Platform Science

Platform Science offers IoT-based fleet management solutions for parties such as connected trucks and freight companies. The company’s hardware products, which are in-vehicle tablets and telematics that are either built-in or installed later, work in tandem with software solutions to compute the fleet’s data in real time. Its open-source software platforms enable fleets to manage maximum speed, monitor driver vigilance, notify drivers of upcoming situations and surroundings, check tire pressure and temperature in real-time, provide navigation at freight yards, etc. Its business model for fleets involves a usage-based billing system that charges only for mobile devices and trucks that use the platform.

Platform Science’s “Virtual Vehicle,” launched in November 2021 in collaboration with Daimler Trucks North America, is reportedly the first open-source OEM platform that allows fleets to customize their software by giving telematics providers, third-party developers, and other parties access to real-time data directly from the vehicle. Its other internally developed solutions include “PS Workflow,” to automate dispatch; “PS Navigation,” for route planning; “PS DVIR,” a driver vehicle inspection report for drivers to keep track of reported vehicle defects; “PS Messages,” a driver-focused messaging application; “PS Media Manager,” a digital dashboard for file sharing; “PS Form Manager,” a configurable form management application; and “PS HOS,” an electronic logging device (ELD) application. 

Key customers and partnerships

Platform Science’s customers include Werner Enterprises, Schneider National, Western Express, US Xpress, Cargo Transporters, Walmart, and Paper Transport. Truck makers such as Daimler Trucks North America (July 2020) Navistar (March 2021), PACCAR (January 2023), and Kenworth ( February 2023 ) also have partnerships with the company to factory install the technology into their trucks. 

The company also has integrations with other technology providers such as Drivewyze (including “Drivewyze PreClear,” its weigh station bypass network, and “Drivewyze Safety,” which notifies drivers of possible hazards), Bendix and Lytx (to sync driver information using video recordings), CoPilot (commercial vehicle navigation software), and E-SMART (to notify drivers when they enter predetermined geofenced areas), CAT Scale (to integrate CAT Scale's Weigh My Truck and CAT Scale Locator apps with Platform Science's solution), Uptake (to provide predictive maintenance capabilities for truck fleets), and Irdeto (to offer digital key solution to fleet managers).

Funding and financials

In April 2024, Platform Science raised USD 125 million in a growth funding round, led by 8VC, NewRoad Capital Partners, and Prologis Ventures. The company planned to use the funds to accelerate the addition of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) partners, increase the number of on-vehicle applications for the company's technology, and increase the number of service partnerships.