VIA® Locate - Cellular Tracking

How-to track loads and freight using Cellular based tracking (triangulation)

The VIA® Platform support tracking of freight using multiple methods including the VIA® Mobile, Mobile Federation, Portal Updates, and EDI Updates. In situations where utilizing the VIA® Mobile application is not possible, or where there is no in-cab device available VIA® offers tracking of freight using cellular based triangulation. The load is tracked by leveraging the mobile phone of the driver that is handling the load. This method of tracking (called VIA® Locate) is accomplished by determining the location of the cellular device by measuring the distance of the device from at least three nearby cellular towers. It allows for tracking capabilities similar to that of GPS (Global Positioning System), but is less accurate do to the measurement being approximate.

Step-by-step guide

The driver MUST approve the tracking by replying to the text message received. The driver may terminate the approval for tracking at any time by replying NO or CANCEL to the original tracking message.
NOTE: There is a cost to enabling VIA® Locate on a per load basis due to the costs from the cellular telephone companies.

Enable Tracking on the Order or Segment:

Find the order or shipment and open it to display the detail
1. Click the "Start" button under the "Track" heading and select "VIA Locate" as the method of tracking.
Key in the phone number of the driver's mobile device.
1. This will send a text message to the device asking for permission to track their device.
2. The driver must reply YES to approve the tracking.
Once the driver has approved the tracking location information will begin flowing to the VIA® application and will display as any other location or GPS position displays.