GE developing two new product upgrades for VeriWise
GE said the Tractor ID module provides another tool for theft prevention and recovery. Courtesy GE Trailer Services)
The Trucker News Services
3/7/2008
NASSAU, The Bahamas — GE is developing two new product upgrades for its VeriWise TRUCKING system that further respond to customer requests for more trailer fleet productivity tools.
The new additions were announced by GE’s Trailer Fleet Services unit at the 2008 Truckload Carriers Association meeting here earlier this month, and are expected to be available later this year.
According to Joe Artuso, Trailer Fleet Services CEO, the additions include:
• Tractor ID, which is an application for GE’s satellite reporting system that complements the existing capability on GE’s cellular-based product, and identifies the tractor hooked to a trailer. This capability alerts customers if their trailers have been connected to an unauthorized or unknown tractor within minutes, potentially preventing a costly theft or a time wasting, misdirected shipment, and
• GPS Mileage, which is a “virtual hubometer” device that uses the GPS capabilities of the tracking unit to accumulate mileage in small increments, resulting in accuracy that rivals hub odometers. The information captured will enhance the operational benefits of trailer management by providing mileage for maintenance and billing applications.
“Customers have asked us for more technology enhancements that address their productivity, security and safety needs,” Artuso said. “VeriWise provides the expandable platform to do just that, especially when combined to one or more of our many sensor options, and our solar-powered energy panel.”
Artuso said the Tractor ID module provides another tool for theft prevention and recovery. The GPS mileage module saves the cost of a hubometer, as well as the labor, paperwork, and mistakes inherent in manually reading and documenting a trailer’s mileage. It also will give lessees advance notice if the mileage restrictions in their lease agreement are in jeopardy of violation.
In another announcement here, the company said that trucking fleet operators seeking easier online transactions for trailer management could now find them at the upgraded Premier Services customer portal of GE’s Trailer Fleet Services unit.
The self-service Web site, first launched in 1999 and located at www.trailerservices.com, allows customers to manage their trailer rental, lease and maintenance transactions around the clock. Artuso said tracking functionality was added in 2003 for GE’s VeriWise TRUCKING Asset Intelligence product, and more recently pre-invoices for maintenance billing and invoices past, present and future can be reviewed, disputed, and printed on demand.
“With companies looking hard for increased productivity across the board, our site offers convenience, speed and ever-increasing capabilities,” Artuso said. “Even cash flow can be managed more tightly with our early online notification of damage or routine maintenance billing. Customers can also see when a trailer’s Federal Highway Administration inspection is coming due.”
For those interested in buying used equipment, Artuso said GE’s Web site also allows visitors to view the company’s entire trailer sales inventory, refreshed nightly and including more than 20,000 assets available for pick-up from 90 branches across the U.S. and Canada.
In fact, he said, buyers may even narrow their search by branch location and specify up to 5 different trailer categories, including vans and flatbeds. In addition, users may further refine their search by up to 11 other specifications, including length, suspension and construction. Once the results are displayed, users can view summary or detailed specifications and may submit an e-mail or call for further assistance.
“Repeat buyers can also register for a “Deal of the Week” electronic newsletter to get advance notice of assets coming off-lease into GE’s system.
During 2008, GE intends to add even more detailed customer summary reports, maintenance reporting, and convenience features such as being able to print all invoices at one time.
For information on either VeriWise or Premier Services, visit www.trailerservices.com or call (800) 333-2030.