Land vehicle communications system and process for providing information and coordinating vehicle activities

• US 20020049523A1
• Filed: 11/20/2001
• Published: 04/25/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 11/05/1998
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: OCC Technologies LLC (Volkswagen AG)
• Original Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Co. LLC (Volkswagen AG)
• Inventors: Diaz, R. Gary, Baughman, Ronald L., Gemender, John J., Dager, Steven J.
• Granted Patent: US 6,539,296 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 701/33
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 5/008 communicating information to a remotely located station transmission systems for measured values G08C
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/096811 where the route is computed offboard
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/20 Monitoring the location of vehicles belonging to a group, e.g. fleet of vehicles, countable or determined number of vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/205 Indicating the location of the monitored vehicles as destination, e.g. accidents, stolen, rental

Abstract

A communication system architecture (SA) for a vehicle which may be integrated into the vehicle'"'"'s multiplexed electronic component communication system, and a process for communicating with the vehicle to provide information for and about the vehicle'"'"'s operational status and coordinating the vehicle'"'"'s activities. The communication system will include a multi-functional antenna system for the vehicle that will have the capability to receive AM/FM radio and television signals, and transmit and receive citizens band (CB) radio signals, satellite and microwave and cellular phone communications. The antenna may be installed as original equipment or as a back-fit part in the after-market. In either case the multi-functional antenna will be integrated with the vehicle'"'"'s multiplexed electronic component communication system. The process for communicating with the vehicle will involve a communication service for which the vehicle'"'"'s driver will enroll for and service will continue so long as maintenance fees are paid. The service will be capable of providing various levels of information transfer and coordination. The levels may include vehicle information such as (1) the need for servicing and location of the nearest service center with the necessary parts in stock, (2) routing, and (3) load brokering and coordination. The modular design of the system architecture (SA) will allow it to be employed with the vehicle platform that does not possess a full multiplexed electronic component communications system. The resulting vehicle, using an after-market application package, will be able to participate in some of the services.

Claims

1. A process for an off board communication network for detecting and correcting a fault in a mobile vehicle having an engine engaged to a transmission engaged to a drive train for driving an axle with wheels, the vehicle having an internal communication backbone to which electronic controllers of the vehicle are electrically engaged, the electronic controllers monitoring certain vehicle components and the vehicle in contact with the off board communication network through communication means engaged to the internal communication network, comprising the steps of:

receiving an indication of an abnormal condition in a monitored vehicle component from an electronic controller on the mobile vehicle through the vehicle internal communication network and the communication means;

comparing the indication of an abnormal condition with the vehicle component'"'"'s manufacturers'"'"' expected parameters in a data management system, and finding a significant difference from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters, performing the further steps of;

determining the most probable cause of the difference from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters;

determining the parts necessary to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters;

searching a ground support network for potential vehicle service providers that have both the parts necessary to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters and an available service bay to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters;

querying the vehicle through the communication means and receiving the location of the vehicle back from the vehicle;

querying the data management system to determine and receiving a closest by time traveled potential vehicle service provider from the potential vehicle service providers to the vehicle;

querying the data management system for and receiving driving directions for the vehicle to the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service; and

providing the driving directions for the vehicle through the communication means to the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service to the vehicle;

comparing the indication of the abnormal condition with a specific history of the vehicle component stored in the data management system and finding a significant difference from the specific history of the vehicle component, performing the further steps of;

determining the most probable cause of the difference from the specific history of the vehicle component;

determining the parts necessary to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the specific history of the vehicle component;

searching a ground support network for potential vehicle service providers that have both the parts necessary to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the specific history of the vehicle component and an available service bay to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the specific history of the vehicle component;

querying the vehicle through the communication means and receiving the location of the vehicle back from the vehicle;

querying the data management system to determine and receiving a closest by time traveled potential vehicle service provider from the potential vehicle service providers to the vehicle;

querying the data management system for and receiving driving directions for the vehicle to the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service; and

providing the driving directions for the vehicle through the communication means to the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service to the vehicle; and

comparing the indication of an abnormal condition with the vehicle component'"'"'s manufacturers'"'"' expected parameters in a data management system, and comparing the indication of the abnormal condition with a specific history of the vehicle component stored in the data management system, and finding no significant difference from the specific history of the vehicle component, and finding no significant difference from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters, performing the further step of recording the indication of an abnormal condition in the data management system.

2. The process of claim 1, wherein:

transmitting a notice to the vehicle for a driver of the vehicle of the most probable cause of the difference from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters before the step of providing the driving directions for the vehicle to the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service to the vehicle.

3. The process of claim 1, wherein:

transmitting a notice to the vehicle for a driver of the vehicle of the most probable cause of the difference from the specific history of the vehicle component before the step of providing the driving directions for the vehicle to the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service to the vehicle.

4. The process of claim 2, wherein following the step querying the data management system for and receiving driving directions for the vehicle to the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service, the additional steps of:

querying the data management system for any cargo being transported by the vehicle;

arranging an alternative vehicle to transport the cargo; and

arranging a rendezvous between the vehicle and the alternative vehicle to transfer the cargo.

5. The process of claim 3, wherein following the step querying the data management system for and receiving driving directions for the vehicle to the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service, the additional steps of:

querying the data management system for any cargo being transported by the vehicle;

arranging an alternative vehicle to transport the cargo; and

arranging a rendezvous between the vehicle and the alternative vehicle to transfer the cargo.

6. The process of claim 4, wherein said step of arranging an alternative vehicle to transport the cargo, comprises the steps of:

providing a brokerage management system with a description of the cargo, a current location of the cargo, and a final destination of the cargo; and

receiving identifying information of an alternative vehicle to transport the cargo.

7. The process of claim 6, wherein said step of arranging a rendezvous between the vehicle and the alternative vehicle to transfer the cargo, comprises the steps of:

querying and receiving a location of the alternative vehicle;

querying the data management system for and receiving driving directions for the alternative vehicle for the fastest by time traveled route to rendezvous with the vehicle to transfer the cargo;

transmitting the fastest by time traveled route to rendezvous with the vehicle to transfer the cargo to the alternative vehicle; and

transmitting the cargo transfer rendezvous information to the vehicle.

8. The process of claim 5, wherein said step of arranging an alternative vehicle to transport the cargo, comprises the steps of:

providing a brokerage management system with a description of the cargo, a current location of the cargo, and a final destination of the cargo; and

receiving identifying information of an alternative vehicle to transport the cargo.

9. The process of claim 8, wherein said step of arranging a rendezvous between the vehicle and the alternative vehicle to transfer the cargo, comprises the steps of:

querying and receiving a location of the alternative vehicle;

querying the data management system for and receiving driving directions for the alternative vehicle for the fastest by time traveled route to rendezvous with the vehicle to transfer the cargo;

transmitting the fastest by time traveled route to rendezvous with the vehicle to transfer the cargo to the alternative vehicle; and

transmitting the cargo transfer rendezvous information to the vehicle.

16. The process of claim 1, wherein said step of determining the most probable cause of the difference from the manufacturers expected parameters includes the steps of:

determining the need for further clarifying information from the vehicle;

querying the vehicle through the communication means for the further clarifying information; and

receiving the clarifying information from the vehicle through the communication means.

17. The process of claim 1, wherein said step of determining the most probable cause of the difference from the specific history of the vehicle component includes the steps of:

determining the need for further clarifying information from the vehicle;

querying the vehicle through the communication means for the further clarifying information; and

receiving the clarifying information from the vehicle through the communication means.

19. The process of claim 1, wherein:

the indication of an abnormal condition is received from an engine electronic control module.

21. The process of claim 1, wherein:

the indication of an abnormal condition is received from a transmission electronic control module.

23. The process of claim 1, wherein:

the indication of an abnormal condition is received from an anti-lock brake electronic control module.

10. A process for an off board communication network for detecting and correcting a fault in a mobile vehicle having an engine engaged to a transmission engaged to a drive train for driving an axle with wheels, the vehicle having an internal communication backbone to which electronic controllers of the vehicle are electrically engaged, the electronic controllers monitoring certain vehicle components and the vehicle in contact with the off board communication network through communication means engaged to the internal communication network, comprising the steps of:

receiving an indication of an abnormal condition in a monitored vehicle component from the mobile vehicle through the vehicle internal communication network and the communication means;

comparing the indication of an abnormal condition with an expected condition stored in a data management system, and finding a significant difference from the expected condition, performing the further steps of;

determining the need for further action for the vehicle;

transmitting instructions for further action to the vehicle through the communication means;

comparing the indication of an abnormal condition with the expected condition stored in a data management system, and finding no significant difference from the expected condition, performing the further step of recording the indication of an abnormal condition in the data management system.

