Trucking Technology Report - Aug. 16
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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:
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OOCL Goes it Alone With Web 'Platform'
Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL) will soon launch new web-based services called CargoSmart, which will offer information on cargo tracking and bill processing. The company is also thinking of some form of rate inquiry, which means OOCL would compete with independent shipping marketplaces online.
CargoSmart starts in September, and will be free to customers initially. Journal of Commerce Online (08/15/00); Atkinson, Helen
Analyst Dismisses Internet's Impact on Logistics
Cass Information Systems logistics analyst Robert Delaney disputes the view that the impact of the Internet will affect supply chains more than deregulation or anything else that has emerged in the past. During his yearly "State of Logistics Report" in June, Delaney predicted that most companies will have some sort of online marketplace, auction, or exchange soon, but will use them only when necessary, rather than completely overhauling relationships with customers and shippers. Commercial Carrier Journal (07/00) Vol. 157, No. 7, P. 24; Snyder, Charles A.Court Says FCC Gives FBI Too Much Wiretap Power
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia ruled Tuesday that the FCC has given the FBI an overabundance of power in conducting wiretaps of cell phones and should amend the current rules to focus more on consumer privacy.The court ruling was a disappointment for the FCC, which had backed the approval of the Communication Assistance for Law Enforcement Act (CALEA). The act was instituted when the FBI expressed concerns that new wireless networks being deployed are not accessible to wiretapping.
However, when the law was passed, telecom companies and civil liberties organizations accused the FBI of going beyond the purview of the wiretap law. For instance, the agency had asked for telecom companies to provide additional wireless technologies for monitoring suspects, such as location technology that can trace the whereabouts of users.
The court also ruled that the FCC did not adequately take into account the financial needs of telecom companies in regards to CALEA. Washington Post (08/16/00) P. E1; Schwartz, John
Negotiations Are Continuing as Verizon Strike Drags On
Negotiations continued yesterday between unions representing over 86,000 workers and Verizon Communications as the two sides failed to come to a consensus about several issues. However, it seemed as though some progress was made late Tuesday during a meeting between Verizon and union negotiators. A source familiar with the negotiations said Verizon dealt with some worries about job security in a move that may bring about the end of the strike in several days.The Communications Workers of America and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers are trying to end a dispute with Verizon over issues including job-associated stress, required overtime, and the shifting of work upon the merger of Bell Atlantic and GTE, which created Verizon.
The unions and the company held formal negotiations in Washington Tuesday, sources knowledgeable about the negotiations said. The two sides have come to a consensus over wages, benefits, and an agreement to enable to unions to more easily organize workers for Verizon's mobile union.
Now that the strike has reached its 11th day, Verizon is faced with an increasing number of service orders, repair requests, and incidents of vandalism. Verizon said it had to concentrate on repair orders rather than new service installations and is urging customers having problems with directory assistance to take advantage of its Internet-based directory assistance. New York Times (08/16/00) P. C10; Romero, Simon
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