FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TrackNet Announced Change to GPS Fleet Tracking Product

New Orleans, LA (PRWEB) November 01, 2011

This summer GPS fleet tracking company TrackNet announced a change to the name of its main product. Formerly known as Discrete Wireless, the corporation providing the service changed its name to NexTraq. TrackNet’s customers noticed this change in look and name when they logged on to their tracking application starting July 25.

As Discrete Wireless, the company had several key components that made their product superior to others on the market. These included the MARCUS line of products and services. With the change, these all received a new look and name, but the quality of the product remains strong. MARCUS Fleet Tracking Application became the NexTraq Fleet Tracking Platform; MARCUS Pulse became Fleet Metrics; MARCUS Drive became Fleet Dispatch; and MARCUS Mobile became Fleet Mobile.

TrackNet has long been a leader for its GPS fleet tracking services. They offer fleet tracking systems for managers with fleets of all sizes. A core feature of the NexTraq system is the ability for the managers to access their fleet system on any computer with the Internet through its web-based interface.

The change from Discrete Wireless to NexTraq will do more than just incorporate a new image to the program. NexTraq will continue to live up to the standards started by Discrete Wireless to be the top innovator in the GPS fleet tracking industry. TrackNet’s customers will now experience two industry firsts. One is one-minute reporting using NexTraq’s new VT-220 enhanced capabilities. Customers will also have access to 12-month customer data retention. These two features, which competitors have yet to reproduce, are included in all standard NexTraq packages.

When asked about this change, Bill Cahill, Vice President of Sales for TrackNet, said, “As you can see, this change is not in name only. The new NexTraq brand has a new look that will be experienced the next time you login to the tracking application. All functionality will remain exactly the same; only the brand name and look will change.”

Despite the changes, TrackNet’s customers will continue to experience the same excellent customer service they have come to expect. According to NexTraq’s CEO Mark Scarbrough, “We remain steadfastly committed to excellent customer service and product development. The rebrand initiative to NexTraq only strengthens our dedication to provide you, our customers, with the highest-value GPS fleet tracking solution in the telematics industry.”

So, TrackNet’s customers can continue to depend on the company for quality truck tracking systems when they purchase a GPS tracking device for trucks.

For customers who are concerned about changes to functionality, Mr. Cahill assures them that things are not going to change. Other than the new, better additions, he says, “all functionality will remain exactly the same; only the brand name and look will change.”

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July 25, 2011 -

As a valued TrackNet customer, we wanted to inform you of a name change that will be taking place with your product. The company that manufactures and hosts services for your GPS fleet tracking solution has gone through a rebrand and changed names from Discrete Wireless to NexTraq. Below you will find a letter concerning the rebrand from the manufacturer’s CEO:

Good morning,

I’d like to take this time to share with you some exciting news. We are pleased to announce that after thorough consideration, we have decided to change our corporate name.  As of today, Monday, July 25, Discrete Wireless becomes NexTraq.

The new brand, NexTraq, incorporates a new image as well as a new approach to our website, www.nextraq.com. These changes reflect the key components that differentiate us within the fleet tracking industry. The MARCUS Fleet Tracking Application is now the NexTraq Fleet Tracking Platform. MARCUS Drive will become Fleet Dispatch; MARCUS Pulse will become Fleet Metrics; and MARCUS Mobile will become Fleet Mobile.

We remain steadfastly committed to excellent customer service and product development. The rebrand initiative to NexTraq only strengthens our dedication to provide, you, our customers, with the highest-value GPS fleet tracking solution in the telematics industry.

To further show our commitment, as part of our rebrand, Two “industry firsts” -- one-minute reporting based upon our exciting new VT-220 enhanced capabilities and 12-month customer data retention -- are now included in the standard NexTraq offering. Once again, we are setting the benchmark by which the rest of the industry operates.

We are excited to continue our long-standing customer relationships by providing the same excellent level of service that you have come to know and expect. Each of our customers, throughout the past 10 years, has helped this company reach this point and for that we thank you. We look forward to the next 10 years of excellent service.

If you have questions, please do not hesitate to call TrackNet Fleet Tracking Systems – 866-654-2226. Again, thank you for joining us for what will be a “tipping point” in our company’s continued progression as a leader in the fleet tracking industry.

