Abstract: An apparatus and method have a hub server for storing a relational database of information relating to trucking operations. The hub server is connected via a satellite link to an earth satellite which is connected through downlinks and uplinks to localize truck stop servers (TSS). The TSS in turn communicate via spread spectrum radio frequency signals with hand-held computers, such as personal digital assistants. The PDAs are used by truck drivers to send and receive e-mails and other information such as electronic freight bills, fuel information, route information and the like from the trucking company and to transmit information to the trucking company. In addition, a trucking company server may be accessed through the Internet by customer servers or third party servers to identify aspects of the trucking shipment.