GPS Devices Approved as Bypass Transponders

Using GPS devices on the highways has become a relatively common thing, and even experienced truck drivers use them to find the best routes and avoid traffic congestion. A recent government decision, however, opens the door for a brand new application for these useful gadgets.

 

The Current System

Trucking companies maintain large fleets of trucks that transport products across the nation on the interstate highway system. One temptation these companies face is to overload their trucks to save time and money. Most states, however, have restrictions on the amount of weight that can be carried on a truck, and overweight trailers must obtain special permits and follow specific routes. In order to enforce these laws, truckers must visit weigh stations along the interstate, where the weight of their load can be checked. With the hundreds of trucks traveling on any given roadway, there can be an incredibly high volume of traffic through these weigh stations. To deal with this problem, many states have instituted technology that can allow trucks to bypass a given weigh station. Based on certain criteria, the weigh station communicates with a transponder in the truck and notifies the driver whether or not he needs to stop at the station.

 

The Announcement

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) recently announced that both GPS devices and other mobile devices with GPS capabilities can be used as transponders by interstate truckers. According to FMCSA, current technology allows them to establish networks that utilize the cellular system to collect data on a truck. Based on the information gathered, they can determine if the trucker needs to stop and notify the driver accordingly.

 

The Benefits

This advance has a number of benefits for both states and trucking companies. Using existing devices and technology lowers the overall costs of the transponder program, which will permit the participation of more states. The system also allows law enforcement agencies to zero in on the problem truckers instead of wasting the valuable time of compliant carriers. Since most trucks already carry GPS navigation devices, trucking companies will save money by not having to purchase additional transponders. The savings in transport time and equipment costs will ultimately be passed on to consumers, to the benefit of all.

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GPS Devices Approved as Bypass Transponders