Blue Tree Systems Enhances HOS Driver Advisory Tool to Reflect New HOS Regulations

JOC Staff |

Roanoke, Va., - July 02, 2013 - Blue Tree Systems Inc., a leading provider of reefer monitoring, trailer tracking and in-cab fleet management solutions, today announced it has completed implementation of new software updates to its HOS Advisor tool to reflect new driver Hours-of-Service (HOS) regulations, which came into effect on July 1st.

Developed by Blue Tree Systems, and currently the only HOS tool of its kind, HOS Advisor keeps drivers informed of “Drive Time Remaining” at all times and advises drivers at the touch of a button of the options available to best use their available hours to maximize their driving time. HOS Advisor presents options to the driver based on their current HOS status and saves the driver the hassle of performing complex and time consuming calculations

The tool works by first providing drivers with a ‘current status’, for example: ‘You have 0 hours and 15 minutes of driving time left’ which is then followed by a number of appropriate options on how to proceed to maximize their drive time.

In addition, HOS Advisor provides dispatchers with the same real time information that is available to the driver in the cab. This shared view is invaluable and means that dispatchers and drivers can discuss the options being presented by HOS Advisor and agree on how best to proceed.

HOS Advisor is available at all times. As soon as a driver logs onto the system, the previous seven days of logs are automatically downloaded to the truck and a summary of the driver’s current drive time and remaining time available is presented. The system displays driver hours as a graph or a table. In graph format the data presentation is designed to be similar to that of the paper logbook to ease the driver’s transition to electronic logs. The tool is also able to advise on split logs for team drivers.

“Being able to instantly see a list of scenarios advising ‘if you select duty state ‘X’ for duration ‘Y’ then ‘Z’ will happen’ really helps drivers decide how to best use their hours. Essentially, it’s like having an HOS expert riding in the passenger seat helping you make the appropriate decisions to best optimize your working day,” says Charlie Cahill, CEO of Blue Tree Systems.

The HOS Advisor tool has now been updated to reflect the new changes in HOS regulation and has already been seamlessly deployed to all customer trucks and back office systems.

The Blue Tree Systems R:COM fleet management solution is a comprehensive system that includes a range of real-time vehicle location and tracking, and vehicle, fuel, refrigeration unit and driver status information. Connected to the vehicle’s electronic systems, the R:COM automatically changes duty status to ‘driving’ when the vehicle is moving, and displays an HOS compliance report that details all duty status changes. R:COM alerts the driver if a violation is imminent and provides fleets with reports to monitor driver working hours and check for non compliance, as well as checking available working hours in Canada and the United States before crossing either border.

About Blue Tree Systems

Blue Tree Systems, established in 1995, provides the R:COM Fleet Management solution to both U.S. and European markets. The comprehensive system includes a range of features designed to maximize fleet efficiency and improve customer service. Capabilities of the solution can be selected to meet any variety of operational requirements, and allow fleets to more efficiently manage assets and lower operating costs by making effective decisions that result in improved business operations, fleet flexibility and higher service levels. For more information, visit www.bluetreesystems.com.