On June 1, Omnitracs LLC, a global pioneer of fleet management solutions to transportation and logistics companies, announced it has signed an agreement to acquire from Shaw Communications Inc. the assets of Shaw Tracking, the leading fleet management solutions provider in Canada. The terms of the transaction, expected to close this summer, subject to regulatory approval of the transfer of operational licences, were not disclosed.
Through the combination of Omnitracs and Shaw Tracking, Canadian fleet customers will have access to the comprehensive Omnitracs product and service portfolio. In addition, carriers will benefit from a more seamless user experience, with direct access to best-in-class technology solutions with exceptional customer service support and infrastructure that addresses current and future demands.
“We’re very pleased to bring the operations of Shaw Tracking into the Omnitracs family as we further our mission to transform transportation by providing innovative solutions to our customers,” said John Graham, Omnitracs CEO. “This acquisition is another key step in expanding our global footprint in the technology transportation industry, thereby providing these critical solutions to the ever expanding transportation industry.”
Shaw Tracking has been the exclusive Canadian distributor of Omnitracs fleet management solutions for over 25 years, helping to increase efficiency and reliability for customers. The company distributes a wide-range of world-class solutions, including GPS vehicle tracking products, fleet management software, and professional services for additional support. Shaw Tracking will be integrated into the Omnitracs solution portfolio, further expanding Omnitracs’ customer base and reach into Canada.
“The Canadian transportation market represents a significant and important opportunity for us,” explained Mike Ham, GM of Omnitracs, Canada. “Shaw Tracking is a well-respected brand among fleets throughout this country, with a rich 27-year history. As the Canadian market changes and government regulations unfold, the transportation industry will face some unique challenges requiring fleets across the country to evolve with new technologies. This acquisition puts Omnitracs at the forefront of responding to these changes within the Canadian market.”
Every year, more than $650-billion in goods cross the U.S.-Canada border. With Omnitracs expanding its well-known presence into Canada, customers will benefit from direct access to Omnitracs’ products while operating cross-border trade routes, utilizing notable customer support centers in both countries.
“Through this acquisition, Omnitracs will be ready to further assist the Canadian market, and support fleet owners with the entire portfolio of platforms and applications,” Ham concluded. “Whether it’s ELDs or other productivity solutions, the combined organization now has even more knowledge and resources to help overcome management and operational obstacles throughout an entire load lifecycle.”
New product announcement
In further news from Omnitracs, it has announced the availability of Roadnet Anywhere v4.5. The latest software update incorporates advanced vehicle overview features, allowing managers to view the status of their entire fleet while also enhancing workflow configurations on the ground.
“Our continuing development of this software brings a new level of innovation to the industry, providing fleet owners, operators and drivers ever-evolving resources to further advance their business,” David Palle, Omnitracs Vice President of Product Management, explained. “Roadnet Anywhere v4.5 provides benefits for all levels of a distribution company, and we’re thrilled to continue to advance our products and better serve our partners across North America.”
Among other things, Roadnet Anywhere v4.5 delivers Fleet Overview, a brand-new feature that allows managers to even more easily track the status and performance of their entire fleet in real time. Fleet Overview provides a better singular management area for vehicles that have a route plan, or do not have a plan at all. By utilizing Fleet Overview, managers can ensure that their team stays on schedule, ensuring timely deliveries and that the best route options are utilized, ultimately increasing revenue and customer service levels for the company.
Additionally, the new software update offers advanced compliance tools that encompass HOS/eLogs, DVIR and IFTA to further enhance Omnitracs Routing, Dispatching, and Compliance (RDC) solutions. Drivers and office personnel can manage their entire day from a single, user‑friendly interface.
To further ensure a comprehensive experience, Roadnet Mobile, the Roadnet Anywhere mobile application, allows users to access all fleet data from a smartphone, tablet, heavy-duty handheld or basic phone. With v4.5, the updated application allows users to further tailor the flow of the application by adding or removing fields, or creating on-demand forms with customized questions. The configurable proof of delivery application allows fleet managers to guide drivers throughout their day by simplifying tasks related to tracking and navigation.
With the launch of Roadnet Anywhere v4.5, Omnitracs continues to drive ahead of the competition, allowing users to configure their systems to best fit their company’s specific needs.
“We understand that every business has a different objective and operates in a unique way,” Palle concluded. “The high level of configuration offered by Roadnet Anywhere allows fleet owners to cultivate a software platform that best fits their needs and helps drive their business objectives.”
Roadnet Anywhere v4.5 is immediately available. For more information, visit: http://www.omnitracs.com/solutions/planning-delivery.
