Affordable ETA/Out-of-Route warning system introduced by TMW and ALK.

BEACHWOOD, Ohio--(AutomotiveWire)--May 15, 1995--Two transportation software industry leaders have joined forces to create a new `early warning' standard: an affordable software package that monitors shipment Out-of-Route and estimated time of arrival (ETA) status instantly and automatically from within an automated dispatch environment. This offering will help trucking companies be proactive in determining and avoiding occurrences that may result in service failures. It will help improve a carrier's reliability, increase their customers' satisfaction and eliminate non-productive time for both drivers and dispatchers.

Developed by ALK Associates Inc., the ETA and Out-of-Route algorithms work in conjunction with their PC-MILER(R) mileage and routing database. TMW Trucking Systems Inc., developer of an operations and administration system named THE TRUCKING SYSTEM(R) (TTS), then customized ALK's design, creating their Early Warning module.

The Early Warning tool works as follows: Every trip in the TTS dispatch database has a geographical beginning and ending location. By matching the trip to the PC-MILER database, a route is determined for each trip. During the trip's life-span, en-route positions may be recorded in TTS either manually through driver check calls or automatically via mobile communications positions reported by providers like HighwayMaster, Qualcomm, Rockwell, etc. The Out-of-Route function continually compares reported positions with the trip's predetermined route, checking variations against a user-definable tolerance level. An alert is created when that tolerance is exceeded. Operating in similar fashion, the ETA function compares reported position vs. the trip's ending location, again calculating against a user-definable tolerance and creating an alert message upon an out-of-tolerance reading.

All calculations and comparisons are done automatically, transparent to the user. Results may be displayed in text message or graphical mapping formats.

``Our clients tell us they need to stay ahead of their customer's needs,'' says Tom Weisz, TMW's president. ``Issues like JIT deliveries, Quick Response and the overall demand for improved service are impacting all of our carrier clients as their customers feel the pressure to compete in the economy of the 1990's. This cost-effective tool helps them meet those needs head on; actually assisting in the prevention of many of the problems that today's shipper, their customer, is looking to avoid. It also solves operational problems by reducing miles incurred due to out-of-route conditions, an area that our studies show may lead to a 12 percent savings.'' Weisz continued, ``Furthermore, working with ALK to bring this product to market is another example of our Making The Pieces Fit technological integration philosophy.''

Andrew Gomory, manager of product development for ALK, adds, ``Customer needs have always driven ALK's product design. This module could be an optimal solution for any carrier competing in a time-sensitive industry, from automotive to frozen products to distribution. It can help carriers reduce costs through better asset utilization, and it can be a marketing tool demonstrating commitment to on-time delivery. Our development projects with TMW will continue as we work jointly to ensure that our clients' information tools support their customer's needs.''

Software required with the TTS Early Warning module includes ALK's PC-MILER database. In addition, a TTS mobile communications interface is recommended to provide the greatest early warning benefits.

ALK Associates Inc. is a pioneer in developing computer software and decision support systems for the transportation industry and its customers. ALK's clients include more than 5,000 motor carriers and shippers, railroads, and ocean carriers. Founded in 1979 and based in Princeton, N.J., ALK is one of America's largest technology development companies serving the world's logistics needs.

TMW Trucking Systems Inc., a pioneer in the use of personal computers and computer networks to deploy mission critical transportation management systems, has been serving the motor carrier industry exclusively since 1983. Founded with the guiding principals of providing customers with unmatched features, flexibility and ease of use, TMW's client list includes not only the Department of Defense, but also many industry-leading carriers and Fortune 500 company fleets. TMW is a member of the American Trucking Associations (ATA), the Interstate Truckload Carriers Conference, the National Private Truck Council, the Ohio Trucking Association and several other state trucking associations. TMW has also been named to the Weatherhead 100 (an award given by the Case Western Reserve University Weatherhead School of Management recognizing the 100 fastest growing companies in Northeast Ohio) for the past two years. -0-

NOTE: The hyphen in PC-MILER should be replaced with an asterisk. The hyphen was used for transmission purposes only.

CONTACT: TMW Trucking Systems Inc., Beachwood

Tom Rittman, 800/229-1869