11. The process of claim 10, wherein said step of determining the need for further action for the vehicle includes the steps of:

determining parts required to effect a repair of the abnormal condition; and

determining a closest location of the repair parts to the vehicle.

12. The process of claim 11, wherein said step of transmitting instructions for further action to the vehicle through the communication means includes the step of:

providing instructions to the vehicle on how and where to obtain the parts.

13. The process of claim 10, wherein said step of determining the need for further action for the vehicle includes the steps of:

locating an alternative vehicle to transport a cargo carried by the vehicle;

determining a rendezvous location to transfer the cargo from the vehicle to the alternative vehicle; and

notifying the alternative vehicle of the rendezvous location.

14. The process of claim 13, wherein said step of determining the need for further action for the vehicle further includes the steps of:

determining a fastest by time traveled route between the alternative vehicle and the vehicle; and

transmitting the fastest by time traveled route between the alternative vehicle and the vehicle to the alternative vehicle.

15. The process of claim 14, wherein said step of transmitting instructions for further action to the vehicle through the communication means includes the step of:

providing instructions to the vehicle on how and where to effect the transfer of transfer the cargo from the vehicle to the alternative vehicle.

18. The process of claim 10, wherein said step of determining the need for further action for the vehicle includes the steps of:

determining the need for further clarifying information from the vehicle;

querying the vehicle through the communication means for the further clarifying information; and

receiving the clarifying information from the vehicle through the communication means.

20. The process of claim 10, wherein:

the indication of an abnormal condition is received from an engine electronic control module.

22. The process of claim 10, wherein:

the indication of an abnormal condition is received from a transmission electronic control module.

24. The process of claim 10, wherein:

the indication of an abnormal condition is received from an anti-lock brake electronic control module.

26. The vehicle of claim 25, wherein:

said lead controller is programmed for receiving a query for additional information from the off board network related to the abnormal condition;

said lead controller is programmed for obtaining the additional queried information about the abnormal condition through the internal communication backbone without driver intervention; and

said lead controller is programmed for transmitting the additional queried information to the off board communication network through the vehicle internal communication backbone and the communication means without driver intervention.

27. The vehicle of claim 25, wherein:

the instructions said lead electronic controller is programmed for receiving for action to address the abnormal condition from the off board network includes a closest location of the repair parts to correct the abnormal condition and directions to the closest location.

28. The vehicle of claim 25, wherein:

the indication of an abnormal condition said lead electronic controller is programmed for monitoring is monitored through an anti-lock brake electronic control module.

29. The vehicle of claim 25, wherein:

the indication of an abnormal condition said lead electronic controller is programmed for monitoring is monitored through an engine electronic control module.

30. The vehicle of claim 25, wherein:

the indication of an abnormal condition said lead electronic controller is programmed for monitoring is monitored through a transmission electronic control module.

25. A mobile vehicle for communicating with an off board communication network, comprised of:

an engine engaged to a transmission engaged to a drive train for driving an axle with wheels;

an internal communication backbone to which electronic controllers are electrically engaged;

said electronic controllers monitoring certain vehicle components;

a lead electronic controller programmed for monitoring said certain vehicle components through said electronic controllers;

said lead electronic controller programmed for communication with the off board communication network through communication means engaged to said internal communication backbone;

said lead electronic controller programmed for transmitting an indication of an abnormal condition in one of said monitored vehicle components to the off board communication network through the vehicle internal communication backbone and the communication means;

said lead electronic controller programmed for receiving instructions for action to address the abnormal condition from the off board network through the communication means; and

said lead electronic controller programmed for notifying a driver of the vehicle of driver actions of the received instructions from the off board network.

31. A process for a data management system component of an off board communication network, comprising the steps of:

storing a vehicle component'"'"'s manufacturers'"'"' expected parameters;

receiving a query from the off board network for the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters for the vehicle;

providing the off board network with the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters for the vehicle for the off board network'"'"'s comparison of an indication of an abnormal condition with the vehicle component'"'"'s manufacturers'"'"' expected parameters, and upon the off board network finding a significant difference from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters, performing the further steps of;

storing a listing of most probable causes of differences from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters;

receiving a query for and providing the off board network with listing of most probable causes of differences from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters for the off board network to compare to the abnormal condition for a match between a most probable cause and the abnormal condition;

storing independent listings of vehicle parts necessary to correct each of the most probable causes of differences from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters;

receiving a query for and providing the off board network independent listings of vehicle parts necessary to correct each of the most probable causes of differences from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters for the off board network to determine the parts necessary to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters;

receiving a query from the off board network to determine a closest by time traveled potential vehicle service provider from a listing of potential vehicle service providers that have both the parts necessary to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters and an available service bay to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters;

accessing a data base to determine driving times from potential vehicle service providers to the vehicle from the listing of potential vehicle service providers that have both the parts necessary to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters and an available service bay to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected, choosing a closest by time traveled potential vehicle service provider, providing the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service provider to the off board network;

receiving a query from the off board network for driving directions for the vehicle to the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service;

accessing a data base to determine the driving directions for the vehicle through the communication means to the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service to the vehicle; and

providing to the off board network the driving directions for the vehicle to the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service to the vehicle;

storing a specific history of the vehicle component;

receiving a query from the off board network for the specific history of the vehicle component;

providing the off board network with the specific history of the vehicle component for the off board network'"'"'s comparison of an indication of an abnormal condition with the specific history of the vehicle component, and upon the off board network finding a significant difference from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters, performing the further steps of;

storing a listing of most probable causes of differences from the specific history of the vehicle component;

receiving a query for and providing the off board network with listing of most probable causes of differences from the specific history of the vehicle component for the off board network to compare to the abnormal condition for a match between a most probable cause and the abnormal condition;

storing independent listings of vehicle parts necessary to correct each of the most probable causes of differences from the specific history of the vehicle component;

receiving a query for and providing the off board network independent listings of vehicle parts necessary to correct each of the most probable causes of differences from the specific history of the vehicle component for the off board network to determine the parts necessary to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the specific history of the vehicle component;

receiving a query from the off board network to determine a closest by time traveled potential vehicle service provider from a listing of potential vehicle service providers that have both the parts necessary to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the specific history of the vehicle component and an available service bay to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the specific history of the vehicle component;

accessing a data base to determine driving times from potential vehicle service providers to the vehicle from the listing of potential vehicle service providers that have both the parts necessary to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the specific history of the vehicle component and an available service bay to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected, choosing a closest by time traveled potential vehicle service provider, providing the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service provider to the off board network;

receiving a query from the off board network for driving directions for the vehicle to the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service;

accessing a data base to determine the driving directions for the vehicle through the communication means to the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service to the vehicle; and

providing to the off board network the driving directions for the vehicle to the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service to the vehicle; and

receiving and storing a history of the indication of an abnormal condition following the off board network'"'"'s comparison of the indication of the abnormal condition with the vehicle component'"'"'s manufacturers'"'"' expected parameters, and the off board network'"'"'s comparison of the indication of the abnormal condition with a specific history of the vehicle component, and the off normal network finding no significant difference from the specific history of the vehicle component, and finding no significant difference from the specific history of the vehicle component.

32. The process of claim 31, the additional steps of:

storing a record of cargo being carried by the vehicle needing service;

receiving a query from the off board network for any cargo being transported by the vehicle; and

transmitting the record of cargo carried by the vehicle needing service to the off board network.

33. The process of claim 32, the additional steps of:

receiving a location of an alternative vehicle to transport the cargo carried by the vehicle needing service;

receiving a status of the mobility of the vehicle needing service;

receiving a query from the off board network for a fastest by time traveled from the alternative vehicle to a rendezvous location with the vehicle needing service;

accessing a data base to determine the driving directions for the alternative vehicle to the fastest by time traveled from the alternative vehicle to a rendezvous location with the vehicle needing service; and

providing to the off board network the driving directions for the alternative vehicle to the fastest by time traveled from the alternative vehicle to a rendezvous location with the vehicle needing service.

38. The process of claim 37, wherein:

transmitting a notice to the vehicle for the driver of the vehicle of the most probable cause of the difference from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters before the step of providing the driving directions for the vehicle to the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service to the vehicle.

39. The process of claim 37, wherein:

transmitting a notice to the vehicle for the driver of the vehicle of the most probable cause of the difference from the specific history of the vehicle component before the step of providing the driving directions for the vehicle to the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service to the vehicle.

