A.M. Executive Briefing - April 4
This Morning's Headlines:
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Liberty Mutual Puts Driver's Education Course on CD-ROM for its Customers
The Boston-based insurance company Liberty Mutual is now offering the "Decision Driving CD-ROM Interactive Training Program," a computer-based training course designed to help drivers recognize dangers ahead of time and react appropriately.The $995, two-CD set, available at a discount to the company's commercial insurance clients, is designed for drivers of various types of vehicles, offering a course length of roughly 90 minutes and automatically storing and recording exam scores.
Buying the course will not cut insurance premiums, but lower accident rates probably will, said Liberty Mutual spokesman Chet Lasell. An edition of the software specifically for trucks is nearly complete. Journal of Commerce (04/04/00) P. 11; Leming, John
Teamsters Launch TV Ad Blitz Against Overnite
The Teamsters union has begun running advertisements in the broadcast and print media opposing Overnite Transportation, which is to return to negotiations with the union this week. The television advertisement mentions parent company Union Pacific and accuses Overnite of being one of the top U.S. labor law violators, with "a multi-million-dollar campaign of threats and intimidation." Heavy Duty Trucking Online (04/04/00); Lockridge, DeborahDiesel Costs Increase CPR's Rates
High diesel prices will drive Canadian Pacific Railway's rates up 3% effective May 1; customers generally understand why the rates are going up, although they are not pleased, said Paul Clark, vice president of communications.The railroad's fuel-saving initiatives include incentives for workers who cut energy consumption, investment in alternating-current locomotives, and running longer trains that stop only at major stations. Vancouver Sun (04/04/00) P. D2
OSHA Targets Road Construction Safety in Midwest
Intending to improve safety in Midwestern road construction zones, which have seen 54 deaths in the past half-decade, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration will inspect construction sites in Illinois, Ohio, and Wisconsin. The agency is cooperating with labor groups, state police and transportation agencies, and road construction firms on the issue, and 300 inspections are planned by October. Heavy Duty Trucking Online (04/04/00)Senate Lays Horn on Slower Drivers
The Minnesota Senate Thursday approved a bill to inform drivers that they should use the left lanes of freeways for passing only and remain in the right lane at other times, although the bill contains no penalties for not doing so. Chief sponsor Sen. Dick Day (R-Owatonna), a onetime truck driver, said keeping slower drivers out of the left lane will help address congestion problems.The House version of the bill, set to go before the full House, would put signs reading "Move to the Right After Passing" at 50-mile intervals along interstates. It also specifies vehicles moving at a lower-than-normal speed, while vehicles turning left or taking left exits are exempted. Minneapolis Star Tribune (03/31/00) P. 1A; McAuliffe, Bill
Logistics Chills Out
New technology is quickly offering solutions to many difficulties particular to the temperature-controlled logistics industry.A business-to-business extranet being developed by United States Cold Storage along with Cognizant Technology Solutions will allow customers to check on their accounts and complete other transactions in real time via the Web. Americold Logistics has a similar application, i-3PL.
Joseph C. Andraski of New Jersey-based OMI predicts that consolidation will be increasingly offered by 3PLs due to the ongoing push to cut inventory and make supply chains more efficient.
Another technology helpful to this sector is voice recognition, ideal for workers operating in refrigerators and freezers whose gloves would make it difficult to key in data.
The special insulated packaging available with DHL Express' ThermoExpress service will allow companies to dispense with hazardous and unstable dry ice.
Cooling technology used by Roadway Express includes Cargo Quilts and Thermapak Pallet Quilts, from Q-Sales and Leasing, which enable one trailer to carry both frozen and chilled shipments. Multi-temperature, higher capacity trailers and refrigeration units are being used more frequently. Temperature monitors, as well as atmosphere and humidity controls, are increasingly used.
Leading frozen-sandwiches firm Chef America distributes its products through close relationships with 3PL providers as well as a network of six U.S. warehouses, and it saves money by using pool consolidation programs. Homegrocer.com strives to maintain quality for customers by checking and monitoring temperatures in trucks and warehouses and dividing each route truck into ambient, chilled, and frozen environments, using cold plate refrigeration. Inbound Logistics (03/00) Vol. 20, No. 3; P. 36; Harps, Leslie Hansen
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