TransCore Expands GlobalWave Portfolio of Satellite Communications and Trailer Tracking Technology

NEW ORLEANS, LA. Oct. 6, 2008 - TransCore introduces a series of new features to its line of GlobalWave® satellite products and services for in-cab communications and trailer tracking.

Recently ranked among the top three worldwide trailer tracking hardware providers by ABI Research in the 2008 Vendor Matrix that assesses a company on innovation and implementation, TransCore expands its portfolio of GlobalWave technology options to include: the Slap & Track™ mobile terminal with field replaceable battery packs; the addition of a stop-start sensor to all GlobalWave mobile terminals ; and the enhanced CabLink™ system, with Windows-ready notebook PC, integrated Google™ maps, and optional electronic driver logs. These additions further increase the flexibility and choices available to a trucking company, allowing them to select the right combination of capabilities to monitor and track their assets and customer’s cargo.

While Federal authorities have estimated cargo theft to be costing the United States between $15-30 billion a year, that figure could be higher since numerous incidents go unreported. As the economy wavers, protecting freight will become an even greater priority since theft could subsequently increase. This increased risk will require more fleets to deploy technology to track and secure their mobile assets.

About the GlobalWave Satellite Communication Enhancements

Trailer Tracking

Replaceable Battery Packs: TransCore’s 100 percent satellite communications Slap & Track mobile terminals are now available with field replaceable battery packs that come in various sizes, enabling a fleet to select the appropriate battery for their service needs.

TransCore’s replaceable battery pack can be readily serviced in the field without jeopardizing the electronic components, thus protecting the unit and facilitating easy maintenance. This feature compliments TransCore’s extremely efficient power management technology, which allows a single pack to provide up to six years of service.

The low-profile (approximately 0.8 inches) Slap & Track device delivers high-end tracking performance at an affordable price. Using two-way satellite communications, the unit sends reports, receives commands, and can be interrogated on demand thus providing the trailer location and status when the trucking company needs to know.

The location accuracy provided by GlobalWave’s integrated Global Positioning System (GPS) technology and the ability to change reporting characteristics “over the air” provides customers with control over their fleets. Use of the Slap & Track mobile terminal can reduce trailer-to-tractor ratio, prevent and reduce cargo theft, help recover misplaced or stolen equipment quickly, and reduce insurance costs.

Stop-Start Sensor: The new stop-start sensor provides important trailer status information. In addition to knowing if the trailer is parked or moving, users can select different location reporting intervals based on trailer motion. This information, combined with TransCore’s geofencing capabilities, which creates invisible fences around key locations as defined by customers, provides comprehensive trailer visibility to fleet managers.

By creating alerts only when desired and/or only when the asset moves versus other motion sensors’ preset communication intervals, fleets can reduce monthly airtime costs and more efficiently use battery power. Additionally, fleet owners can provide accurate detention billing, allowing them to increase revenue billing. Equally important, customers receive quicker notification of a possible trailer theft without a major drain on the battery caused by unnecessary and repetitive communications.

In-Cab Communications

CabLink, TransCore’s 100 percent satellite in-cab communications and dispatch analytics system, now comes with:

• A rugged, compact Windows-based, WiFi ready notebook and replaces the previous handheld keypad device;
• Integrated Google maps;
• And, in anticipation of potential government-mandated requirements, expands CabLink reporting capabilities to include the optional feature of electronic driver logs for accurate, auditable hours-of-service reporting.

CabLink provides location tracking, engine diagnostics, two-way driver communications, custom configurations and flexible settings, along with full software integration that integrates seamlessly with major dispatch software programs.