Saia LTL Freight is deploying AT&T's Advanced Mobility Solutions to bring M2M connectivity for its fleet. Saia which provides a wide range of less-than-truckload, non-asset truckload, and logistic services for enterprises is leveraging on AT&T's network services and its M2M technology to manage its operations. Saia reported a turnover of USD1.1 billion last year and employs 8,500 people in US.
According to a joint statement from Saia and AT&T, Saia's drivers use rugged handheld devices to receive and transmit information between themselves and the managers and fleet operations. At the same time, AT&T wireless network is embedded in Saia’s black box solution that allows for trucks to provide near real-time updates on fuel consumption, and driver and engine performance, resulting in significant reductions in operational costs. In addition, AT&T's solution is also deployed for ground services where the combination of AT&T Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) network and Wi-Fi service enable Saia to run crossdock functions to keep inventory of freight at various locations, allowing dockworkers and quality assurance managers to verify the classification of freight that is moving through Saia’s 147 terminals nationwide, added the statement.
By leveraging the M2M technology and their nationwide coverage, major service providers such as AT&T are continuously enhancing their vehicle connectivity services and are already providing their customers, both drivers and enterprises, access to various rich and intelligent in-vehicle as well as fleet and logistics management services. The M2M vertical is expected to produce higher revenues for service providers in coming years as the adoption of M2M solutions across some key industries starts accelerating with the advent of enhanced solutions from service providers and increased competition between the players themselves.
"We transport goods for the retail, chemical and manufacturing industries throughout a 34-state network. AT&T gives our drivers and dispatch managers the on-the-go tools needed to be more efficient, at the office or on the road. We can better serve our customers and keep a competitive edge for many years to come.”
- Mark Robinson, chief information officer of Saia LTL Freight
"Businesses are shifting to an environment where people, processes and assets are always connected. We provide companies with mobility solutions that streamline communication across the board and help deliver the best possible customer experience.”
- Mike Troiano, Vice President, Advanced Mobility Solutions, AT&T Mobile and Business Solutions
