Platform Science recently turned truckers’ heads by agreeing to acquire Trimble’s global transportation telematics business units in a partnership they say “will transform the transportation telematics industry.”
Trimble then introduced a range of new technologies at the start of its 2024 Insight Tech Conference; and revealed the Grant Group of Companies—which includes Canadian tank truck carriers John Grant Haulage and Hutton Transport—recently became the first company to use the cloud-based Trimble Innovative Access Plus transportation management system (TMS) to integrate Isaac Instruments’ in-cab technology.
“We will continue delivering innovation to help you do your work better, and continue investing in cybersecurity, in data and in AI,” Rob Painter, Trimble president and CEO, told customers at this week’s event. “The global transportation industry is experiencing a major shift as technology propels productivity.
“Trimble is at the forefront of this transformative moment.”
The proposed transaction, expected to close in the first half of 2025, aims to enhance driver experience, fleet safety, efficiency, and compliance by combining two “cutting-edge in-cab commercial vehicle ecosystems,” which will give customers access to more applications and offerings, the companies reported.
Upon closing, Trimble’s transportation telematics customers will continue to have access to Trimble solutions, with the added flexibility of the Virtual Vehicle platform from Platform Science. Virtual Vehicle-enabled fleets will receive access to the Virtual Vehicle Marketplace, offering “hundreds” of new and expanded applications, software, and solution providers focused on innovating and improving drivers’ quality of life and fleet performance.
“This partnership marks the inflection point for a true platform approach to transportation technology,” Jack Kennedy, co-founder and CEO of Platform Science, said in a news release.
“Now, powered by OEM-native software services, we will deliver unprecedented choice. We are confident choice will expand exponentially as existing providers and new developers now see the opportunity to reach vehicles everywhere with high-quality OEM data delivered in a consistent, reliable way.”
Isaac integration
Isaac is the first external telematics platform to complete an integration through the Trimble Transportation Cloud, according to an Isaac release.
Isaac has long integrated with Trimble’s on-premise Innovative TMS through the Isaac Open Platform. This additional integration via the Trimble Transportation Cloud provides fleets greater flexibility for integrating different current and legacy versions of Innovative TMS to best fit their operations.
It is the result of a multi-year cooperative effort between the companies to help fleets be better positioned for a connected future, Isaac reported.
“Isaac is pleased to be the first external telematics provider to offer fleet clients this cloud-based integration with Trimble,” said Jacques DeLarochelliere, Isaac CEO and co-founder. “Isaac continues to invest in our integration team and strengthen relationships with technology partners like Trimble to deliver greater value to fleets.”
The Ontario, Canada-based Grant Group, with more than 350 tractors spread across several operating units, is a recent Isaac client and long-time Trimble user. “Platform changes can be challenging, especially across the uniqueness of our different business units, but commissioning the fleets went smoothly with minimal disruption,” said Heather LeBlanc, Grant Group manager of IT solutions.
Additionally, Isaac and Trimble teams continue to work collaboratively behind the scenes to support the fleet’s success.
“Through our collaboration with Isaac, we’re not only expanding our service offerings—we’re delivering unparalleled value to our joint customers,” said Rishi Mehra, Trimble vice president of commercial mapping and routing technology at Trimble. “The Isaac-Trimble integration offers customers additional benefits to streamline their efficiency, operations and maximize their success.”
Technology innovation
Technologies Trimble unveiled this week include:
New cloud-based TMS Order Module
The all-new Trimble TMS Order Module transforms the truckload carrier order workflow through the power of machine-learning and Trimble’s industry-standard commercial map visualization. This cloud-based order entry experience employs predictive analytics-based tender grading and dynamic area balance visualization for a TMS order workflow that optimizes while it executes. All while connecting directly to truckload TMW.Suite and Innovative customers’ existing TMS for a more streamlined implementation experience.
Updated CoPilot for truck-safe navigation
Trimble’s commercial navigation solution, CoPilot, boasts a major update of its user interface, making it more intuitive, responsive, and driver-friendly, Trimble said. New features like predictive parking and trip planning optimize how drivers navigate their journeys, improving in-cab and back-office connection while enhancing fleet safety and efficiency.
TMT Road Call for unexpected breakdowns
TMT Fleet Maintenance has relaunched its Road Call module, providing maintenance managers a one-stop shop for managing vehicle breakdown maintenance needs. By combining Trimble’s commercial map visualization and fleet maintenance technology, TMT Road Call delivers fleets a streamlined workflow experience, driving greater efficiencies through connected transportation technologies. Maintenance managers can quickly spot disabled vehicles, find the best and closest service center, and generate repair orders in a single, cloud-based user experience, saving time, reducing downtime, and maximizing fleet efficiency.
Transporeon Visibility for seamless TMS connectivity
Transporeon Visibility brings a transformative customer service tool to carriers in North America, delivering real-time visibility and precise ETAs to in-transit shipments for all transportation types. With direct integration to Trimble’s TMW.Suite and Innovative TMS, as well as other visibility solutions, Transporeon Visibility provides Trimble TMS customers visibility on their own terms—with a unified, real-time visibility experience that supports diverse shipper customer requirements, Trimble reported.
New vehicle inspection and compliance tool
Trimble’s new Driver Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR) solution for commercial fleets, Trimble Inspections, is designed to improve fleet safety and efficiency, promote regulatory compliance, and simplify driver and back-office workflows. Available through Trimble Instinct—Trimble’s flagship telematics and fleet management software solution—Trimble Inspections adds a modernized, more streamlined truck and trailer inspection application.