Trucking Technology Alert - July 16

The Trucking Technology Report and Alert are compiled by Information Inc., a supplier of news summaries for vertical markets. Information Inc., subscribes to nearly 7,000 news sources, including: major newspapers and magazines; regional, national, international, and business wire services; weekly and monthly trade journals; business periodicals; legislative sources and non-industry sources.

Both the online report and e-mail are sponsored by @Track Communications, a supplier of wireless communications and dispatch services.

Today's Technology Headlines:


Ford to Offer Hands-Free Phone Cradles

Beginning later this year, Ford Motor Co. is planning to provide drivers of a number of its new cars and trucks with cradles that will allow hands-free use of handsets.

The automobile manufacturer will use cradles from Cellport Systems to allow drivers to operate their handsets via voice commands. Cellport also offers adapters that plug into a base created in the car's center console that fits many of the most popular cell-phone models.



Ford is planning to offer the cradles as dealer-installed options in its Ford Windstar minivan, Mercury Sable, and Ford Taurus sedans later this year. The company expects to have kits available for the rest of its vehicles by the middle of 2002. If demand for the cradle grows, Ford will consider installing it in the factory.

In recent times, concern about the dangers of using hand-held cell phones has grown. New York recently enacted a ban on the use of cell phones while driving, and dozens of other states are considering similar legislation. Wall Street Journal (07/16/01) P. B6

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Wireless Security Sought

The technology industry is working hard to find ways to fight infiltration of wireless devices by hackers and computer viruses.

Until now, no known attacks have been able to knock out business networks or large numbers of laptops, handheld computers, or cell phones. Nevertheless, security experts say cyber attacks will probably take place within the next 12 months, given the history of hackers attacking new technologies. Concerns have heightened because hackers are spying on corporate wireless networks, computer viruses that attack wireless devices are being detected in growing numbers, and recent industry and academic studies reveal that wireless networks can be attacked very easily.

Experts say part of the problem lies in the fact that many companies brought out wireless networks so quickly they forgot about wireless security. Symantec, McAfee, and other software security companies have recently started bringing out encryption and anti-virus software for wireless devices, and IBM is hoping to introduce software later this year that will be able to uncover intrusions in businesses' mobile networks. USA Today (07/16/01) P. 1B; Iwata, Edward


Privacy Bill Targets Wireless Tracking

Sen. John Edwards (D-N.C.) has introduced the Location Privacy Protection Act, a bill that would prohibit companies from selling or sharing personal data gleaned from mobile devices without consumers' permission.

The bill is aimed at preventing marketers from abusing location-tracking technology. Edwards' bill would force wireless providers to inform consumers before collecting personal data from their wireless devices. The bill also gives consumers the right to correct any erroneous information that has been collected and mandates that wireless providers ensure the security of the personal data. Wireless NewsFactor (07/13/01); Hill, Kimberly

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CAFE System Cuts Border Waits

Roadway Express is participating in the Customs Automated Forms Entry System (CAFES) pilot program, developed by the U.S. Customs Service for brokers, shippers, and carriers.

The program involves land border crossings at Laredo, Texas, and Port Huron, N.Y., and will eventually assist truckers in speeding up the crossing process. Truck drivers will use the CAFES software to produce in-bond forms, which is then uploaded by a Customs inspector, who declares the transport accepted or rejected. If drivers are accepted, they can continue across the border; if they are rejected, they must park and wait for additional paperwork to be completed.

According to CAFES officials, the program will eliminate unnecessary wait-time for drivers when trying to cross the border, and will decrease the likelihood of data entry by Customs personnel. Commercial Carrier Journal (July 2001) Vol. 158, No. 7, P. 60

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