Technology Briefs - May 21 - May 28
The Latest Headlines:
- Internet Auctions Used in Trucking Business
- UPS Chief Cites Internet Value to Supply Chains
- Amazon.com Testing Mail-Order Feature
- Xata Launches Xatanet Management Solution
- Microsoft, Verizon Wireless Ink Mobile Net Deal
- UPS Chief Cites Internet Value to Supply Chains
Internet Auctions Used in Trucking Business
The use of online Internet auctions has become a growing factor in the business world of the trucking industry.At a two-day auction held Friday by Ritchie Bros., long-time truck auctioneers, Internet bidders accounted for $2 million worth of trucks and equipment, out of $20 million in total sales generated, Bloomberg reported.
Bloomberg said 194 of the bidders at the auction did so over the Internet.
Carriers bid on the posted shipments and also can post their empty equipment for shippers to choose.
Ritchie Bros. is based in Houston. Freightmart has headquarters in Los Angeles, Calif. Transport Topics
(Click here for the press release.)
UPS Chief Cites Internet Value to Supply Chains
The Internet's major accomplishment so far has been to improve the efficiency of supply chains, United Parcel Service Chairman Michael Eskew told an audience of technology business leaders Thursday.Speaking via video conferencing technology to the Texas e-Commerce Ten Awards in Dallas May 23, Eskew said that, when it comes to moving people and goods, companies rely on the Web to drive down operating costs, speed cash flow, expedite time to market and improve customer satisfaction.
This is the case, he said, even though demand for Internet-based commerce and communication has not always met expectations in some sectors.
The world's largest express and package delivery company has invested heavily in technology during the past decade, and the vast majority of the 13 million packages in its system on any given day are electronically linked via the Web to its customers. Eric Kulisch
Amazon.com Testing Mail-Order Feature
Online retail giant Amazon.com said last week that it has begun testing a system that will allow catalog companies to post online versions of their print catalogs on the site, Internet news service CNet reported.Package delivery companies like UPS and FedEx Corp. handle a good portion of catalog and online orders.
Customers can look at the posted catalogs online, but must call the retailers' phone number to place an order, CNet said.
Among the featured catalogs now available at Amazon.com are French Country Living, Cartier and Tiffany & Co., the news service said. Transport Topics
Xata Launches Xatanet Management Solution
Xata Corporation announced Wednesday the release of its new Web-based fleet management platform, Xatanet.The software suite now available is called Vehicle Basic, and enables truck leasing companies and private fleets to continuously monitor vehicle location, performance, safety and security.
Using a standard Web browser the software also offers features for asset tracking, accident analysis, fuel economy, driver paging, daily odometer readings, state fuel tax reporting, vehicle maintenance and engine and vehicle diagnostics.
The company hopes to attract truck leasing companies and private fleets by allowing them to select which applications they purchase.
Xata’s mobile asset management solutions are currently used in more than 30,000 vehicles at more than 750 locations. Transport Topics
(Click here for the full press release.)
Microsoft, Verizon Wireless Ink Mobile Net Deal
Microsoft Corp. and Verizon Wireless said Thursday they have signed an exclusive deal to develop and market wireless data services, Reuters reported.Wireless communications devices such as cellphones and personal digital assistants are easy ways for truckers to stay in contact with employers and family while on the road.
The deal means the companies will offer Microsoft Network services like Hotmail and MSN Messenger through Verizon’s wireless network, Reuters said. Transport Topics
