Parcel tracking application a la UPS & Fedex Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) about real-time drop shipments or pickups Exact delivery time tracking for superior customer service Fleet management/maintenance information Traffic Control and Monitoring Mobile networks to provide two-way communication between fleet drivers and their dispatch centers or home offices  Real-time Traffic Reporting Parking Management: Automatic Fee debiting/Space Availability Real-time Passenger Information Dissemination ( at Kiosks, Bus Stops, Road Signs, etc.) Command and Control of Vehicle Fleets: City Buses, School Buses, Cabs Services Vehicles, Airport Limo Service Vehicles

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Courier companies such as Federal Express, UPS and DLH were among the leading early adopters of mobile computing technology. In fact, Federal Express implemented a sophisticated parcel tracking application based on a wireless network that gave them a business advantage over their competitors. UPS had to respond with a similar application to retain their market share and give their customers superior service.

The trucking industry has also been implementing mobile computing solutions for several years (since early 90s as a result of the bundled application services by companies such as QualComm. Because long-haul delivery and pickup truck costs (capital and operating) are quite high, the industry was easily able to justify the costs of new technology and wireless networks as long as they were able to show that their implementation would result in even a small increase in productivity. Planners needed only to point out that CAD information about emergency drop shipments or en route pickups could achieve significant savings to warrant the implementation of mobile computing solutions. Additionally, the ability to indicate exact delivery times made for excellent customer service that enabled appreciative customers to better plan their day.

Fleet location tracking is another application that has significant potential. AirIQ Inc. has designed a turnkey service that allows car rental and trucking companies to know exact location and whereabouts of the vehicle in real time basis. They achieve this capability with GPS-equipped computer mounted in the vehicle that can transmit location, speed and vehicle maintenance information to AirIQ's central computer.

Special ruggedized terminals have been developed by companies such as QualComm/CANCOM group (operating in the USA and Canada). These terminals, which utilize satellite based communication, can send and receive messages to and from long-haul trucks on the highway. According to the company, dozens of freight carriers have installed the equipment. For a fee, CANCOM provides a bundled one-stop service for a fixed number of messages per month.

Nexterna offers a fleet management solution called OptiSoft -Fleet Management Edition for tracking vehicle location by integrating GPS. It has a graphical interface and is accessible via Internet.  It allows you to gather location data and usage data for all mobile assets

Qualcomm offers VIS (Vehicle Information System) — fleet maintenance software that automatically monitors engines through on-board sensors and subsystems. Transmitted via satellite, VIS can provide performance statistics reports, vehicle diagnostic data and trailer status information. With this information, dispatchers can monitor the health of their fleets remotely and arrange preventive maintenance as necessary.

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