Mike Scarbrough, CEO, NexTraq

As you can see, this change is not in name only.  The new NexTraq brand has a new look that will be experienced the next time you login to the tracking application.  All functionality will remain exactly the same; only the brand name and look will change. Please feel free to contact TrackNet toll free 866-654-2226 with any questions. 

Sincerely and respectfully,

William "Bill" Cahill, Jr.

VP- Sales

TrackNet Fleet Tracking Systems

May 19, 2011 - TrackNet is an online vehicle tracking system that provides GPS fleet tracking software for a variety of companies involved in long- and short-haul transportation. Companies across the nation have increased their productivity and improved their bottom line by monitoring driver performance and keeping tabs on products and cargo. Recently, a loyal TrackNet customer reported a unique and life-saving use of the GPS fleet tracking software.

Joyce Rawls purchased the GPS fleet tracking product to install in her father’s vehicle. “Our father has Alzheimer’s, but we were unable to keep him from driving his truck,” Ms. Rawls explains. “We purchased the tracking unit back in 2008 to try and keep up with him and had no idea how truly lifesaving it would turn out to be.”

Ms. Rawls had the tracking unit installed in her father’s truck for two years before they needed to use it to find him. In April of 2010, her father left the house and apparently forgot where he was going or how to get back.

“My mom called and said that he had not made it back home,” Ms. Rawls reports. “I immediately knew something was wrong and pulled him up on the computer, with our tracking system.” She found her father’s truck in Shreveport, LA, over 30 miles south of his home in Plain Dealing, La.  Ms. Rawls immediately called the police in Shreveport, La.and they were curious as to how she knew her father was there. “When I told the police about the tracking unit in my father’s truck and that he has Alzheimer’s, they were very impressed and said it was a smart idea.”

The police tracked Ms. Rawls father through Shreveport, Caddo, and Red River Parishes, finally pulling him over between Coushatta and Armstead in Louisiana. Ms. Rawls father had continued driving south through Shreveport instead of turning around and heading north back to his home in Plain Dealing, La. Without the GPS fleet tracking system, there is no telling how far he may have driven before being found.

“If it had not been for this tracking unit, we may have never found him or found him too late,” Ms. Rawls reports. “I am so thankful and grateful for this product. My father is now in a nursing facility that has an Alzheimer’s unit. I am writing this story because I wanted you to know how well your product has served my family and that it was worth every penny.”

TrackNet offers a number of solutions for any size of business or family. Contact their team of friendly professionals today for a consultation and initial estimate for your GPS fleet tracking needs.

Fleet Managers Report a 25 % Reduction in Downtime Costs with GPS Fleet Tracking

May 03, 2011 -- Maintenance program costs are cut using TrackNet’s GPS Fleet Tracking / Management Program

In a recent study, fleet managers who used GPS fleet tracking software reported a nearly 25% reduction in downtime and costs from maintenance management. These excellent results illustrate yet another benefit offered by GPS fleet tracking / management.

There are numerous reasons why fleet vehicles need to receive maintenance services, and most relate to the normal wear and tear on an engine -- a factor that can be minimized with fleet management services. For instance, driving at 70 mph takes 159% more horsepower than the ideal speed of 50 to 55 mph. This additional horsepower means more drain on the engine, resulting in an accelerated need for maintenance. GPS fleet tracking allows fleet managers to monitor speeds and encourage drivers to drive at a more reasonable rate, thus protecting their vehicles.

Fuel consumption is another major cost factor that can be controlled with fleet management. Each mile per hour above the ideal 50 to 55 mph a vehicle drives increases its fuel consumption by 1.5%. Monitoring driver speeds through fleet management programs cuts down on this consumption tremendously.

Fuel expenditure costs do not stop with high-speed drivers. Idling can be a huge source of wasted fuel. “The average truck using average idling times burns up to 800 gallons of fuel each year simply idling,” stated Bill Cahill, C-Level Partner at TrackNet. “For fleet managers, these intangibles are unrecognized lost profits. Our products help management account for these behaviors via alerts and put a stop to them.” TrackNet alerts management to negative fleet behaviors and allows the supportive change of these behaviors through accountability.

TrackNet offers GPS fleet tracking systems that monitor not just where the trucks and drivers are going, but also how they are driving. It reports on speeds, idle time, and other factors that help minimize downtime for each truck in a fleet.

“This service is so vital,” said Trey Macdiarmid, C-Level Partner at TrackNet, “because a truck that is not on the road is not only not making money, but also costing the company money while it is being repaired. Our services minimize engine wear and tear and excess fuel consumption to help maximize profits for our clients.”

