May 16, 2000 9:19 AM, EDT

P.M. Executive Briefing - May 16

Editor's Note: Transport Topics Online is proud to offer Executive Briefing - a quick read on the day's trucking news. These summaries are produced by Information, Inc., which scours over 1,200 publications - from local newspapers to trade publications - and summarizes what they dig up. The result is the most complete trucking coverage anywhere. And only TT Online has it!

This Afternoon's Headlines:

ul>

UPS Seeks to Chip Away at FedEx's Big Lead in China

State May Seek Audit of Trucking Company Following I-79 Accident

Trader.com to Launch Local Heavy Machinery Vertical Sites

UPS Seeks to Chip Away at FedEx's Big Lead in China

United Parcel Service is trying to catch up with FedEx's position in China – which outpaces all other Asian markets for freight growth – by attempting to get federal approval for its own direct air-cargo routes to China. The Transportation Department will soon award up to 10 weekly round-trip flights to China to one or more airlines, and UPS wants to be selected.

The consultancy Air Cargo Management Group says UPS has a maximum of 5% of China's express-delivery market, not counting Hong Kong, in comparison to the 10% to 15% controlled by FedEx.

In 1995, FedEx purchased Evergreen International Aviation's operating authority for providing direct air-freight service China – the only such operating authority. UPS is only able to make three-day shipments to China – one day longer than FedEx – because it has to transfer shipments in Hong Kong.

In filing with the Transportation Department to be granted routes to China, UPS claims that FedEx has a monopoly on the Chinese market, and that shipping rates would be reduced and delivery sped up if UPS had direct flights similar to FedEx.

FedEx denies UPS' allegations and has applied for eight more weekly round-trip flights. Wall Street Journal (05/16/00) P. B4; Brooks, Rick

State May Seek Audit of Trucking Company Following I-79 Accident

After a truck crash involving a truck leased by MP Transport shut down Interstate 79 for hours, The West Virginia Public Service Commission will probably recommend that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration conduct an audit of the Miami-based company. MP Transport trucks were found unsafe in 21 out of 100 inspections, more than three times the national average.

After the MP Transport truck hauling aluminum powder overturned in Kanawha County Sunday, the hazmat crew's cleanup was delayed due to the poor English-speaking skills of the driver, Raul Chinea Hernandez, of Orlando, Fla. Proficiency in English is not mandatory for a Florida CDL, while English skills are necessary under federal regulations.

The truck had no hazmat placards, and a preliminary investigation found the truck's cargo non-hazardous. Associated Press (05/16/00)

Trader.com to Launch Local Heavy Machinery Vertical Sites

The business-to-business Web company Trader.com is creating local heavy-equipment sales sites, based on the company's GSNet.com site, in markets where GSNet currently has a presence. This includes countries in North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia.

The local sites, which will be geared toward local businesses' needs, will also link to an international Trader.com site, allowing access to listings worldwide. Each local site will also have local management and salespeople. Canada NewsWire (05/16/00)