Trucking Technology Report - July 6
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Both the online report and e-mail are sponsored by @Track Communications, a supplier of wireless communications and dispatch services.
Today's Technology Headlines:
- Beepers Fading as Cell Phones Take Over
- CSX Lines Launches ShipMyVehicle.com
- A New Way to Thumb a Ride
- Car Rental GPS Speeding Fines Illegal
- @Track Now Trading Under ATRKC Symbol
Beepers Fading as Cell Phones Take Over
Large numbers of consumers are tossing out their one-way pagers, forcing companies to adapt or die.Modern pagers allow people to receive and send messages by typing on miniscule keyboards. BellSouth, for example, is marketing Motorola's Talkabout T900, which has confirmed message delivery, automatic signature capability, and a lighted keyboard.
CSX Lines Launches ShipMyVehicle.com
CSX Lines operates an interactive Web site, which enables private vehicle shippers to inquire about service and rates, in addition to booking and tracing their private car shipments.Duncan Wright, CSX Lines Internet business department manager, said ShipMyVehicle.com would target consumers in Hawaii, Guam, and Alaska. Wright notes the site only needs to generate three shipments per year to be successful.
CSX Lines Vice President and General Manager Brian Taylor said ShipMyVehicle.com offers fair prices and eases the shipping hassles typically experienced by a consumer unfamiliar with the industry. Eye for Transport (07/06/01)
A New Way to Thumb a Ride
A Dublin taxi firm will launch a fleet of e-taxis next month, in which riders can simply send an SMS text message by mobile phone to hail a cab.Drivers then call the rider back via cell phone to confirm the pickup. The joint venture, between City Cabs and E-Taxi, will utilize an intelligent swipe card that is linked to wireless modems. Riders will also be able to swipe their credit cards and purchase such items as movie tickets and phone cards, within the e-taxis.
Company executives embarked on the venture due to Ireland's large market, in which nearly seven in 10 people carry mobile phones. In the future, the program will feature 1,000 cars, of which 500 will be available to City Cabs for service of their own customers. Wired News (07/05/01); Lillington, Karlin
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Car Rental GPS Speeding Fines Illegal
Connecticut's Department of Consumer Protection ruled that it is illegal for New Haven-based Acme Rent-a-Car to fine customers for speeding via use of the global positioning system (GPS).The ruling came about due to a small-claims lawsuit filed last year by a New Haven resident. According to the driver, Acme charged him $150 each time he drove in excess of 77 mph. The GPS keeps track of renters who drive in excess of the posted speed limit through a receiver.
The department is requesting that the company cease and desist all further charging in connection with speeding, and reimburse more than two-dozen customers previously fined. ZDNet News (07/02/01); Lemos, Robert
The change became effective July 3, 2001. @Track Communications News Release (07/05/01)
@Track Now Trading Under ATRKC Symbol
@Track Communications, Inc. reports that its trading symbol has reverted back to ATRKC on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market.
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