40. The process of claim 38, wherein following the step querying the data management system for and receiving driving directions for the vehicle to the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service, the additional steps of:

querying the data management system for any cargo being transported by the vehicle;

arranging an alternative vehicle to transport the cargo; and

arranging a rendezvous between the vehicle and the alternative vehicle to transfer the cargo.

41. The process of claim 39, wherein following the step querying the data management system for and receiving driving directions for the vehicle to the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service, the additional steps of:

querying the data management system for any cargo being transported by the vehicle;

arranging an alternative vehicle to transport the cargo; and

arranging a rendezvous between the vehicle and the alternative vehicle to transfer the cargo.

42. The process of claim 40, wherein said step of arranging an alternative vehicle to transport the cargo, comprises the steps of:

providing a brokerage management system with a description of the cargo, equipment required to transfer the cargo from one vehicle or trailer to another, a current location of the cargo, and a final destination of the cargo; and

receiving identifying information of an alternative vehicle to transport the cargo.

43. The process of claim 42, wherein said step of arranging a rendezvous between the vehicle and the alternative vehicle to transfer the cargo, comprises the steps of:

querying and receiving a location of the alternative vehicle;

querying the data management system for and receiving driving directions for the alternative vehicle for the fastest by time traveled route to rendezvous with the vehicle to transfer the cargo;

transmitting the fastest by time traveled route to rendezvous with the vehicle to transfer the cargo to the alternative vehicle; and

transmitting the cargo transfer rendezvous information to the vehicle.

44. The process of claim 41, wherein said step of arranging an alternative vehicle to transport the cargo, comprises the steps of:

providing a brokerage management system with a description of the cargo, a current location of the cargo, and a final destination of the cargo; and

receiving identifying information of an alternative vehicle to transport the cargo.

45. The process of claim 44, wherein said step of arranging a rendezvous between the vehicle and the alternative vehicle to transfer the cargo, comprises the steps of:

querying and receiving a location of the alternative vehicle;

querying the data management system for and receiving driving directions for the alternative vehicle for the fastest by time traveled route to rendezvous with the vehicle to transfer the cargo;

transmitting the fastest by time traveled route to rendezvous with the vehicle to transfer the cargo to the alternative vehicle; and

transmitting the cargo transfer rendezvous information to the vehicle.

47. The process of claim 46, wherein said step of determining the need for further action for the vehicle includes the steps of:

determining parts required to effect a repair of the driver perceived condition; and

determining a closest location of the repair parts to the vehicle.

48. The process of claim 47, wherein said step of transmitting instructions for further action to the vehicle through the communication means includes the step of:

providing instructions to the vehicle on how and where to obtain the parts.

49. The process of claim 48, wherein said step of determining the need for further action for the vehicle includes the steps of:

locating an alternative vehicle to transport a cargo carried by the vehicle;

determining a rendezvous location to transfer the cargo from the vehicle to the alternative vehicle; and

notifying the alternative vehicle of the rendezvous location.

50. The process of claim 49, wherein said step of determining the need for further action for the vehicle further includes the steps of:

determining a fastest by time traveled route between the alternative vehicle and the vehicle; and

transmitting the fastest by time traveled route between the alternative vehicle and the vehicle to the alternative vehicle.

51. The process of claim 50, wherein said step of transmitting instructions for further action to the vehicle through the communication means includes the step of:

providing instructions to the vehicle on how and where to effect the transfer of transfer the cargo from the vehicle to the alternative vehicle.

52. The process of claim 46, wherein said step of determining the need for further action for the vehicle includes the steps of:

determining the need for further clarifying information from the vehicle;

querying the vehicle through the communication means for the further clarifying information; and

receiving the clarifying information from the vehicle through the communication means.

34. A process for a vehicle load brokerage management system component of an off board communication network, comprising the steps of:

storing data on a network of mobile vehicles including locations, cargo carrying ability, availability to carry cargo, and operating area of the vehicles in the mobile vehicle network;

receiving a description of any cargo being transported by a vehicle with an abnormal condition, a current location of the cargo, and a final destination of the cargo from an off board communication network along with a query for a specific alternative vehicle from the network of mobile vehicles to transport the cargo;

comparing the cargo to be carried to the vehicles in the network of mobile vehicles to derive a listing of mobile vehicles capable of carrying the cargo;

comparing the listing of mobile vehicles capable of carrying the cargo to the vehicle availability data on the network of mobile vehicles and deriving a listing of mobile vehicles both available and capable of carrying the cargo;

determining a general route between the current location of the cargo and the final destination of the cargo;

comparing the operating areas of the vehicles on the listing of mobile vehicles both available and capable of carrying the cargo and determining which vehicle'"'"'s operating area encompasses the general route between the current location of the cargo and the final destination of the cargo;

communicating with the vehicles whose operating areas encompass the general route between the current location of the cargo and the final destination of the cargo and offering an option to carry the cargo as an alternative vehicle;

receiving an acceptance of the offer from a vehicle whose operating areas encompass the general route between the current location of the cargo and the final destination of the cargo and designating this the alternative vehicle to transport the cargo; and

communicating identifying information of the alternative vehicle to transport the cargo to the off board network.

35. A process for a vehicle load brokerage management system component of an off board communication network, comprising the steps of:

storing data on a network of mobile vehicles including locations, cargo carrying ability, availability to carry cargo, and operating area of the vehicles in the mobile vehicle network;

receiving a description of any cargo being transported by a vehicle with an indication of an abnormal condition, a current location of the cargo, and a final destination of the cargo from an off board communication network along with a query for a specific alternative vehicle from the network of mobile vehicles to transport the cargo;

comparing the cargo to be carried to the vehicles in the network of mobile vehicles to derive a listing of mobile vehicles capable of carrying the cargo;

comparing the listing of mobile vehicles capable of carrying the cargo to the vehicle availability data on the network of mobile vehicles and deriving a listing of mobile vehicles both available and capable of carrying the cargo;

determining a general route between the current location of the cargo and the final destination of the cargo;

comparing the operating areas of the vehicles on the listing of mobile vehicles both available and capable of carrying the cargo to determine which vehicle'"'"'s operating area encompasses the general route between the current location of the cargo and the final destination of the cargo, and finding individual vehicles whose operating area encompasses the general route, performing the additional steps of;

communicating with the vehicles whose operating areas encompass the general route between the current location of the cargo and the final destination of the cargo and offering an option to carry the cargo as an alternative vehicle;

receiving an acceptance of the offer from a vehicle whose operating areas encompass the general route between the current location of the cargo and the final destination of the cargo and designating this the alternative vehicle to transport the cargo; and

communicating identifying information of the alternative vehicle to transport the cargo to the off board network;

comparing the operating areas of the vehicles on the listing of mobile vehicles both available and capable of carrying the cargo to determine which vehicles'"'"' operating areas encompass the general route between the current location of the cargo and the final destination of the cargo, and finding a combination or combinations of vehicles whose operating areas encompass the general route, performing the additional steps of;

communicating with the vehicles whose combination of operating areas encompass the general route between the current location of the cargo and the final destination of the cargo and offering an option to carry the cargo as an alternative vehicle;

receiving an acceptance of the offer from the vehicles whose combination operating areas encompass the general route between the current location of the cargo and the final destination of the cargo and designating these as the alternative vehicles to transport the cargo; and

communicating identifying information of the alternative vehicles to transport the cargo to the off board network; and

comparing the operating areas of the vehicles on the listing of mobile vehicles both available and capable of carrying the cargo to determine which vehicle'"'"'s operating area encompasses the general route between the current location of the cargo and the final destination of the cargo, and not finding a vehicle or a combination of vehicles whose operating areas encompass the general route or willing to accept a previous offer to carry the cargo, performing the additional steps of;

comparing operating areas of the vehicles on the listing of mobile vehicles both available and capable of carrying the cargo with the current location of the cargo and the final destination of the cargo, and determining an alternative route between the current location of the cargo and the final destination of the cargo;

comparing the operating areas of the vehicles on the listing of mobile vehicles both available and capable of carrying the cargo to determine which vehicle'"'"'s operating area encompasses the alternative route between the current location of the cargo and the final destination of the cargo, and finding individual vehicles whose operating area encompasses the alternative route, performing the additional steps of;

communicating with the vehicles whose operating areas encompass the alternative route between the current location of the cargo and the final destination of the cargo and offering an option to carry the cargo as an alternative vehicle;

receiving an acceptance of the offer from a vehicle whose operating areas encompass the alternative route between the current location of the cargo and the final destination of the cargo and designating this the alternative vehicle to transport the cargo; and

communicating identifying information of the alternative vehicle to transport the cargo to the off board network;

comparing the operating areas of the vehicles on the listing of mobile vehicles both available and capable of carrying the cargo to determine which vehicles'"'"'operating areas encompass the alternative route between the current location of the cargo and the final destination of the cargo, and finding a combination or combinations of vehicles whose operating areas encompass the alternative route, performing the additional steps of;

communicating with the vehicles whose combination of operating areas encompass the alternative route between the current location of the cargo and the final destination of the cargo and offering an option to carry the cargo as an alternative vehicle;

receiving an acceptance of the offer from the vehicles whose combination operating areas encompass the alternative route between the current location of the cargo and the final destination of the cargo and designating these as the alternative vehicles to transport the cargo; and

communicating identifying information of the alternative vehicles to transport the cargo to the off board network.

