TORONTO, Ont. — Two of Canadas largest wireless communication providers are increasing their presence in the truck industry with improved wireless fleet management solutions.

Rogers Communications and Telus have both recently released product suites specifically designed for the trucking sector, utilizing GPS technology to offer fleets tracking and logistics solutions.

After an extensive two-year review of North American solution providers, Rogers selected WebTech Wireless of Burnaby, B.C., to be the exclusive application provider to power its new wireless asset tracking and logistics solution mFleet.

mFleet is a Web-based offer for a variety of fleet types ranging from long-haul to municipal vehicles. mFleet offers fleet managers and operators real-time automated vehicle mapping, intelligent management reporting and vehicle diagnostic reports.

Using mFleet’s Locator hardware with GPS and engine diagnostic technology, messages from vehicles connect in real-time to mFleet Quadrant, a secure, Web-based hosted mapping and reporting software, over the Rogers Wireless network.

“mFleet is the latest example of Rogers investing in innovative wireless business solutions that reduce operational costs and improve customer satisfaction,” said Mansell Nelson, vice-president of business development, Rogers Wireless. “Rogers has a long history supporting wireless fleet solutions, and we’ve selected the best, most cost-effective wireless solution to take the guess-work out of fleet management for customers.”

mFleet aims to provide fleet managers the ability to improve truck and trailer productivity, while reducing downtime and increasing truck utilization. Each customer receives automated driver timesheets, custom geofencing, odometer readings and maintenance scheduling.

Refrigeration units can be monitored remotely and recorded to ensure the proper temperature of perishable goods or medicines are met. As well, untethered trailers and other mobile assets can be continuously monitored against unauthorized activity.

Telus meanwhile launched its Fleet Tracking Bundle, a real-time tracking solution using GPS modems installed in vehicles.

The technology bundle aims to provide companies with the ability to track their mobile assets, improve operations, productivity, service levels and safety using Telus 1X wireless data network across North America.

Whether it’s short or long haul trucking, service/delivery vehicles or couriers, GPS optimizes route scheduling, reduces fuel consumption and enhances customer service benefits once cost prohibitive for all but the largest enterprises, said Jim Senko, vice-president, Mobility Solutions, Telus Business Solutions. Telus Fleet Tracking Bundle makes it accessible and cost effective for any size company to maximize business value from GPS technology.

Telus GPS solutions are currently available in four graduated tiers, allowing carriers to determine the level of service which best suits their operation. The tiers range from handset based navigation (currently available in Alberta, B.C. and southern Ontario); handset tracking; handset tracking with dispatch capabilities; and fleet tracking.