Synergistic Systems--Routing, Dispatch, Cross Dock, Yard Management, RFID, Mobile Data, 3PL

'Improved customer service alone justified our wireless data system'

With wireless pen terminals in 1,000 of its trucks, American Freightways accurately updates customers on the real-time status and location of shipments.

In its effort to replace one-way pagers, two-way radios, and telephones, less-than-truckload shipper American Freightways now operates one of the largest wireless data systems anywhere. More than 1,000 of the company's trucks have pen-based terminals linked to a wide-area network.

As director of systems and operations planning, Frank White, explains, "our drivers are more productive, but improved customer service alone justified our wireless system."

"Now we have real-time two-way communications with our drivers," White continues. "Each driver confirms shipments picked up and delivered as they occur. This helps customers trace their shipments."

In addition, American Freightways' dispatchers can use the real-time view of drivers' locations to make better dispatch decisions, including out-of-sequence pickups and deliveries.

Drivers now carry a hand-held portable pen computer. At the start of the day's run, all delivery stops, shipment information, and special delivery requirements are downloaded to the terminal. That information comes from a local area network at the dispatch facility or from a wide area network on the road.

At each pickup and delivery, the driver uses the terminal's built-in scanner to read the freight bill number, which can be in either linear or 2-D bar code format. Any additional information about the shipment is input to the terminal with the pen stylus.

All data is transmitted at that point over the wide area network to a Windows NT server at the local dispatch center. As needed, this data is sent on to the company's mainframe in Harrison, Ark.

It is also possible for dispatchers to re-route drivers to pickup or deliver previously unscheduled shipments. This is done by transmitting the new requirements to the driver's on-board terminal.

Wireless pen terminal: Symbol

Systems Integrator: Synergistic Systems