36. A process for a vehicle load brokerage management system component of an off board communication network, comprising the steps of:

storing data on a network of mobile vehicles including locations, cargo carrying ability, availability to carry cargo, and operating area of the vehicles in the mobile vehicle network;

receiving a description of any cargo needing to be transported by a vehicle, a current location of the cargo, and a final destination of the cargo from an off board communication network along with a query for a specific cargo carrying vehicle from the network of mobile vehicles to transport the cargo;

comparing the cargo to be carried to the vehicles in the network of mobile vehicles to derive a listing of mobile vehicles capable of carrying the cargo;

comparing the listing of mobile vehicles capable of carrying the cargo to the vehicle availability data on the network of mobile vehicles and deriving a listing of mobile vehicles both available and capable of carrying the cargo;

determining a general route between the current location of the cargo and the final destination of the cargo;

comparing the operating areas of the vehicles on the listing of mobile vehicles both available and capable of carrying the cargo to determine which vehicle'"'"'s operating area encompasses the general route between the current location of the cargo and the final destination of the cargo, and finding individual vehicles whose operating area encompasses the general route, performing the additional steps of;

communicating with the vehicles whose operating areas encompass the general route between the current location of the cargo and the final destination of the cargo and offering an option to carry the cargo as an specific cargo carrying vehicle;

receiving an acceptance of the offer from a vehicle whose operating areas encompass the general route between the current location of the cargo and the final destination of the cargo and designating this the specific cargo carrying vehicle to transport the cargo; and

communicating identifying information of the specific cargo carrying vehicle to transport the cargo to the off board network;

comparing the operating areas of the vehicles on the listing of mobile vehicles both available and capable of carrying the cargo to determine which vehicles'"'"' operating areas encompass the general route between the current location of the cargo and the final destination of the cargo, and finding a combination or combinations of vehicles whose operating areas encompass the general route, performing the additional steps of;

communicating with the vehicles whose combination of operating areas encompass the general route between the current location of the cargo and the final destination of the cargo and offering an option to carry the cargo as an specific cargo carrying vehicle;

receiving an acceptance of the offer from the vehicles whose combination operating areas encompass the general route between the current location of the cargo and the final destination of the cargo and designating these as the specific cargo carrying vehicles to transport the cargo; and

communicating identifying information of the specific cargo carrying vehicles to transport the cargo to the off board network; and

comparing the operating areas of the vehicles on the listing of mobile vehicles both available and capable of carrying the cargo to determine which vehicle'"'"'s operating area encompasses the general route between the current location of the cargo and the final destination of the cargo, and not finding a vehicle or a combination of vehicles whose operating areas encompass the general route or willing to accept a previous offer to carry the cargo, performing the additional steps of;

comparing operating areas of the vehicles on the listing of mobile vehicles both available and capable of carrying the cargo with the current location of the cargo and the final destination of the cargo, and determining an alternative route between the current location of the cargo and the final destination of the cargo;

comparing the operating areas of the vehicles on the listing of mobile vehicles both available and capable of carrying the cargo to determine which vehicle'"'"'s operating area encompasses the alternative route between the current location of the cargo and the final destination of the cargo, and finding individual vehicles whose operating area encompasses the alternative route, performing the additional steps of;

communicating with the vehicles whose operating areas encompass the alternative route between the current location of the cargo and the final destination of the cargo and offering an option to carry the cargo as an specific cargo carrying vehicle;

receiving an acceptance of the offer from a vehicle whose operating areas encompass the alternative route between the current location of the cargo and the final destination of the cargo and designating this the specific cargo carrying vehicle to transport the cargo; and

communicating identifying information of the specific cargo carrying vehicle to transport the cargo to the off board network;

comparing the operating areas of the vehicles on the listing of mobile vehicles both available and capable of carrying the cargo to determine which vehicles'"'"' operating areas encompass the alternative route between the current location of the cargo and the final destination of the cargo, and finding a combination or combinations of vehicles whose operating areas encompass the alternative route, performing the additional steps of;

communicating with the vehicles whose combination of operating areas encompass the alternative route between the current location of the cargo and the final destination of the cargo and offering an option to carry the cargo as an specific cargo carrying vehicle;

receiving an acceptance of the offer from the vehicles whose combination operating areas encompass the alternative route between the current location of the cargo and the final destination of the cargo and designating these as the specific cargo carrying vehicles to transport the cargo; and

communicating identifying information of the specific cargo carrying vehicles to transport the cargo to the off board network.

37. A process for an off board communication network for detecting and correcting a fault in a mobile vehicle having an engine engaged to a transmission engaged to a drive train for driving an axle with wheels, the vehicle having an internal communication backbone to which electronic controllers of the vehicle are electrically engaged, the electronic controllers monitoring certain vehicle components and the vehicle in contact with the off board communication network through communication means engaged to the internal communication network, comprising the steps of:

receiving a query about an perceived condition of a vehicle from a driver of the mobile vehicle through the vehicle internal communication network and the communication means;

comparing the driver perceived condition with the vehicle component'"'"'s manufacturers'"'"'expected parameters in a data management system, and finding a significant difference from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters, performing the further steps of;

determining the most probable cause of the difference from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters;

determining the parts necessary to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters;

searching a ground support network for potential vehicle service providers that have both the parts necessary to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters and an available service bay to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters;

querying the vehicle through the communication means and receiving the location of the vehicle back from the vehicle;

querying the data management system to determine and receiving a closest by time traveled potential vehicle service provider from the potential vehicle service providers to the vehicle;

querying the data management system for and receiving driving directions for the vehicle to the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service; and

providing the driving directions for the vehicle through the communication means to the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service to the vehicle;

comparing the perceived condition with a specific history of the vehicle component stored in the data management system and finding a significant difference from the specific history of the vehicle component, performing the further steps of;

determining the most probable cause of the difference from the specific history of the vehicle component;

determining the parts necessary to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the specific history of the vehicle component;

searching a ground support network for potential vehicle service providers that have both the parts necessary to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the specific history of the vehicle component and an available service bay to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the specific history of the vehicle component;

querying the vehicle through the communication means and receiving the location of the vehicle back from the vehicle;

querying the data management system to determine and receiving a closest by time traveled potential vehicle service provider from the potential vehicle service providers to the vehicle;

querying the data management system for and receiving driving directions for the vehicle to the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service; and

providing the driving directions for the vehicle through the communication means to the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service to the vehicle; and

comparing the perceived condition with the vehicle component'"'"'s manufacturers'"'"' expected parameters in a data management system, and comparing the perceived condition with a specific history of the vehicle component stored in the data management system, and finding no significant difference from the specific history of the vehicle component, and finding no significant difference from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters, performing the further step of recording the perceived condition in the data management system.

46. A process for an off board communication network for detecting and correcting a fault in a mobile vehicle having an engine engaged to a transmission engaged to a drive train for driving an axle with wheels, the vehicle having an internal communication backbone to which electronic controllers of the vehicle are electrically engaged, the electronic controllers monitoring certain vehicle components and the vehicle in contact with the off board communication network through communication means engaged to the internal communication network, comprising the steps of:

receiving a query about an perceived condition of a vehicle from a driver of the mobile vehicle through the vehicle internal communication network and the communication means;

comparing the driver perceived condition with an expected condition stored in a data management system, and finding a significant difference from the expected condition, performing the further steps of;

determining the need for further action for the vehicle;

transmitting instructions for further action to the vehicle through the communication means;

comparing the driver perceived condition with the expected condition stored in a data management system, and finding no significant difference from the expected condition, performing the further step of recording the driver perceived condition in the data management system.

