CRST: ready to reap the benefits; truckload carrier has already prepared its information system to take full advantage of a new mobile communications system

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.