Qualcomm Incorporated (NASDAQ: QCOM) today announced that it has signed a contract with Memphis-based Ozark Motor Lines for the purchase of 1,000 OmniTRACS® mobile satellite communications terminals. Installation of the first 140 units has been completed, with an additional 360 units scheduled for completion this year. The remaining units will be installed over the next five years.
"We were relying solely on telephones but knew we needed a more efficientway to communicate with our trucks," said Tommy Higginbotham, vice president and chief executive officer of Ozark Motor Lines. "With phones,we never knew where a truck was until the driver called in. The OmniTRACS system takes the mystery out of the truck's whereabouts and gives us almost immediate contact with our drivers anytime. We also feel that with the OmniTRACS system we will be able to make substantial productivity gains."
Ozark was aware that its competitors were already using satellite communications, so the company decided that it was time to aggressively move forward. After evaluating several systems, Ozark chose OmniTRACS because "Qualcomm is clearly the leader in this industry and we felt wewould be better served by the dominant player," Higginbotham said. "We believe Qualcomm can deliver on the promise of improved efficiency and logistics management. Qualcomm has the resources to help integrate Ozark's entire operation."
"We welcome the opportunity to help Ozark enhance its level of communications through the use of our OmniTRACS system," said John Sarto, vice president and general manager of Qualcomm's OmniTRACS division. "We're pleased with Ozark's selection and will work diligently to provide the highest quality of service possible."
Founded in 1961, Ozark Motor Lines has grown from a one-truck operation to a long-haul irregular truckload carrier, serving customers in a 26-stateterritory, running from New Jersey to Texas, and Wisconsin to Florida.
Qualcomm is the world leader in providing satellite communications, tracking and fleet management solutions to the trucking industry. With more than 145,000 OmniTRACS units sold worldwide, Qualcomm has systems operating in the United States, Canada, Europe, Brazil, Mexico, Japan and Malaysia.
Headquartered in San Diego, Qualcomm develops, manufactures, markets, licenses and operates advanced communications systems and products based on its proprietary digital wireless technologies. The company's primary product areas include the OmniTRACS system (a geostationary satellite-based mobile communications system providing two-way data and position reporting services), CDMA wireless communications systems and products and, in conjunction with others, the development of the Globalstar® low-earth-orbit (LEO) satellite communications system. Other company products include the Eudora Pro® electronic mail software, VLSI components, and communications equipment and systems for government and commercial customers worldwide.
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