53. A process for an off board communication network for directing the routing, and operation of a network of mobile vehicles, the vehicles of the network each having an internal communication backbone to which electronic controllers of the vehicles are electrically engaged, the electronic controllers monitoring certain external parameters, and the vehicles of the network in contact with the off board communication network through communication means engaged to the internal communication network of each network vehicle, comprising the steps of:

receiving an indication of an external condition in environments which may impact at least one of the network vehicles;

querying each of the network vehicles and receiving the location and current route of each of the network vehicles;

comparing the external condition in environments which may impact the transit along a current route of at least one of the network vehicles with the location and route of each of the network vehicles, and generating a listing of route impacted vehicles, and performing the following steps;

querying the data management system to determine and receiving an alternate route for each of the route impacted vehicles;

querying the data management system for and receiving driving directions for the route impacted vehicles to transit the specific alternate routes; and

providing the driving directions for the route impacted vehicles through the communication means to transit the specific alternate routes; and

comparing the external condition in environments which may impact the operation along a current route of at least one of the network vehicles with the location and route of each of the network vehicles, and generating a listing of operation impacted vehicles, and performing the following steps;

querying the data management system to determine and receiving alternate operation instructions for each of the operation impacted vehicles; and

providing the alternate operation instructions for the operation impacted vehicles through the communication means.

54. The process of claim 53, wherein:

the external condition in environments which may impact at least one of the network vehicles is inclement weather.

55. The process of claim 54, wherein:

the inclement weather indication is provided by a weather service through a data management system.

56. The process of claim 54, wherein:

the inclement weather condition is provided from onboard vehicle sensors on at least one of network vehicles.

57. The process of claim 56, wherein:

the onboard sensors measure temperature and humidity.

58. The process of claim 56, wherein:

the onboard sensors measure road surface friction through downward aimed infrared transceivers.

59. The process of claim 53, wherein:

the external condition in environments which may impact at least one of the network vehicles is impaired road visibility.

60. The process of claim 59, wherein:

the impaired road visibility condition is provided from onboard vehicle sensors on at least one of the network vehicles.

61. The process of claim 60, wherein:

the onboard sensors are forward aimed infrared transceivers.

62. The process of claim 53, wherein:

the external condition in environments which may impact at least one of the network vehicles impacts road traffic flow.

63. The process of claim 62, wherein:

the road traffic impacting condition is provided by a governmental authority through a data management system.

64. The process of claim 62, wherein:

the road traffic impacting condition is provided from at least one of network vehicles.

65. The process of claim 53, wherein:

the external condition in environments which may impact at least one of the network vehicles are animal road crossings.

66. The process of claim 65, wherein:

the animal road crossings condition is provided from at least one of network vehicles.

67. The process of claim 66, wherein:

the animal road crossings condition is sensed by onboard infrared sensors.

68. The process of claim 53, wherein:

the external condition in environments which may impact at least one of the network vehicles is a civil disturbance provided by a news source through a data management system.

69. The process of claim 53, wherein:

the external condition in environments which may impact at least one of the network vehicles is a potential vehicle highjacker.

70. The process of claim 69, wherein:

the vehicle highjacker condition is provided from at least one of network vehicles.

71. The process of claim 69, wherein:

the vehicle highjacker condition is sensed by onboard cameras engaged to the internal communication network of the sensing network vehicle.

72. A data management system for engagement to an off board communication network for directing the routing, and operation of a network of mobile vehicles, the vehicles of the network each having an internal communication backbone to which electronic controllers of the vehicles are electrically engaged, the electronic controllers monitoring certain external parameters, and the vehicles of the network in contact with the off board communication network through communication means engaged to the internal communication network of each network vehicle, comprising:

a computer useable medium having computer readable program means embodied in said medium for causing storage of network vehicle sensed conditions communicated through the communication means engaged to the internal communication network of the sensing network vehicles, the vehicle sensed conditions in environments which may impact at least one of the network vehicles;

computer readable program means for causing communication with, querying, and receiving weather information in environments which may impact at least one of the network vehicles from a weather service;

computer readable program means for causing communication with, querying, and receiving information on a civil disturbance in environments which may impact at least one of the network vehicles; and

computer readable program means for causing communication with, reception of, and response to queries on the vehicle sensed conditions, weather information, civil disturbances.

73. The data management system of claim 72, wherein:

the vehicle sensed conditions are local temperature and humidity.

74. The data management system of claim 72, wherein:

the vehicle sensed conditions is local road surface friction measured through downward aimed infrared transceivers.

75. The data management system of claim 72, wherein:

the vehicle sensed conditions is local road visibility friction measured through forward aimed infrared transceivers.

76. The data management system of claim 72, wherein:

the vehicle sensed conditions is a local road traffic condition.

77. The data management system of claim 72, wherein:

the vehicle sensed conditions are animal road crossings measured through forward aimed infrared transceivers.

78. The data management system of claim 72, wherein:

the vehicle sensed condition is a vehicle highjacker condition sensed by onboard cameras engaged to the internal communication network of the sensing network vehicle.

80. The mobile vehicle of claim 79, wherein:

the external condition is local external temperature and humidity.

81. The mobile vehicle of claim 79, wherein:

the external condition is local road surface friction measured through downward aimed infrared transceivers.

82. The mobile vehicle of claim 79, wherein:

the external condition is local road visibility measured through forward aimed infrared transceivers.

83. The mobile vehicle of claim 79, wherein:

the external condition is animal road crossings measured through forward aimed infrared transceivers.

79. A mobile vehicle for communicating with an off board communication network, comprised of:

an engine engaged to a transmission engaged to a drive train for driving an axle with wheels;

an internal communication backbone to which electronic controllers are electrically engaged;

said electronic controllers monitoring certain vehicle components;

a lead electronic controller programmed for monitoring said certain vehicle components through said electronic controllers;

said lead electronic controller programmed for communication with the off board communication network through communication means engaged to said internal communication backbone;

said lead electronic controller programmed for transmitting an indication of an external condition through one of said monitored vehicle components to the off board communication network through the vehicle internal communication backbone and the communication means;

said lead electronic controller programmed for receiving instructions for action to address external conditions from the off board network through the communication means; and

said lead electronic controller programmed for notifying a driver of the vehicle of driver actions of the received instructions from the off board network.

84. A process for an off board communication network for tracking and directing routine and periodic maintenance on a mobile vehicle having an engine engaged to a transmission engaged to a drive train for driving an axle with wheels, the vehicle having an internal communication backbone to which electronic controllers of the vehicle are electrically engaged, the electronic controllers monitoring certain vehicle components and the vehicle in contact with the off board communication network through communication means engaged to the internal communication network, comprising the steps of:

storing a listing of routine and periodic maintenance activities required for the vehicle, the routine and periodic maintenance activities each maintenance activity having an initiating condition;

receiving an indication of an initiating condition for a routine and periodic maintenance activity for a vehicle component from an electronic controller on the mobile vehicle through the vehicle internal communication network and the communication means;

determining the parts necessary to implement the routine and periodic maintenance activity;

searching a ground support network for potential vehicle service providers that have both the parts necessary to implement the routine and periodic maintenance activity and an available service bay to implement the routine and periodic maintenance activity on the vehicle;

querying the vehicle through the communication means and receiving the location of the vehicle back from the vehicle;

querying the data management system to determine and receiving a closest by time traveled potential vehicle service provider from the potential vehicle service providers to the vehicle;

querying the data management system for and receiving driving directions for the vehicle to the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service; and

providing the driving directions for the vehicle through the communication means to the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service to the vehicle.

85. The process of claim 84, wherein following the step of querying the data management system for and receiving driving directions for the vehicle to the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service, the additional steps of:

querying the data management system for any cargo being transported by the vehicle;

arranging an alternative vehicle to transport the cargo; and

arranging a rendezvous between the vehicle and the alternative vehicle to transfer the cargo.

86. The process of claim 85, wherein said step of arranging an alternative vehicle to transport the cargo, comprises the steps of:

providing a brokerage management, system with a description of the cargo, a current location of the cargo, and a final destination of the cargo; and

receiving identifying information of an alternative vehicle to transport the cargo.

87. The process of claim 86, wherein said step of arranging a rendezvous between the vehicle and the alternative vehicle to transfer the cargo, comprises the steps of:

querying and receiving a location of the alternative vehicle;

querying the data management system for and receiving driving directions for the alternative vehicle for the fastest by time traveled route to rendezvous with the vehicle to transfer the cargo;

transmitting the fastest by time traveled route to rendezvous with the vehicle to transfer the cargo to the alternative vehicle; and

transmitting the cargo transfer rendezvous information to the vehicle.