The average cost of having a truck out of service for unscheduled repairs is $750 a day, depending on the industry and maintenance costs in your area. On average, a company with a 20-strong fleet of vehicles will have two out of service for a day each month. That means the company pays $1,500 per month in maintenance services. GPS fleet management cannot eliminate all of these down days, but it can create a 25 percent savings over the course of a year. That adds up to $4,500 annually just for reduced maintenance costs, not to mention reduced fuel costs and increased productivity.

“We believe products such as ours quickly pay for themselves,” said David Picou, C-Level Partner at TrackNet. “Most people buy our service to increase productivity and are happily surprised when they also lower their maintenance costs. That is the hidden benefit to quality fleet management services.”

About TrackNet

TrackNet provides GPS fleet tracking and GPS inventory tracking systems. All programs can be accessed using a computer with an Internet connection, and the goal is to increase productivity and decrease downtime for fleet vehicles. To learn more, visit http://www.tracknetonline.com.

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TrackNet's Asset Locating Devices with Extended Battery Life Extend Usage Time

Company focuses on more than just GPS fleet tracking with its asset locating services.

New Orleans, LA (Vocus/PRWEB) March 22, 2011

TrackNet is known for its excellent GPS fleet tracking services and technology, but it has taken its services a step further by offering asset locating devices that companies can use to track more than just their trucks and drivers. The extended battery life on TrackNet’s two asset locating units allows businesses to use them continually and globally for years on end without replacing the battery.

With TrackNet’s asset locating devices, companies can place a small transponder on the asset to track it should it be stolen. These can be used on all types of high-dollar moveable assets, including bulldozers, generators, trailers, forklifts, and other high dollar moveable pieces of equipment. The footprint of coverage is worldwide.

The units offered by TrackNet are specially designed with long battery lives. This allows the user to stick the unit on the asset and walk away, When asked about them, a company spokesperson said, “Our customers can choose between two units. The SMARTONE unit has a battery life of at least one year using AA lithium batteries. The AX Tracker MMT has a battery life of up to 4 years using a field replaceable battery pack. Both provide long-term service without the need to replace or charge batteries repeatedly. They are designed this way so that our customers can simply place them where they need to go and continue with their daily business without a second thought.”

These units use technology like GPS positioning, Satellite Communications, and Intrinsically Safe standards to clearly separate them from other low end products. This allows for reliable reporting of location when a loss has occurred. Allowing owners to get help from the authorities quickly. For many businesses, this ability translates into thousands of dollars in recovered assets. Once they know the location of the machine or other asset, police can often intercept and recover it before damage has occurred, which means no real loss to the business.

Of course, while the batteries last for years, they will eventually need to be replaced. “Replacing is easy,” confirmed a company spokesperson. “All the user has to do is head out to the unit, remove the battery pack, and then place the new one on. There is no loss of service, and no need to track and care for rechargeable batteries.”

About TrackNet

TrackNet is an industry leader in GPS fleet technology. They provide fleet managers with a cutting edge way to track their trucks and drivers, manage loads, and track assets using an integrated online system that can be accessed anywhere that a computer and Internet is available. To learn more about these services and products, visit http://www.tracknetonline.com.

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TrackNet: Celebrating 10 Profitable Years in the GPS Fleet Tracking Business

TrackNet, a highly successful New Orleans based GPS fleet tracking company, is celebrating their tenth anniversary this year.

New Orleans, LA (Vocus/PRWEB) February 01, 2011

TrackNet is not only the first active GPS technology company in New Orleans, opening their doors over ten years ago; they are the first GPS tracking company in the greater gulf south. With a national presence, TrackNet offers GPS fleet tracking, which has proven results to positively enhance the productivity of their customers.

GPS fleet tracking helps reduce fuel costs through innovative technology which allows customers to decrease downtime and increase profitability. This same technology allows for an improved response time to service calls, lower insurance costs, and an average annual savings of $3,300 per vehicle. The GPS fleet tracking system allows TrackNet’s clients to monitor vehicles live and in real time. This feature has proven to account for 100% of a company’s fleet, which keeps management in control.

