An automatic meter reading (AMR) system includes a plurality of metering endpoints, each endpoint being configured to wirelessly transmit meter data in compliance with a data transmission schedule. A handheld unit, transported by a vehicle in proximity to the endpoints, is adapted to receive the meter data. To reduce the risk of communication collision, each endpoint is configured with techniques for modifying its transmission schedule. As one technique, each endpoint transmits meter data at a fixed time interval between successive transmissions, each transmission being applied with a random time offset to yield a non-periodic transmission cycle. As another technique, each metering endpoint is configured to transmit meter data within a designated time slot within the fixed time interval. Further, each endpoint monitors the distribution of data within the various time slots and modifies the time slot to which it is assigned to optimally balance the distribution of meter data.