88. A process for a vehicle load brokerage management system component of an off board communication network, comprising the steps of:

storing data on a network of mobile vehicles including locations, cargo carrying ability, and operating area of the vehicles in the mobile vehicle network;

receiving a request for a cargo carrying arrangement from a requesting vehicle in the mobile vehicle network;

storing descriptions of any cargo needing transport by a vehicle, a current location of the cargo, and a final destination of the cargo from an off board communication network along with a query for a specific cargo carrying vehicle from the network of mobile vehicles to transport the cargo;

comparing the cargo needing transport to the cargo carrying ability of the requesting vehicle;

deriving a listing of general routes between each cargo needing transport'"'"'s current location and each final destination;

comparing the listing of general routes for cargo needing transport to an operating area of requesting vehicle, a deriving a listing of potential cargo carrying arrangements for the requesting vehicle;

communicating the listing of potential cargo carrying arrangements for the requesting vehicle to the requesting vehicle;

receiving an acceptance of the offer from the requesting vehicle to carry a specific cargo needing transport from the listing of potential cargo carrying arrangements; and

communicating identifying information of the requesting vehicle to transport the cargo to the off board network.

89. The process of claim 89, further comprising:

querying and receiving a rendezvous location between the requesting vehicle and the specific cargo needing transport;

querying and receiving a current location of the requesting vehicle;

communicating the current location of the requesting vehicle;

requesting and receiving driving directions between the requesting vehicle and the specific cargo needing transport; and

communicating the driving directions to the requesting vehicle.

90. A computer program product for an off board communication network for detecting and correcting a fault in a mobile vehicle having an engine engaged to a transmission engaged to a drive train for driving an axle with wheels, the vehicle having an internal communication backbone to which electronic controllers of the vehicle are electrically engaged, the electronic controllers monitoring certain vehicle components and the vehicle in contact with the off board communication network through communication means engaged to the internal communication network, said computer program product comprising:

a computer useable medium having computer readable program code means embodied in said medium for causing the off board network to receive an indication of an abnormal condition in a monitored vehicle component from an electronic controller on the mobile vehicle through the vehicle internal communication network and the communication means;

computer readable program code means for causing the off board network to compare the indication of an abnormal condition with the vehicle component'"'"'s manufacturers'"'"' expected parameters in a data management system, and the off board network finding a significant difference from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters, computer readable program code means for causing the off board network to perform the further steps of;

determining the most probable cause of the difference from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters;

determining the parts necessary to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters;

searching a ground support network for potential vehicle service providers that have both the parts necessary to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters and an available service bay to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters;

querying the vehicle through the communication means and receiving the location of the vehicle back from the vehicle;

querying the data management system to determine and receiving a closest by time traveled potential vehicle service provider from the potential vehicle service providers to the vehicle;

querying the data management system for and receiving driving directions for the vehicle to the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service; and

providing the driving directions for the vehicle through the communication means to the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service to the vehicle;

computer readable program code means for causing the off board network to compare the indication of the abnormal condition with a specific history of the vehicle component stored in the data management system and the off board network finding a significant difference from the specific history of the vehicle component, computer readable program code means for causing the off board network to perform the further steps of;

determining the most probable cause of the difference from the specific history of the vehicle component;

determining the parts necessary to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the specific history of the vehicle component;

searching a ground support network for potential vehicle service providers that have both the parts necessary to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the specific history of the vehicle component and an available service bay to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the specific history of the vehicle component;

querying the vehicle through the communication means and receiving the location of the vehicle back from the vehicle;

querying the data management system to determine and receiving a closest by time traveled potential vehicle service provider from the potential vehicle service providers to the vehicle;

querying the data management system for and receiving driving directions for the vehicle to the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service; and

providing the driving directions for the vehicle through the communication means to the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service to the vehicle; and

computer readable program code means for causing the off board network to compare the indication of an abnormal condition with the vehicle component'"'"'s manufacturers'"'"' expected parameters in a data management system, and comparing the indication of the abnormal condition with a specific history of the vehicle component stored in the data management system, and the off board network finding no significant difference from the specific history of the vehicle component, and finding no significant difference from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters, computer readable program code means for causing the off board network to perform the further step of recording the indication of an abnormal condition in the data management system.

91. A computer program product for an off board communication network for detecting and correcting a fault in a mobile vehicle having an engine engaged to a transmission engaged to a drive train for driving an axle with wheels, the vehicle having an internal communication backbone to which electronic controllers of the vehicle are electrically engaged, the electronic controllers monitoring certain vehicle components and the vehicle in contact with the off board communication network through communication means engaged to the internal communication network, said computer program product comprising:

a computer useable medium having computer readable program code means embodied in said medium for causing the off board network to receive an indication of an abnormal condition in a monitored vehicle component from the mobile vehicle through the vehicle internal communication network and the communication means;

computer readable program code means for causing the off board network to compare the indication of an abnormal condition with an expected condition stored in a data management system, and the off board network finding a significant difference from the expected condition, computer readable program code means for causing the off board network to perform the further steps of;

determining the need for further action for the vehicle;

transmitting instructions for further action to the vehicle through the communication means;

computer readable program code means for causing the off board network to compare the indication of an abnormal condition with the expected condition stored in a data management system, and the off board network finding no significant difference from the expected condition, computer readable program code means for causing the off board network to perform the further step of recording the indication of an abnormal condition in the data management system.

92. A computer program product for a data management system component of an off board communication network, said computer program product comprising:

a computer useable medium having computer readable program code means embodied in said medium for causing the data management system to store a vehicle component'"'"'s manufacturers'"'"' expected parameters;

computer readable program code means for causing the data management system to receive a query from the off board network for the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters for the vehicle;

computer readable program code means for causing the data management system to provide the off board network with the manufacturers expected parameters for the vehicle for the off board network'"'"'s comparison of an indication of an abnormal condition with the vehicle component'"'"'s manufacturers'"'"' expected parameters, and upon the off board network finding a significant difference from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters, computer readable program code means for causing the data management system to perform the further steps of;

storing a listing of most probable causes of differences from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters;

receiving a query for and providing the off board network with listing of most probable causes of differences from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters for the off board network to compare to the abnormal condition for a match between a most probable cause and the abnormal condition;

storing independent listings of vehicle parts necessary to correct each of the most probable causes of differences from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters;

receiving a query for and providing the off board network independent listings of vehicle parts necessary to correct each of the most probable causes of differences from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters for the off board network to determine the parts necessary to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters;

receiving a query from the off board network to determine a closest by time traveled potential vehicle service provider from a listing of potential vehicle service providers that have both the parts necessary to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters and an available service bay to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters;

accessing a data base to determine driving times from potential vehicle service providers to the vehicle from the listing of potential vehicle service providers that have both the parts necessary to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters and an available service bay to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected, choosing a closest by time traveled potential vehicle service provider, providing the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service provider to the off board network;

receiving a query from the off board network for driving directions for the vehicle to the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service;

accessing a data base to determine the driving directions for the vehicle through the communication means to the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service to the vehicle; and

providing to the off board network the driving directions for the vehicle to the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service to the vehicle;

computer readable program code means for causing the data management system to store a specific history of the vehicle component;

computer readable program code means for causing the data management system to receive a query from the off board network for the specific history of the vehicle component;

computer readable program code means for causing the data management system to provide the off board network with the specific history of the vehicle component for the off board network'"'"'s comparison of an indication of an abnormal condition with the specific history of the vehicle component, and upon the off board network finding a significant difference from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected parameters, computer readable program code means for causing the data management system to perform the further steps of;

storing a listing of most probable causes of differences from the specific history of the vehicle component;

receiving a query for and providing the off board network with listing of most probable causes of differences from the specific history of the vehicle component for the off board network to compare to the abnormal condition for a match between a most probable cause and the abnormal condition;

storing independent listings of vehicle parts necessary to correct each of the most probable causes of differences from the specific history of the vehicle component;

receiving a query for and providing the off board network independent listings of vehicle parts necessary to correct each of the most probable causes of differences from the specific history of the vehicle component for the off board network to determine the parts necessary to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the specific history of the vehicle component;

receiving a query from the off board network to determine a closest by time traveled potential vehicle service provider from a listing of potential vehicle service providers that have both the parts necessary to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the specific history of the vehicle component and an available service bay to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the specific history of the vehicle component;

accessing a data base to determine driving times from potential vehicle service providers to the vehicle from the listing of potential vehicle service providers that have both the parts necessary to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the specific history of the vehicle component and an available service bay to correct the most probable cause of the difference from the manufacturer'"'"'s expected, choosing a closest by time traveled potential vehicle service provider, providing the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service provider to the off board network;

receiving a query from the off board network for driving directions for the vehicle to the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service;

accessing a data base to determine the driving directions for the vehicle through the communication means to the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service to the vehicle; and

providing to the off board network the driving directions for the vehicle to the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service to the vehicle; and

computer readable program code means for causing the data management system to receive and store a history of the indication of an abnormal condition following the off board network'"'"'s comparison of the indication of the abnormal condition with the vehicle component'"'"'s manufacturers'"'"' expected parameters, and the off board network'"'"'s comparison of the indication of the abnormal condition with a specific history of the vehicle component, and the off normal network finding no significant difference from the specific history of the vehicle component, and finding no significant difference from the specific history of the vehicle component.

