QUALCOMM announces JB Hunt to deploy the OmniExpress mobile communications system

Fleet Equipment, Feb 2002

QUALCOMM Incorporated announces that Lowell, Ark.-based JB Hunt Transport has selected the OmniExpress(R) mobile communications system for its intermodal fleet.

Under the terms of the agreement, JB Hunt will begin immediately deploying OmniExpress system units in its intermodal fleet. With this agreement, JB Hunt expands its 10-year mobile communications relationship with QUALCOMM to equip its smaller local fleet of vehicles.

QUALCOMM's OmniExpress system is a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA)-based digital wireless fleet management system that provides near real-time, two-way communications and vehicle position reporting for improved mobile worker productivity and operations administration.

Features include two-way data communications, store-and-forward messaging, automatic vehicle tracking using integrated Global Positioning System (GPS), as well as data integration capabilities with routing and scheduling systems, and business-specific office applications.

"JB Hunt recognizes the level of performance and productivity gains that QUALCOMM's OmniExpress system offers its intermodal operation, and it is that level of assurance that contributed to JB Hunt's decision to once again expand its commitment and investment in QUALCOMM technologies," said Glynn Spangenberg, vice-president of Business Operations for QUALCOMM Wireless Business Solu-tions. "For QUALCOMM, this is about delivering a mobile communications solution to JB Hunt's intermodal operation, and in turn, leveraging existing data integration in JB Hunt's technology infrastructure."

QUALCOMM has been JB Hunt's preferred mobile communications provider for over 10 years with the satellite-based OmniTRACS mobile communications system. This relationship has enabled JB Hunt to provide customers with enhanced products and services, while implementing increased operating efficiencies and productivity throughout its truckload fleet. Now, the truckload carrier plans to take that same level of efficiency to its intermodal fleet.

"When we decided to implement mobile communications in our intermodal fleet, we turned to QUALCOMM's OmniExpress system as the best and most cost-effective solution," said Nathan Smith, vice-president of operations for JB Hunt Transport's Intermodal Division.

"QUALCOMM's mobile communications solutions enable us to leverage the information technology and systems that we've already invested in and have proven out over time."