An Assessment of Satellite Tracking Technology in the Commercial Trucking Industry and Its Potential Use within the United States Army's Distribution System.
Abstract
Currently, a number of government agencies use various satellite-based tracking and mobile communications systems to maintain visibility of important items that may be "on the move.' From the U.S. Department of Energy's tracking of en route shipments of hazardous materials, to various wildlife organizations' tracking of endangered species, the use of satellite-based tracking systems is becoming more and more popular within the government sector as a means of achieving total visibility over its in-transit assets. In the business world, trucking firms have discovered that large savings, in terms of time, energy and fuel, can be realized using various tracking systems that connect drivers to a central dispatcher who is able to transmit last minute routing changes, traffic updates, and other trip information. Integration of satellite-based tracking and mobile communications systems such as these into the U.S. Army's peacetime and wartime distribution systems to maintain in-transit visibility of critical resources will be key to the Army's maintaining an effective and superior force. This thesis explores the possible adoption of commercially accepted communications and tracking systems by the defense transportation system, and in particular, the potential benefits that this technology may provide to the U.S. Army.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA313963
Entities
People
- Catherine A. Yarberry
Organizations
- Pennsylvania State University