93. A computer program product for a vehicle load brokerage management system component of an off board communication network, said computer program product comprising:

a computer useable medium having computer readable program code means embodied in said medium for causing the brokerage management system to store data on a network of mobile vehicles including locations, cargo carrying ability, availability to carry cargo, and operating area of the vehicles in the mobile vehicle network;

computer readable program code means for causing the brokerage management system to receive a description of any cargo being transported by a vehicle with an abnormal condition, a current location of the cargo, and a final destination of the cargo from an off board communication network along with a query for a specific alternative vehicle from the network of mobile vehicles to transport the cargo;

computer readable program code means for causing the brokerage management system to compare the cargo to be carried to the vehicles in the network of mobile vehicles to derive a listing of mobile vehicles capable of carrying the cargo;

computer readable program code means for causing the brokerage management system to compare the listing of mobile vehicles capable of carrying the cargo to the vehicle availability data on the network of mobile vehicles and deriving a listing of mobile vehicles both available and capable of carrying the cargo;

computer readable program code means for causing the brokerage management system to determine a general route between the current location of the cargo and the final destination of the cargo;

computer readable program code means for causing the brokerage management system to compare the operating areas of the vehicles on the listing of mobile vehicles both available and capable of carrying the cargo and determining which vehicle'"'"'s operating area encompasses the general route between the current location of the cargo and the final destination of the cargo;

computer readable program code means for causing the brokerage management system to communicate with the vehicles whose operating areas encompass the general route between the current location of the cargo and the final destination of the cargo and offering an option to carry the cargo as an alternative vehicle;

computer readable program code means for causing the brokerage management system to receive an acceptance of the offer from a vehicle whose operating areas encompass the general route between the current location of the cargo and the final destination of the cargo and designating this the alternative vehicle to transport the cargo; and

computer readable program code means for causing the brokerage management system to communicate identifying information of the alternative vehicle to transport the cargo to the off board network.

94. A computer program product for a vehicle load brokerage management system component of an off board communication network, said computer program product comprising:

a computer useable medium having computer readable program code means embodied in said medium for causing the brokerage management system to store data on a network of mobile vehicles including locations, cargo carrying ability, availability to carry cargo, and operating area of the vehicles in the mobile vehicle network;

computer readable program code means for causing the brokerage management system to receive a description of any cargo being transported by a vehicle with an indication of an abnormal condition, a current location of the cargo, and a final destination of the cargo from an off board communication network along with a query for a specific alternative vehicle from the network of mobile vehicles to transport the cargo;

computer readable program code means for causing the brokerage management system to compare the cargo to be carried to the vehicles in the network of mobile vehicles to derive a listing of mobile vehicles capable of carrying the cargo;

computer readable program code means for causing the brokerage management system to compare the listing of mobile vehicles capable of carrying the cargo to the vehicle availability data on the network of mobile vehicles and the brokerage management system deriving a listing of mobile vehicles both available and capable of carrying the cargo;

computer readable program code means for causing the brokerage management system to determine a general route between the current location of the cargo and the final destination of the cargo;

computer readable program code means for causing the brokerage management system to compare the operating areas of the vehicles on the listing of mobile vehicles both available and capable of carrying the cargo to determine which vehicles operating area encompasses the general route between the current location of the cargo and the final destination of the cargo, and the brokerage management system finding individual vehicles whose operating area encompasses the general route, computer readable program code means for causing the brokerage management system to perform the additional steps of;

communicating with the vehicles whose operating areas encompass the general route between the current location of the cargo and the final destination of the cargo and offering an option to carry the cargo as an alternative vehicle;

receiving an acceptance of the offer from a vehicle whose operating areas encompass the general route between the current location of the cargo and the final destination of the cargo and designating this the alternative vehicle to transport the cargo; and

communicating identifying information of the alternative vehicle to transport the cargo to the off board network;

computer readable program code means for causing the brokerage management system to compare the operating areas of the vehicles on the listing of mobile vehicles both available and capable of carrying the cargo to determine which vehicles'"'"' operating areas encompass the general route between the current location of the cargo and the final destination of the cargo, and the brokerage management system finding a combination or combinations of vehicles whose operating areas encompass the general route, computer readable program code means for causing the brokerage management system to perform the additional steps of;

communicating with the vehicles whose combination of operating areas encompass the general route between the current location of the cargo and the final destination of the cargo and offering an option to carry the cargo as an alternative vehicle;

receiving an acceptance of the offer from the vehicles whose combination operating areas encompass the general route between the current location of the cargo and the final destination of the cargo and designating these as the alternative vehicles to transport the cargo; and

communicating identifying information of the alternative vehicles to transport the cargo to the off board network; and

computer readable program code means for causing the brokerage management system to compare the operating areas of the vehicles on the listing of mobile vehicles both available and capable of carrying the cargo to determine which vehicle'"'"'s operating area encompasses the general route between the current location of the cargo and the final destination of the cargo, and the brokerage management system not finding a vehicle or a combination of vehicles whose operating areas encompass the general route, computer readable program code means for causing the brokerage management system to perform the additional steps of;

comparing operating areas of the vehicles on the listing of mobile vehicles both available and capable of carrying the cargo with the current location of the cargo and the final destination of the cargo, and determining an alternative route between the current location of the cargo and the final destination of the cargo;

comparing the operating areas of the vehicles on the listing of mobile vehicles both available and capable of carrying the cargo to determine which vehicle'"'"'s operating area encompasses the alternative route between the current location of the cargo and the final destination of the cargo, and the brokerage management system finding individual vehicles whose operating area encompasses the is alternative route, computer readable program code means for causing the brokerage management system to perform the additional steps of;

communicating with the vehicles whose operating areas encompass the alternative route between the current location of the cargo and the final destination of the cargo and offering an option to carry the cargo as an alternative vehicle;

receiving an acceptance of the offer from a vehicle whose operating areas encompass the alternative route between the current location of the cargo and the final destination of the cargo and designating this the alternative vehicle to transport the cargo; and

communicating identifying information of the alternative vehicle to transport the cargo to the off board network; and

computer readable program code means for causing the brokerage management system to compare the operating areas of the vehicles on the listing of mobile vehicles both available and capable of carrying the cargo to determine which vehicles'"'"' operating areas encompass the alternative route between the current location of the cargo and the final destination of the cargo, and the brokerage management system finding a combination or combinations of vehicles whose operating areas encompass the alternative route, computer readable program code means for causing the brokerage management system to perform the additional steps of;

communicating with the vehicles whose combination of operating areas encompass the alternative route between the current location of the cargo and the final destination of the cargo and offering an option to carry the cargo as an alternative vehicle;

receiving an acceptance of the offer from the vehicles whose combination operating areas encompass the alternative route between the current location of the cargo and the final destination of the cargo and designating these as the alternative vehicles to transport the cargo; and

communicating identifying information of the alternative vehicles to transport the cargo to the off board network.

