P.M. Executive Briefing - May 15
This Afternoon's Headlines:
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Q&A: Patrick Flynn - Trucking on the Tech Highway
In 1999, truckmaker Paccar came in first place in PC Week's Fast Track 500 list of companies using applied technology due to its computer-aided design, smart parts, and assembly robots.In an interview, chief information officer Patrick Flynn discussed Paccar's new venture capital fund, Paccar.com, and Internet unit, ePaccar – the company's first moves into e-commerce. According to Flynn, Paccar.com was launched as a way to get access to new technology by investing in start-ups, while ePaccar was formed to coordinate the company's Internet, intranet, and extranet presences.
Along with Commerce One, ePaccar created the new business-to-business exchange Truckxchange.com, which Flynn said will help Paccar cut administrative costs to $5 per order. The typical amount is between $25 and $100, according to Paccar's studies.
In the future, Flynn said, the company will look into engineering collaboration tools, ways to improve truckers' quality of life, and online financial services. Eastside Business Journal (Seattle) Online (05/15/00); Monk, Becky
Government's Proposed Ergonomic Rules Don't Please Employers or Labor Unions
Both business and labor interests are considering lawsuits over the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's proposed ergonomics rules.The National Association of Manufacturers estimates that the costs will be $18 billion per year, while OSHA's estimate is $4.5 billion. Businesses question OSHA's estimated savings in workers' comp and other costs – $9 billion – and claim the agency's scientific evidence is problematic.
Labor groups are upset because the new ergonomic standard would only kick in once an injury is reported, while most OSHA rules require preventive measures.
Lawsuits could delay the creation of a new ergonomics standard, which has already been in the works since 1989, for another five years. Business and labor both intend to wait until the final standards are released before deciding whether to sue. Wall Street Journal (05/015/00) P. A52; Dreazen, Yochi J.
Truckers Grateful to Do Away With Deadheads
Eflatbed.com, put together by managers from Pittsburgh Logistics Systems, was launched in March after some 10 months of tests; the company hopes to eliminate deadheading while helping companies get carriers to handle their freight.Market fragmentation in the flatbed sector often means that truckers are unable to find return loads even though shippers have freight available. Pittsburgh Logistics Systems and PGT Trucking, whose chief is among the investors in Eflatbed, are both experienced in metals transportation, which makes up roughly 30% of flatbed shipments. It now must move into other markets, chiefly lumber, fabricated metals, heavy equipment, and building products.
The online venture has signed up 1,400 carriers and 20 manufacturers thus far. In addition to the load matching it currently handles, the venture hopes to handle fuel purchase cooperatives, credit, back-office functions, and financial systems in the future. Sacramento Business Journal Online (05/15/00); Lott, Ethan
Safety-Kleen Says 3 Top Officials Have Resigned
Hazardous waste disposal firm Safety-Kleen said CEO Kenneth W. Winger, COO Michael Bragagnolo, and CFO Paul Humphreys are all resigning from the company. In March, the three were suspended after a company probe of alleged accounting irregularities; in April, creditors gave the company a deferment on some interest payments until May 30.A company spokesman said the company continues to make efforts "to get the company on sound financial footing and maintain our business operations."
The three officers were previously employed at Laidlaw, which bought 44% of Safety-Kleen in 1998. Wall Street Journal (05/15/00) P. B17; Ho, Rodney
Meritor: Big Changes in Braking Coming
Meritor is working on a friction couple technology that will reduce wear on drums, discs, and brake blocks by using new materials and metallurgy the company is researching. In less than five years, low-maintenance brakes will last even longer than the three years currently offered, says braking systems director of engineering Paul Johnston.Meanwhile, Walt Frankiewicz, vice president and general manager of worldwide braking systems, told reporters last week that regulators will force manufacturers to improve stopping performance, which could make air disc brakes and electronic braking be accepted sooner. The next five years could see vast changes in heavy-truck braking, he said. Heavy Duty Trucking Online (05/15/00); Sturgess, Steve
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