Fleet Management News & Business Info | Commercial Carrier Journal
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/409540
COMMERCIAL CARRIER JOURNAL | NOVEMBER 2014 45 INNOVATORS U.S. XPRESS Chattanooga, Tenn. cute load planning and other processes more effi ciently. With a few exceptions, the app has the same features as the company's in-cab computing platform for drivers to man- age orders from pickup to delivery. The only difference in terms of functional- ity is that drivers have to use the in-cab platform for turn-by-turn navigation and hours-of-service applications. Just like the onboard platform, Xpress Mobile restricts drivers from using it while in motion, thereby com- plying with federal and state regula- tions that prohibit the use of mobile devices while driving. Upcoming features To shape its future roadmap for Xpress Mobile, U.S. Xpress gathers input from drivers. One idea that came from a re- cent roundtable discussion with drivers is for the app to deliver push notifi ca- tions for vehicle maintenance events. When drivers take trucks in for main- tenance, they currently have to ask the service writer for a status update. Soon, drivers will be notifi ed automatically when their trucks are ready. Another feature in the works will help fl eet managers contact drivers by phone at the most appropriate times, such as when they are not driving but in the M ore than 70 percent of truck drivers today own smartphones, tablets and wireless subscriptions. For U.S. Xpress Enterprises, this widespread connectivity on the front lines became an opportunity to enhance its information systems. In 2011, U.S. Xpress began developing a mobile app for its driver workforce. Today, more than 5,400 drivers and owner-operators at the nation's second-largest truck- load carrier and its affi liate companies use personal devices to connect to time-sensi- tive dispatch information and perform other routine offi ce communications. Drivers become familiar with the Xpress Mobile app during their orientation training classes. The Chattanooga, Tenn.-based company also promotes the app internally using posters and Xpress Mobile charging stations at its facilities. Drivers can download Xpress Mobile to their Android and iOS devices from Google Play and the Apple App Store. After a quick registration process to verify the driver is active in U.S. Xpress' host system, the mobile app is ready to use. With Xpress Mobile, drivers can view current load information and upcoming assignments, accept load offerings and perform other routine communications. New information arrives as notifi cation alerts. U.S. Xpress continues to add new features to the app to help improve drivers' lifestyles. "Everything is being designed to give drivers access to more information to make their lives easier," says Ken Crane, director of information technology. The benefi ts go both ways. More than 19,000 messages a week go through Xpress Mobile – traffi c that otherwise would go through the company's in-cab mobile platform, Crane says. When using the mobile app, drivers respond to critical dispatch messages faster by virtue of staying connected inside and outside the cab. By receiving information such as load acceptances faster, U.S. Xpress can exe- The truckload carrier develops mobile apps for drivers and office staff. Automation helping U.S. Xpress improve workers' lifestyles BY AARON HUFF