The market for tech companies in New Orleans, such as TrackNet, has grown ostensibly over the years, but TrackNet still holds strong. These companies are typically either Fortune 500 or being bought out by bigger companies due to bankruptcy. TrackNet remains Tech strong due to their “Best of Breed” product deployments which equates to continued growth and a strong business model.

Bill Cahill of Tracknet says “I’ve seen a consistent national push for GPS tracking technology usage in the commercial fleet space. In particular, field service companies. In the next five years, every top tier field service company will be tracking their field technicians as well as their fleet. Those mid to lower tier service companies, who choose not to account for all employees and assets, will not be able to compete.”

One of the greatest challenges faced by TrackNet is overcoming Hollywood. As a player in this industry for 10+ years, TrackNet provides the most up-to-date, best of breed technologies. Although the GPS Fleet tracking industry has not quite made it to Hollywood’s fantasies, TrackNet currently has a GPS tracking device that will report World Wide, and run for a full year on 4 AA lithium batteries.

TrackNet has been providing simple, effective solutions for GPS Fleet tracking to major companies for over ten years. They are located at 1215 Prytania St., Suite 403, New Orleans, LA 70130. To contact them directly, call toll free 1.866.654.2226 or visit http://www.tracknetonline.com.

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St. John to keep closer eye on its vehicles with TrackNet!

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

By Victoria St. Martin

A few of St. John the Baptist Parish's vehicles are going live.

By the end of this week, administrators and department heads will be monitoring several parish vehicles outfitted with GPS tracking devices as part of a trial phase. The Global Positioning System, which has been on for a week internally to work out kinks, will be up and running after a series of meetings with employees.  TrackNet – Fleet Tracking Systems based in New Orleans, La. earned the contract.  Department heads and administrators will be able to "see" the location and speed of a vehicle through the system, which is linked to the Internet. A map displays the latitude and longitude of a car, while another feature details thing such as every stop the car made to the speed it had been going.

The system also could send out e-mail alerts if a vehicle goes over a certain speed limit, idles for a certain length of time or needs an oil change, said St. John Chief Administrative Officer Pat McTopy.  If all goes well, the monitoring devices will be placed on the entire fleet of 160 vehicles and moving equipment -- including tractors, dump trucks and bulldozers -- in the next three years. The pilot program includes about 50 out of 80 vehicles, St. John public information officer Buddy Boe said. The tracking devices, which did not require council approval and cost $279 per vehicle, will reduce fuel costs and overtime, while increasing productivity, he said.  The council however did approve a change to St. John's travel policy last week, adding disciplinary measures for employees who tampered with the GPS devices.  An employee will be fired after a fifth violation, according to the policy.  Leading up to their termination, an employee will be given verbal and written warnings, as well as suspensions.

Boe said 17 vehicles in the Public Works Department, 31 vehicles in the Utilities Department and two in the Recreation Department have the tracking devices. Boe said the trial phase does include vehicles of supervisors, superintendents and foremen. He said after a year, if the first phase is successful, the next phase would include another 50 vehicles of managers and assistant directors.  Councilman Ronnie Smith, one of the members who said he supported the effort but wanted to ensure supervisors' vehicles also would be included in the pilot program, said he felt that an effort was made to be "fair across the board."  McTopy, a former department director in a previous administration, said he remembers each employee in the Utilities Department during the mid-80's used a hand written sign-in sheet in an effort to monitor vehicle usage.  "That was primitive compared to this," he said, as he looked at a system map on his computer screen. "We recognized even then, there was a need to control things."

Nextraq Surpasses 3,000 Customers With Helm CATV Service

Atlanta, GA - (December 1, 2005) - Atlanta-based Nextraq, Inc., a leading provider of GPS Fleet Management Systems, today announced it passed the 3,000 customer milestone as Helm CATV selected Nextraq as their GPS Fleet Management solution provider.

“We are amazed at the wealth of information that is available with this system,” said Jerry Taylor, Regional Manager of Helm CATV. “We are looking forward to
implementing the Nextraq GPS System throughout our entire fleet.” Looking for a GPS Fleet Management system that would grow with their company, Helm CATV selected Nextraq’s 100% web-based GPS Fleet Management and Vehicle Tracking System.

"Mr. Taylor approached this project with many concerns,” said Bill Cahill, of Tracknet-Fleet Tracking Systems. “He knew his multi-state fleet could be more productive; but he needed the detailed information that GPS Systems provide, to design and implement the right plan."

