A-1 Medical Transporters

SouthernLINC Wireless Delivers Robust Wireless Communications and Fleet Management Solutions to A-1 Medical Transporters

Overview

Based in Fitzgerald, Ga., A-1 Medical Transporters provide medical transportation services for non-emergency needs, including doctor, dialysis and physical therapy appointments. The company’s 29 vehicles serve clients throughout south Georgia from Coffee County to the Brunswick area and Florida border.

Challenge

With such a large service area, A-1 Medical Transporters’ fleet is often spread out across multiple counties. Without a fleet management system, A-1’s dispatchers were unable to easily determine how to route drivers. While both central dispatch and the drivers had cell phones, the dispatcher had to place individual calls to each driver to ascertain his/her location to confirm which vehicle was closest to a patient’s location. It was a time consuming and inefficient way to conduct business. A-1 needed an easy way to manage its fleet and quickly connect with its staff in the field.

Solution

Based on Motorola’s iDEN (Integrated Digital Enhanced Network) technology, SouthernLINC Wireless provided a solution to combine Push to Talk two-way radio, cellular phone service, text messaging and wireless Internet and data access in one hand-held device. Since 2005, A-1’s drivers have been equipped with Java™-compatible handsets installed with iTRAK™, a business-grade GPS tracking solution for commercial fleets. Back at the office, A-1’s dispatcher can determine a vehicle’s exact location and download text- and map-based reports that detail the travels of each vehicle, and since iTRAK’s tracking system is Web-based, A-1 didn’t need to install software on any of its computers.

“We took a look at other tracking systems online, but representatives from SouthernLINC Wireless and iTRAK took the time to meet with us in person to discuss our communications needs,” said Charles Hunter, quality assurance officer, A-1 Medical Transporters. “That personal level of attention didn’t end with the sale. The folks [at SouthernLINC and iTRAK] have been in continued contact with me to make sure everything runs smoothly.”

Benefits

Hunter noted two areas essential to A-1’s day-to-day communications:

• Real-time fleet management: “SouthernLINC Wireless’ network and solutions from iTRAK provide us with up-to-the-minute information on where our drivers are, which lets us route them more efficiently. This ensures that our patients aren’t late for their appointments or stuck waiting to be picked up and driven home – key factors in keeping our customers happy.”
• Instant communication:“Using SouthernLINC Wireless’ Push to Talk two-way radio, our dispatcher can connect with one driver or several drivers at the touch of a button. It saves time from having to manually place cell phone calls to each individual.”

Need a Wireless Solution for Your Business?

If you'd like specific information on how SouthernLINC Wireless can benefit your company, contact us in one of these convenient ways:

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Several factors may affect or interfere with the service availability and quality as described above such as, but not limited to, network changes, traffic volume, service outages, weather and your equipment.