Technology
The Fresh Channel operation takes advantage of today’s latest supply chain technology in several ways. Order
information flows to Penske via EDI and is assembled by route and used to generate the store-specific manifest. The
information also is sent to Penske’s in-house logistics management system by route and store.
Penske also utilizes proprietary software known as CellCom to load the route information onto a mobile device
that is then updated by the driver during the route to provide real-time feedback and GPS tracking. The cellular
device also is equipped with a Performance Tracker application, which connects to the truck driver’s engine control
module to monitor various on-road events, such as MPG performance, hard braking, idle time and speed bands.
It also generates an electronic driver log to meet Department of Transportation regulations. Penske also uses
this technology to help promote safer and optimized truck driving, which has the added benefit of reducing the
carbon footprint of its truck drivers by monitoring their on-road performance relative to the miles per gallon of fuel
consumed.
Further, Penske’s refrigerated trailers are equipped with an advanced temperature monitoring system that provides
web-based reports and alerts to dispatch of any change in each of the temperature zones, so food safety and product
integrity is measured and maintained at the highest quality standards.