Key decision drivers included product reliability and scalability, nationwide installation and support, rapid ROI, and application ease-of-use. Key product features included detailed vehicle and driver reports and alerts.

"The Nextraq GPS System provides Helm with detailed data on time on each job, vehicle mileage, and unauthorized movement of company vehicles after hours, and more,” continued Cahill. “Mr. Taylor is now making effective, informed productivity improvements to his fleet."

Product Information
Nextraq Marcus is a Real-Time, 100% Web-Based GPS Fleet Management and Vehicle Tracking system. MARCUS® v6 contains the most comprehensive suite of features in the industry. Features include point-to-point routing with driving directions, dispatch and 2-way messaging, automated alerts and report delivery, and vehicle maintenance. There is no software to install, and the system can be accessed using a standard internet browser.

 

THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF GPS

How Truck Drivers and Fleet Operators Would Be Lost Without One
By Dr. Todd Zeh
Challenge Magazine
January 2008

It happens to the best of us. You're on the road, pressed for time, lost and without a map. It's for these hard-pressed moments that the GPS was invented. Most of us couldn't find our living room in the dark. Why on earth would you want to replicate this experience while driving and carrying a heavy load?

A Brief Introduction to the World of GPS Before the 1980s, the Department of Defense set up a network of 24 satellites that revolve in a precise orbit in space in order to locate military applications and devices and to calculate their exact position on a map. This is done through satellite transmission: The satellites signal information to Earth, and the GPS, or Global Positioning System, receiver looks at the signal and the exact time it was received.

The time is critical. The time difference between transmission and reception tells the GPS receiver how far apart the satellite and the recipient are. Once a few other satellites communicate, the exact position of your vehicle can be determined.

In this article, we'll touch on two types of GPS products that you may encounter when shopping for a device: a "tracking" GPS and a "navigation" GPS. Most people think of the latter when they hear the acronym. It sits on top of your dashboard and tells you inch by inch how to navigate your vehicle to your destination.

A tracking GPS typically will track the location of your truck even when you've switched off the engine. If your truck is stolen, or if you veer off course, the tracking GPS alerts the dispatcher that something is awry. It's best to outfit your truck with both.

Huge Savings in More Ways Than One

The idea of installing GPS devices in his trucks occurred to David Hunt when a colleague said he was saving money with them. "It's a no-brainer," says Hunt, president and owner of Two Men and a Truck, Michigan district. "I only had GPS installed in my trucks five to six weeks ago. We basically used the navigation software to get from our office to the load site, and this resulted in better customer service."

Minimizing the time from point A to point B is critical in delivering household goods, Hunt says, and a GPS navigation device shows the most efficient way to reach a destination. With live traffic updates on Garmin GPS models such as the Quest and the Nuvi, drivers can get a sense of which streets are congested before encountering them.

Says Hunt, "We have e-mail notifications sent to us if our guy drives over the speed limit. We helped drivers save time and fuel because of these devices."

Tracking GPS

By installing a tracking device like the TrackNet GPS system in your truck, you can, at any moment, know where your truck is, how fast it is moving and even if a cargo door has been opened. When the vehicle starts moving, the device transmits the data through a wireless network by CORE and the back end (operations) can see everything.

"The little box is not super intelligent; it's the application or the program that we provide that does all the work," says Bill Cahill, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at TrackNet Fleet Tracking Systems. "Our devices grab the GPS Tracking data and transmit it "Live" to our data center (via cellular technology), where we crunch this information and give the customer a solid tracking product with Detailed maps and Reports."

The average cost of these devices is about $300 each, plus about $35 per month, depending on how many bells and whistles and alerts you choose to have.

Keep in mind that the device is not like the TomTom navigation GPS. If you want a navigation GPS as well, Tracknet can easily install one that communicates with the same wireless network. The only caveat is that the driver will not be able to change any pre-existing routes without the approval of the operations team, but that usually takes only a few seconds.

"Updates occur every two minutes or whenever a vehicle has a change of state: For example, an engine that stops and starts again, or veers off course," says Cahill.

Don't Go It Alone

You'll never really go it alone with a GPS device installed in your truck. If you're prone to traveling long distances, particularly on different routes each time, you'll love the convenience of preloaded maps and live traffic reports.

And the ability to save your truck in case you are hijacked is priceless. If you don't have GPS installed in your vehicle, you should consider it.

After all, the price of the investment is tiny when compared with the peace of mind.

 

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