DALLAS, TX/MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA – Omnitracs is partnering with Peloton Technology to bring platooning trucks to market – using Omnitracs routing and dynamic dispatching applications to support navigation, and calculating savings that can be realized through scheduled or ad-hoc platoons of trucks from different fleets.

Peloton begins filling pre-orders of its platooning product for Class 8 trucks this year, offering the technology that links pairs of trucks through Vehicle-to-Vehicle communications and radar-based collision avoidance systems. The resulting tight following distances boost fuel economy 4.5% in a lead truck and 10% in the following truck, according to the North American Council for Freight Efficiency.

The system works much like adaptive cruise control, but the communications network enables automated braking within 0.1 seconds of a brake application by the lead vehicle. Drivers of each truck still steer their own vehicles.

“Peloton has developed technology that is on the cutting edge of advanced driver assistance systems and the automated vehicle movement,” said John Graham, Chief Executive Officer of Omnitracs. “Its emphasis on spatial awareness is a crucial and foundational component of improving truck safety and fuel efficiency.”

“We are excited to be part of the first partnership of a commercial platooning system supplier with a leading fleet management provider,” said Joshua Switkes, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Peloton Technology. “We will offer expanded opportunities for platooning across the broad customer base that Omnitracs has attracted by focusing on cost advantages for fleets.”

“This partnership will offer benefits to fleets of all sizes,” added Butch Winters, Peloton’s vice president – products, sales and business development. “In addition to helping fleets find more opportunities for platooning, we’re working with Omnitracs on new product features to enhance safety and efficiency for fleets and drivers.”

Co-developed solutions from the partnership may include integrated cloud-based fleet management services and hardware.