Software Firms Partner to Cut Invoicing Time for Transportation Companies

Quadrant Software on Monday announced a partnership with document imaging company Real Vision Software to reduce invoicing time for transportation and distribution companies.

The companies have launched the Mobile Signature Capture System, which allows companies to send out invoices for products and services the instant those products are delivered and signed for, said Quadrant, which provides document output management software.

The system enables companies to create forms from IBM i-based applications, route them throughout an organization or to customers, archive those documents electronically and make them available for both remote and tethered digital signature capture on the iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch, the company said.

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Isuzu, Utilimaster partner to create new commercial walk-in van

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Isuzu and Utilimaster have partnered to create an all-new Reach commercial walk-in van. Production began earlier this week at Utilimaster's assembly facility in Wakarusa, Ind.

With a body designed by Utilimaster atop an Isuzu NPR chassis and powered by Isuzu's 3.0-litre diesel engine, company officials say the EPA-compliant Reach achieves 35% better fuel economy than a traditional commercial van and combines the functionality of a custom-built work truck with the styling and ergonomics of a cargo van.

Units will begin arriving at Isuzu's network of over 285 dealers nationwide in early November.

"We're thrilled that production of the Reach has begun and that fleet and vocational buyers will soon be able to enjoy the dramatically low cost of ownership this vehicle delivers," said Shaun Skinner, executive vice-president and general manager of Isuzu Commercial Truck of America. "The Reach truly lives up to its name - it reaches a new standard in low cost of ownership that no other commercial van can match."

"We believe the Reach will truly revolutionize the commercial van market. We have worked extensively to design a body that offers significantly more interior height and width than other commercial vans, and it will have multiple design options to maximize utility and driver productivity," said John Marshall, senior vice-president of sales and marketing for Utilimaster.

"Beyond delivery fleets, we believe this new van will appeal to an enormous segment of the commercial truck market."

The Reach features Isuzu's bio-diesel fuel compatible 4JJ1-TC 3.0-liter turbocharged engine generating 150 horsepower, mated to an Aisin medium-duty six-speed automatic transmission. Both the engine and transmission have B10 durability ratings of 310,000 miles.

Utilimaster guided the development of the Reach's aerodynamic shape, along with its use of composite materials, which officials say work together improve fuel efficiency and reduce interior noise. The lightweight composite materials provide a 700-lb weight savings compared to traditional aluminum and steel materials. The Reach van also employs impact-resistant composite panels that are designed to reduce overall maintenance costs. For example, in the event of a collision, the company says the vehicle's lower body cladding can be "easily and quickly" replaced with simple tools in an effort to reduce downtime.

The Reach is offered with a 151-inch wheelbase with either a 12- or 14-foot body. With an interior up to 27 inches higher than a conventional van, the cargo area can offer 540 or 630 cubic feet of storage.

Other design features include the ability for the driver to enter the cargo area without leaving the vehicle, increased width and headroom compared to conventional vans, and the option of either rear swing doors or an integrated, composite roll-up door. 

For more information and photos of the Reach, visit www.isuzucv.com.

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Ryder, Mich. Firm Partner on NG Project To Convert 16 Trucks, Build Fuel Stations

Ryder System said that UBCR LLC has selected it as a partner in a Michigan natural gas project that will put 16 more heavy-duty natural gas trucks on the road.

The project also includes upgrading two maintenance facilities for natural gas, and construction of two new natural gas fueling stations, including one for public use, Ryder said Oct. 20.

The release said UBCR is the name of a joint venture between Schupan & Sons Inc. and Tomra North America. Ryder said that when the project is put into operation, it will replace 380,000 gallons of diesel fuel annually with domestically produced low carbon natural gas.

UBCR plans to receive delivery of the compressed natural gas vehicles in December.

In addition to Ryder, UBCR is working with DTE Energy to construct fueling stations in Wixom and Grand Rapids, Mich., the statement said.

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SelecTrucks, Transrep partner to create fleet purchase program

CALEDONIA, Ont. -- SelecTrucks of Toronto and Transrep have partnered to create a new fleet purchase program.

Nevio Turchet, used truck manager at SelecTrucks, says he helped create the Transrep Fleet Purchase Program to ensure the availability of good quality used equipment for SelecTrucks' clients. "There is no doubt this industry is built and maintained on relationships. We have decided to utilize Transrep's services because of the long term commitment and positive reputation of the Transrep executive," he said.

Officials say the program will allow fleets to move equipment to SelecTrucks in a "seamless transition" anywhere in North America.

"We are excited to be working alongside of SelecTrucks of Toronto," said Transrep partner Ray Haight. "We have been familiar with the way they do business through the Power to Drive program and have always been impressed with their integrity and dedication to customer service."

Turchet says he believes the new Transrep Fleet Purchase Program will help companies turn their trucks into cash, get into better financial deals with newer equipment, take advantage of advanced technology through newer equipment, and lower maintenance costs.

"There is a large number of fleets underutilizing their equipment or could do better deals right now financing newer equipment or companies are looking to turn equipment into cash to reinvest or get rid of some debt," program officials said in a release. "The Fleet Purchase Program can help in many ways."

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Vipar, Meritor partner to offer 3PL service to suppliers

CRYSTAL LAKE, Ill. -- Vipar Heavy Duty has announced a new program with Meritor Aftermarket Services that will offer third party logistics (3PL) services to Vipar's supplier community. Under the agreement, Vipar will work with Meritor's logistics operation to bring 3PL services to the group's approved suppliers.

"Our supplier partners are looking for profitable growth, new market opportunities, and improved efficiencies," said Chris Baer, vice-president of Vipar Heavy Duty.  "We are excited to team up with Meritor Aftermarket Services. Our partnership allows us to address these needs and offer a new level of 'supplier solutions' as well as globalize our business model. Relationship innovation will drive our success in the future."

Meritor Aftermarket Services is a full-scale 3PL provider offering a number of core logistics competencies including packaging and kitting, material planning, warehousing, distribution, remanufacturing, customer support and consulting services. The partnership with Vipar offers suppliers with the opportunity to outsource part or all of their supply chain management functions with the industry's logistics expert.

"We have enjoyed a long and productive relationship with Vipar Heavy Duty, " said Craig Cartmill, general manager, worldwide aftermarket operations, Meritor. "Our business systems help our customers reduce costs by maximizing productivity while improving service levels. We are excited to enhance our services with Vipar's technology and bring this program to an even larger audience through the Vipar vendor community."

The new Vipar Heavy Duty program with Meritor Aftermarket Services will enable suppliers to reach global customers through Meritor's distribution centers in China, India, Australia, United Kingdom, Belgium, Germany, Mexico and Brazil. Those locations are in addition to centres in the US and Canada and six remanufacturing centres around the globe.

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