Leading traffic technology company Sensys Networks is supplying its wireless parking detection and data equipment to Pilot Flying J, in order to power its new myPilot smartphone app, which will deliver real-time, reliable information on parking availability to truckers.
With more than 750 retail locations in 44 states, and over 70,000 parking spaces for trucks, Pilot Flying J is the largest operator of travel centers in North America. After 18-months of testing, 30 Pilot Flying locations along the I-5 corridor from San Diego to Seattle, and one location in Knoxville, Tennessee, have now been outfitted with Sensys’s wireless sensor systems, which will collect and feed real-time parking availability data to professional drivers in the myPilot app. Using Sensys Networks’ patented sensor technology, Pilot Flying will relay the information collected at travel center locations to a variety of driver information devices using the myPilot app.
As the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) ELD (Electronic Logging Device) mandate went into effect on December 18, this capability will save drivers time by providing myPilot app users with access to real-time parking availability and the ability to secure spaces at locations along their routes where parking is in extreme shortage. Through the app, drivers will now be able to access total truck parking spaces, view and purchase Prime Parking spots, and have access to real-time information at locations where the parking sensors are deployed. Pilot Flying J and Sensys are looking to expand access to parking information in 2018, with the goal of increasing space detection at additional locations across the company’s network.
“As parking continues to be a major industry issue, with three million truckers on US roads and only 300,000 public parking spots, we are investing more time and resources into technology to ensure we’re doing everything we can to provide drivers a safe, reliable place to park,” said Ken Parent, president of Pilot Flying J. “Through this partnership, our goal is to provide professional drivers with access to real-time, accurate information on space availability through our myPilot app, not only to help drivers plan more efficiently and cut down on wasted fuel costs, but also to increase safety and e-log compliance.”
Amine Haoui, Sensys Networks’ CEO, commented, “More than 75% of truck drivers report regularly experience problems with finding safe parking, and on average spend 30 minutes looking for a space. We are pleased to see our IoT platform and patented MicroRadar sensors help Pilot Flying J address this critical market need, by providing accurate, reliable, real-time availability data.”
