Trucking Technology Report - May 11
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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:
- DoCoMo Halts Sales of Latest Sony Cell Phone
- For Sale: GoCargo.com Assets
- JIT Inventory Systems Hold Appeal
- Drivers Finding Jobs, Carriers Finding Drivers
- Voice-Activated Wireless Location-Sensitive Service to Be Tested
DoCoMo Halts Sales of Latest Sony Cell Phone
NTT DoCoMo, Japan's No. 1 provider of cell phone services, reports that it has discontinued sales of Sony's SO503i handsets because of a software glitch.According to a DoCoMo spokeswoman, roughly 420,000 So503i cell phones have been purchased since March 9. She added that DoCoMo would provide customers who have purchased the phone with a replacement handset.
The move comes after DoCoMo had to replace 230,000 cell phones manufactured by Matsushita Communication Industrial in February. The Matsushita handsets were also equipped with the advanced i-mode feature. Reuters (05/11/01)
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For Sale: GoCargo.com Assets
Silicon Valley Bank and GATX Capital have hired two former officials with GoCargo.com to help sell the company's software and intellectual assets.GoCargo violated its lending agreements with the two banks by failing to meet payment dates. The company also failed to find new financing. Both banks decided to contract Robert M. Magown and Jim Galley after GoCargo postponed its launch of NaviPact Internet software, which was developed to help shippers and carriers during service negotiations.
Currently, the site is being managed by automation. Journal of Commerce (05/10/01); Salisbury, Marsha
JIT Inventory Systems Hold Appeal
Just-in-time (JIT) inventory initiatives and enhanced supply-chain management are allowing many U.S. manufacturers to more efficiently handle changes in production levels, according to a survey conducted by research policy group Manufacturers Alliance/MAPI.Roughly 59% of the executives polled said their companies use JIT systems to supply necessary materials and other components. But 10% of those polled said their companies have no plans to incorporate a JIT system.
The poll also found that 20% of survey participants said their companies no longer relied on keeping large inventories to meet increased demand. Sixty-seven% of executives surveyed said their companies have given suppliers authority to manage at least some of their inventory. Industry Week (05/07/01) Vol. 250, No. 7, P. 11; McClenahen, John. S.
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Drivers Finding Jobs, Carriers Finding Drivers
The Internet has allowed carriers to meet increased demand for drivers following deregulation of the industry.Driver recruitment Web sites use a variety of approaches to attract drivers and carriers, including offering to help drivers make contact with trucking companies and providing recruitment services to carriers.
One such site is www.truckersforusa.com. This Australian Web site finds native drivers that are interested in driving in America. The site says that foreign drivers coming to work in the United States are restricted to working for the carrier that sponsors their Visa.
The site also provides information to U.S. residents interested in driving for a living. Truckers for USA provides an abundance of pertinent information to site visitors, such as an industry pay scale, answers to common questions, and the minimum requirements for driving. Refrigerated Transporter (04/01) Vol. 38, No. 11, P. 37; Macklin, Gary
Voice-Activated Wireless Location-Sensitive Service To Be Tested
Cell-Loc plans to collaborate with Nortel Networks to test its wireless location-sensitive service.The trial is the first involving a wireless, voice-activated location system. Nortel is contributing its Voice Navigation System and National Directory Service for the test, which will take place in Austin, Texas.
Meanwhile, Cell-Loc plans to use its position collection and distribution system (PCDS) location middleware, along with its Cellocate position determination equipment (PDE), for the trial. The service allows test participants to dial a special phone number to access location-specific directory assistance and navigational information.
The number also enables users to access the information without having to provide their address each time they connect to the service. Time difference of arrival (TDOA) location technology enables the Cellocate network to determine the handset's location. Current cell phone models and other wireless devices, including PDAs, can access the system. Microwave Journal (04/01) Vol. 44, No. 4, P. 53
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