The satellite provided a stable source of power and wireless communications to Crawford's field units and adjusters.

The trucks are designed to facilitate voice/data transfer when infrastructure is compromised, which allows Crawford CAT adjusters to begin processing claims immediately, no matter where the catastrophe strikes.

Via satellite, the trucks provide 10 to 15 wireless voice lines and more than 250 wireless Internet connections. Each truck also powers a generator which CAT adjusters can use to charge laptop computers, mobile phones, and other business tools.

This technology allows Crawford CAT adjusters to drive up to the truck and download loss assignments. Similarly they can upload reports back to an office where claims processing can continue. This allows Crawford adjusters the freedom to work from virtually anywhere under extreme conditions.

"Although the damage from Dennis was not as severe as predicted, Crawford used the opportunity to test our new technology under noncontrolled conditions, and we were very pleased," said Bud Trice, vice president and head of Crawford's CAT Services.

"The equipment performed even better than expected. In fact, one pleasant, but unexpected side effect was that the satellite signal from the truck was so powerful, that even from the parking lot it provided wireless Internet connections for our CAT Services storm office in Pensacola."

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