95. A computer program product for a vehicle load brokerage management system component of an off board communication network, said computer program product comprising:

a computer useable medium having computer readable program code means embodied in said medium for causing the brokerage management system to store data on a network of mobile vehicles including locations, cargo carrying ability, availability to carry cargo, and operating area of the vehicles in the mobile vehicle network;

computer readable program code means for causing the brokerage management system to receive a description of any cargo needing to be transported by a vehicle, a current location of the cargo, and a final destination of the cargo from an off board communication network along with a query for a specific cargo carrying vehicle from the network of mobile vehicles to transport the cargo;

computer readable program code means for causing the brokerage management system to compare the cargo to be carried to the vehicles in the network of mobile vehicles to derive a listing of mobile vehicles capable of carrying the cargo;

computer readable program code means for causing the brokerage management system to compare the listing of mobile vehicles capable of carrying the cargo to the vehicle availability data on the network of mobile vehicles and to derive a listing of mobile vehicles both available and capable of carrying the cargo;

computer readable program code means for causing the brokerage management system to determine a general route between the current location of the cargo and the final destination of the cargo;

computer readable program code means for causing the brokerage management system to compare the operating areas of the vehicles on the listing of mobile vehicles both available and capable of carrying the cargo to determine which vehicle'"'"'s operating area encompasses the general route between the current location of the cargo and the final destination of the cargo, and the brokerage management system finding individual vehicles whose operating area encompasses the general route, computer readable program code means for causing the brokerage management system to perform the additional steps of;

communicating with the vehicles whose operating areas encompass the general a route between the current location of the cargo and the final destination of the cargo and offering an option to carry the cargo as an specific cargo carrying vehicle;

receiving an acceptance of the offer from a vehicle whose operating areas encompass the general route between the current location of the cargo and the final destination of the cargo and designating this the specific cargo carrying vehicle to transport the cargo; and

communicating identifying information of the specific cargo carrying vehicle to transport the cargo to the off board network;

computer readable program code means for causing the brokerage management system to compare the operating areas of the vehicles on the listing of mobile vehicles both available and capable of carrying the cargo to determine which vehicles'"'"' operating areas encompass the general route between the current location of the cargo and the final destination of the cargo, and the brokerage management system finding a combination or combinations of vehicles whose operating areas encompass the general route, computer readable program code means for causing the brokerage management system to perform the additional steps of;

communicating with the vehicles whose combination of operating areas encompass the general route between the current location of the cargo and the final destination of the cargo and offering an option to carry the cargo as a specific cargo carrying vehicle;

receiving an acceptance of the offer from the vehicles whose combination operating areas encompass the general route between the current location of the cargo and the final destination of the cargo and designating these as the specific cargo carrying vehicles to transport the cargo; and

communicating identifying information of the specific cargo carrying vehicles to transport the cargo to the off board network; and

computer readable program code means for causing the brokerage management system to compare the operating areas of the vehicles on the listing of mobile vehicles both available and capable of carrying the cargo to determine which vehicle'"'"'s operating area encompasses the general route between the current location of the cargo and the final destination of the cargo, and the brokerage management system not finding a vehicle or a combination of vehicles whose operating areas encompass the general route, computer readable program code means for causing the brokerage management system to perform the additional steps of;

comparing operating areas of the vehicles on the listing of mobile vehicles both available and capable of carrying the cargo with the current location of the cargo and the final destination of the cargo, and determining an alternative route between the current location of the cargo and the final destination of the cargo;

comparing the operating areas of the vehicles on the listing of mobile vehicles both available and capable of carrying the cargo to determine which vehicle'"'"'s operating area encompasses the alternative route between the current location of the cargo and the final destination of the cargo, and finding individual vehicles whose operating area encompasses the alternative route, computer readable program code means for causing the brokerage management system to perform the additional steps of;

communicating with the vehicles whose operating areas encompass the alternative route between the current location of the cargo and the final destination of the cargo and offering an option to carry the cargo as an specific cargo carrying vehicle;

receiving an acceptance of the offer from a vehicle whose operating areas encompass the alternative route between the current location of the cargo and the final destination of the cargo and designating this the specific cargo carrying vehicle to transport the cargo; and

communicating identifying information of the specific cargo carrying vehicle to transport the cargo to the off board network;

comparing the operating areas of the vehicles on the listing of mobile vehicles both available and capable of carrying the cargo to determine which vehicles'"'"'operating areas encompass the alternative route between the current location of the cargo and the final destination of the cargo, and finding a combination or combinations of vehicles whose operating areas encompass the alternative route, computer readable program code means for causing the brokerage management system to perform the additional steps of;

communicating with the vehicles whose combination of operating areas encompass the alternative route between the current location of the cargo and the final destination of the cargo and offering an option to carry the cargo as an specific cargo carrying vehicle;

receiving an acceptance of the offer from the vehicles whose combination operating areas encompass the alternative route between the current location of the cargo and the final destination of the cargo and designating these as the specific cargo carrying vehicles to transport the cargo; and

communicating identifying information of the specific cargo carrying vehicles to transport the cargo to the off board network.

96. A computer program product for an off board communication network for directing the routing, and operation of a network of mobile vehicles, the vehicles of the network each having an internal communication backbone to which electronic controllers of the vehicles are electrically engaged, the electronic controllers monitoring certain external parameters, and the vehicles of the network in contact with the off board communication network through communication means engaged to the internal communication network of each network vehicle, said computer program product comprising:

a computer useable medium having computer readable program code means embodied in said medium for causing the off board network to receive an indication of an external condition in environments which may impact at least one of the network vehicles;

computer readable program code means for causing the off board network to query each of the network vehicles and receiving the location and current route of each of the network vehicles;

computer readable program code means for causing the off board network to compare the external condition in environments which may impact the transit along a current route of at least one of the network vehicles with the location and route of each of the network vehicles, and the off board network generating a listing of route impacted vehicles, and computer readable program code means for causing the off board network to perform the following steps;

querying the data management system to determine and receiving an alternate route for each of the route impacted vehicles;

querying the data management system for and receiving driving directions for the route impacted vehicles to transit the specific alternate routes; and

providing the driving directions for the route impacted vehicles through the communication means to transit the specific alternate routes; and

computer readable program code means for causing the off board network to compare the external condition in environments which may impact the operation along a current route of at least one of the network vehicles with the location and route of each of the network vehicles, and the off board network generating a listing of operation impacted vehicles, and computer readable program code means for causing the off board network to perform the following steps;

querying the data management system to determine and receiving an alternate route for each of the operation impacted vehicles;

querying the data management system for and receiving driving directions for the operation impacted vehicles to transit the specific alternate routes; and

providing the driving directions for the operation impacted vehicles through the communication means to transit the specific alternate routes.

97. A computer program product for an off board communication network for tracking and directing routine and periodic maintenance on a mobile vehicle having an engine engaged to a transmission engaged to a drive train for driving an axle with wheels, the vehicle having an internal communication backbone to which electronic controllers of the vehicle are electrically engaged, the electronic controllers monitoring certain vehicle components and the vehicle in contact with the off board communication network through communication means engaged to the internal communication network, said computer program product comprising:

a computer useable medium having computer readable program code means embodied in said medium for causing the off board network to store a listing of routine and periodic maintenance activities required for the vehicle, the routine and periodic maintenance activities each maintenance activity having an initiating condition;

computer readable program code means for causing the off board network to receive an indication of an initiating condition for a routine and periodic maintenance activity for a vehicle component from an electronic controller on the mobile vehicle through the vehicle internal communication network and the communication means;

computer readable program code means for causing the off board network to determine the parts necessary to implement the routine and periodic maintenance activity;

computer readable program code means for causing the off board network to search a ground support network for potential vehicle service providers that have both the parts necessary to implement the routine and periodic maintenance activity and an available service bay to implement the routine and periodic maintenance activity on the vehicle;

computer readable program code means for causing the off board network to query the vehicle through the communication means and receiving the location of the vehicle back from the vehicle;

computer readable program code means for causing the off board network to query the data management system to determine and receiving a closest by time traveled potential vehicle service provider from the potential vehicle service providers to the vehicle;

computer readable program code means for causing the off board network to query the data management system for and receiving driving directions for the vehicle to the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service; and

computer readable program code means for causing the off board network to provide the driving directions for the vehicle through the communication means to the closest by time traveled potential vehicle service to the vehicle.

98. An off board communication network for coordinating operation of a network of mobile vehicles, comprising:

a data management system for querying, receiving, and storing information related to the vehicles and to external conditions that may impact the vehicles;

said data management system programmed to respond to queries using the stored information related to the vehicles and to external conditions that may impact the vehicles;

a ground support network for communication with vehicle parts and services suppliers;

a brokerage management system for coordinating cargo for transport by the vehicles;

a means of communication between a lead electronic control module on each vehicle, the data management system, the ground support network, and the brokerage management system.

99. The off board network of claim 98, wherein:

said means of communications is through a satellite communications network.

100. The off board network of claim 98, wherein:

said means of communications is through a ground communications network.

101. The off board network of claim 99, wherein:

said means of communications additionally includes a ground communications network.

102. The off board network of claim 100, wherein:

said ground communications network includes communications along the internet.

103. The off board network of claim 101, wherein:

said ground communications network includes communications along the internet.