delivery drivers and field mechanics with cellular telephones and pagers that improve routing and dispatching. The company's two-way private mobile communications system is based on CenCall Communications mobile radio integrated network.

Galaxy Cablevision, a multi-systems cable television system operator that serves small rural communities, has decided to implement a satellite mobile communication system to support its fleet of 50 truck-based technicians. The satellite system will replace an inefficient and time-consuming two-radio system that used telephone check-ins. Galaxy will use Qualcomm Inc's OmniTRACS system for two-way communications and vehicle tracking.

Guaranteed Overnight Delivery Inc (G.O.D.), a palletized, high-density freight company, has decided to integrate a mobile radio communications system with its PC-based scheduling and routing system to enhance the efficiency of its deliveries. The mobile radio communications system that will support G.O.D.'s just-in-time delivery system is expected to reduce paperwork and and rationalize dispatching. The mobile radio communications system will be purchased from RAM Mobile Data, and the total cost of implementing the system and training employees is forecasted at $500,000.

The delivery company Chicago Distribution Co (CDC) is implementing a wireless data communications network to support its mobile communications system to enhance the dispatching and routing of its fleet of 125 tractor-trailers. CDC chose a bundled mobile communications/software package, TransportationEXPRESS, provided by ARDIS and Carrier Logistics. The mobile communications system is based on ARDIS' wireless communications network and Carrier Logistics' specialized software. The package includes computer hardware for dispatching, wireless data transmitters, installation, training and user assistance.

The wholesale fruit distributor Schoenmann Produce equipped its delivery fleet of 20 trucks and tractors with a mobile communications system that supports location and messaging services. Schoenmann fielded the mobile communications system in order to minimize the cost of deliveries. The land-based cellular communications system supports dispatching and routing and enables dispatchers to modify shipments during the delivery run and inform customers of scheduling problems.