PALOS VERDES ESTATES, CA – C.J. Driscoll & Associates has released a new multi-client marketing research study covering interest of U.S. fleet operators in Mobile Resource Management (MRM) systems and services. The 2007 Survey of Fleet Operator Interest in MRM Systems and Services assesses fleet operator interest in installed and handset-based MRM solutions, as well as willingness to pay and intent to purchase.

In addition to GPS tracking, the study covers a wide range of other applications, including navigation, traffic, and remote vehicle diagnostics. The study also assesses satisfaction with MRM systems and services among current users. Opinions of fleet operators ranging from local service fleets to truckload carriers are covered in the research.

The 2007 Survey of Fleet Operator Interest in MRM Systems and Services was partially funded by 13 companies, including leading cellular carriers, digital mapping suppliers, and suppliers of MRM equipment, software, and services. This new study is based on a nationwide telephone survey of more than 500 fleet operators. Survey participants were drawn from all major categories of fleets, including service, local and over-the-road trucking, private delivery, utilities, transportation, and government fleets. The sample included a balance of small and large fleets from all major U.S. regions.

The 234-page report covers fleet operator interest in a wide range of MRM and wireless applications, including the following:

• Vehicle-installed GPS tracking systems.
  

• GPS-equipped cell phones for monitoring mobile workers.
  

• Remote vehicle diagnostics.
  

• Weather alerts.
  

• Navigation systems and services.
  

• Fuel prices.
  

• Data messaging.
  

• E-mail.
  

• Traffic information services.
  

• RFID.
  

• Stolen vehicle tracking.
  

• Broadband wireless communications.
  

• Bar code scanning.
  

• Signature capture.

  The study compares interest in each service tested based on fleet category, size, radius of operation, fleet routing (pre-established routes vs. actively dispatched), number of stops per day, and other criteria. In addition to quantitative data on fleet operator interest and intent to purchase, the report also includes more than 250 verbatim comments of fleet operators citing their opinions regarding tested systems and services.

  Key findings of the study include the following:
  

• Overall, 80 percent of surveyed fleet operators reported that their drivers use cellular phones to communicate while on the road, compared to 66 percent in 2003.
  

• Participating fleet operators using GPS tracking systems expressed a high level of satisfaction with these systems. Nearly three-fourths (73 percent) indicated that they are extremely satisfied or very satisfied with the system, while only nine percent indicated that they are not satisfied with their systems.
  

• Interest in GPS tracking of fleet vehicles was rated highest among the systems and services tested, with many fleet operators viewing GPS tracking as an important tool for improving driver productivity, route optimization, dispatching efficiency, and customer service.
  

• Interest in nearly all tested MRM services has increased since the previous C.J. Driscoll fleet operator multi-client study was conducted in 2003. Increased adoption of GPS and wireless, in both consumer and commercial markets, has greatly expanded fleet operator awareness and interest in MRM systems and services for increasing fleet productivity and efficiency.