SAIC to develop wireless tracking for trailers

Science Applications International Corp., San Diego, has won a $2 million contract from the Transportation Department to develop a wireless trailer tracking system. Wireless solution provider Qualcomm Inc., San Diego, will serve as technology integrator for the project.

The Transportation Department was seeking a way for companies to wirelessly track their trailers and keep tabs on hazardous materials.

Under a contract was issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the two companies will perform a field test to evaluate how much such a system would cost and how well it would operate.

Tests will begin in the summer of 2004.

Three teams submitted proposals to the FMCSA request in early July.

The solution, developed by Qualcomm, consists of on-board hardware, network services and use of three wireless modes to communicate?digital cellular, Personal Communications Service and analog. Qualcomm said that the units will be compatible with third generation, or 3G, services, that are being rolled out by wireless service providers.

The units will be attached to trucks operated by Super Service Inc., Somerset, Ky.; R&R Trucking, Duenweg, Mo.; and Paschall Truck Lines Inc., Murray, Ky.