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Why is Connectivity needed?

A large percentage of motor carrier inspections take place at the roadside. But at the moment, many State employees who perform inspections do not have the proper connectivity to FMCSA systems to help them do their jobs. Lack of connectivity at the roadside means that inspectors do not have essential carrier information at their fingertips. It also means that inspectors have to wait before they are able to upload the results of their roadside inspections.

To address these issues and to assess the most effective ways to provide adequate connectivity to the Field, FMCSA is launching a Connectivity Pilot.

How will the Connectivity Pilot work?

The Connectivity Pilot will focus on evaluating connectivity technologies in the Field and on identifying other issues with current FMCSA systems and processes that impact the effectiveness of enforcement staff at the roadside.

The overall objective of the Connectivity Pilot is to help lay the groundwork for the inspection model of FMCSA's COMPASS program, which is an FMCSA-wide program to fully integrate its information technologies with its business processes, in support of its mission of saving lives and preventing commercial motor vehicle crashes.

What are the benefits?

As a result of the Connectivity Pilot, FMCSA will better understand cost-effective approaches to providing connectivity to staff performing roadside activities. Anticipated benefits from the Pilot will:

• Allow roadside staff to verify carrier operating authority, insurance, and "Out of Service" status
• Provide quicker uploads of inspection reports and other roadside data
• Enable validation and verification of Commercial Driver's License numbers

Which State agencies are participating?

Arizona Department of Public Safety; Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement; Tennessee Highway Patrol

What connectivity technologies will be used?

Three technologies are planned for the Pilot:

• Wireless aircards (which use the cell-phone network to provide connectivity)
• Satellite units (which enable connectivity in locations with no cell-phone reception)
• Radio network (using an existing State government radio service for data transmission)

When will the Connectivity Pilot take place?

The Connectivity Pilot began in late March 2006, and a final report, with recommendations, is planned for completion by March 2007.

For more information: compass@dot.gov