UniGroup, Inc., the Fenton, Mo.-based parent company of Mayflower Transit and United Van Lines, has selected the patented Global Locating System (GLS) trailer tracking technology from SkyBitz for the more than 10,000 trailers in its domestic trucking fleet.

UniGroup chose the SkyBitz GLS 200 to replace an existing platform that requires tracking units to be tethered to each tractor and lacks real-time reporting capabilities. In addition, the current system cannot track trailers that aren’t attached to tractors – which is crucial in the high-value products and household goods markets.

“SkyBitz offers us a more customer-focused solution because we’ll now have the ability to give customers real-time location information for every trailer that’s deployed,” said Gene Elkins, vice president of Operations Support for UniGroup. “We’ll also benefit from SkyBitz’s ease of installation and ability to keep pace with market demands.”

“Our GLS trailer tracking technology will enable UniGroup to have complete visibility for every trailer in its fleet at a fraction of the cost of the previous system,” said Roni Taylor, executive vice president for SkyBitz. “We believe that our solution will not only help the company to improve customer service but also increase asset utilization.”

The patented SkyBitz GLS technology empowers fleets of all sizes to improve trailer efficiency, reduce trailer-to-tractor ratio, recover lost or stolen loads, bill more detention time and improve customer response. The system features faster position calculations, longer battery life and more rapid return on investment.

About UniGroup

UniGroup, Inc., a $2 billion transportation and relocation services company based in suburban St. Louis, Mo., is one of the nation’s largest privately owned transportation companies. In addition to United Van Lines, UniGroup is the parent company of other transportation-related companies. Its world headquarters offices are located in Fenton, Mo.

About SkyBitz

SkyBitz developed the revolutionary Global Locating System (GLS) technology to give carriers and private fleets the ability to track powered and unpowered assets, including trailers, containers and railcars – providing total supply chain visibility. Designed to scale and adapt to each customer's business needs, the SkyBitz GLS technology is a cost-effective solution that helps fleets lower operating costs and improve their service offerings. The patented GLS solution outperforms GPS-based tracking systems by utilizing a unique wireless satellite technology and centralized position calculations. The GLS mobile communicator is compact, simple to install and provides multi-year battery life. Headquartered in Sterling, Va., SkyBitz is a privately held company financially backed by Inverness Capital Partners, Motorola Ventures, AIG Highstar Capital and Cordova Ventures. For additional information, visit www.skybitz.com.