In some ways, radio frequency identification (RFID) is an inadequate name, says Ernie Betancourt, president of QuikQ, the developer and provider of fuel transaction processing solutions for motor carriers and truck stops. “There are many modern variations of RFID technology that refer to active, passive, UHF and other types of tags that can be used to read information,” he states. “There are also systems that include directional, circular polarized and near field antennas and an antenna that can track movement in a 40-ft. area at resolution of less than 1 ft.”
Antennas and RFID tags can also be read at increasingly faster vehicle speeds and longer distances, making them ideal for toll and weigh station bypass systems, notes John Andrews, president and chief executive officer of Bestpass, the provider of bulk purchasing and toll management services for fleets. “RFID keeps trucks moving, helping enhance productivity and safety,” he says. “These systems also make it easier for drivers by eliminating the need to stop and pay tolls. At the same time, automated data collection doesn’t necessarily mean it’s easier for the IT department,” Andrews says.
“One added burden is RFID tag inventory management. Regardless, we have seen a steady increase in the number of trucking operations that are using RFID technology,” he adds. “Today, we have more than 125,000 single toll and weigh station bypass transponders in service.”
QuikQ’s RFID-based SmartQ fueling system is currently being installed at truck stops and is being adopted by a growing number of motor carriers. “RFID solutions for fuel purchasing can help manage and lower inventory, and financing, administrative and transaction costs, which can exceed ten cents per gallon,” Ernie Betancourt says. “There is also the sensitive subject of fuel fraud. Five percent theft approaches $4,000 per year for each truck.”
Going forward, as the capabilities of the technology grow and costs decrease, integrating RFID solutions with decision-support and enterprise management systems is a trend expected to proliferate in trucking operations.
What do fleets need to consider when implementing RFID systems? “An RFID network is similar to the building it is going in,” says Deryk Powell, president of aftermarket technology deployment specialist Velociti. “It must be designed, installed and maintained properly or the network will underperform.”
For the design element, Powell says it is important to determine appropriate RFID reader mounting locations, read ranges, antenna placement, orientation and power settings, and network connectivity. Installing cables, switches, routers and other components to exact specifications requires experience.
Finally, as RFID solutions are not “set it and forget it” technologies, it is critical to have a proactive maintenance plan and support network in place.