A.M. Executive Briefing - June 19
This Morning's Headlines:
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Lack of Systems Integration Makes Intermodal Tracking Difficult
Shippers are still having a tough time tracking and tracing intermodal shipments, and there will be no solution without integration.According to Greg Stefflre, vice president for law at Rail Delivery Services, a regional trucking firm that specializes in intermodal moves, one of the major problems facing shippers is the lack of a central freight-information database. Also, he says, IMCs and drayage carriers are "technologically challenged."
Nissan Diesel Develops Hybrid-Powered Light Trucks
Japanese truckmaker Nissan Diesel Motor announced June 12 that it has created a hybrid-powered truck that meets strict emissions standards and is twice as fuel-efficient as traditional trucks. The new machines operate by way of a low-emission compressed natural gas engine and a capacitor that stores electricity generated by energy from the brakes.Nissan said it expects to fully integrate the new technology in 2005, but analysts are skeptical as to whether the heavily indebted company will have the financial resources to follow up on the technology. Rival truckmakers will undoubtedly be looking to come up with matching technology. Reuters (06/18/00)
Virginia Police Nab Four Suspected Truck Thieves
Four alleged truck thieves were arrested this week in Hanover County, Va., after a Richmond trucking company warned local authorities that one of its vehicles was being followed. Police would not say if the suspects are believed to be linked to the clever group of cargo thieves that had been targeting tractor-trailers hauling computer equipment in Henrico County of late.Industry officials used the arrests to remind truckers to lock shipments and choose truck stops wisely. Said Trucker Gary King, "It doesn't matter if its computers, laundry soap, or food items ... they'll steal and they'll sell it." MSNBC Online (06/16/00)
Briefs: Roadway Express, Con-Way Central Express, Saia Motor Freight, Taylor & Martin
The Distribution, Business Management Association awarded its 2000 Circle of Excellence Award to Roadway Express.Con-Way Central Express debuted a Milan, Ohio., service center.
Saia Motor Freight, has launched a specialized service called NexTex, providing one-day service to its coverage area in western Texas.
Top U.S. truck remarketer Taylor & Martin and e-commerce provider Hookup.com are set to provide online truck and equipment auction every Tuesday through Thursday beginning at 8 a.m. July 11. Traffic World (06/19/00) Vol. 262, No. 12; P. 25
Compiled by Transport Topics staff and INFORMATION, INC. © 2000
