Qualcomm to Offer Service for Small Fleets

By Staff -- Logistics Management, 10/1/1998

Qualcomm Inc. has announced plans for a new service called "TruckMail," a mobile communication system designed for fleets of fewer than 100 trucks that use traditional manual dispatch methods. This satellite-based system will allow small and medium-sized fleets to track vehicles and send two-way text messages between driver and terminal at a low cost. TruckMail is slated to become available this month.

The TruckMail service uses an antenna that is installed on the cab's roof, which sends signals to a Qualcomm satellite. Messages are sent and received via a driver display unit that includes a keyboard, numeric pad, and 40-character display. Drivers can send and receive real-time, free-form messages of up to 1,900 characters.

The new service takes advantage of the Internet to reduce the cost of mobile communications. A driver on the road sends a message via a signal to an orbiting communication satellite, which in turn relays that message to Qualcomm's Network Management Center. Qualcomm then conveys the driver's message to fleet managers via the Internet.

In addition to two-way messaging, TruckMail also provides position reports on request with each message or on an hourly basis. A number of hardware and software options are available, including a remote pager, panic button, SensorTRACS vehicle performance-reporting system, TrailerTRACS trailer-monitoring software, and more. TruckMail also can be upgraded to Qualcomm's OmniTRACS product.

Qualcomm says the service will entail an up-front cost for hardware and software as well as a monthly messaging fee. The on-board hardware will be available for between $2,500 and $2,900 per vehicle, depending on the order quantity. The list price for the Windows-based TruckMail software is $2,500. In addition, a fleet can expect to pay about $50 per month for sending 18,000 characters' worth of data.