Trucking Technology Report - Jan. 31
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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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Cell Phone Restrictions Face Static
Bills are being promoted in Maryland that could make the state the first to restrict the use of cell phones by vehicle drivers. While similar proposals faded during last year's General Assembly session, Del. John. S. Arnick, who sponsored one of the bills, is optimistic that the threat to public safety posed by drivers using cell phones is more evident to legislators now. Over 2
Arnick, a Baltimore County Democrat, is supported in his efforts by Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee Chairman, Walter M. Baker, also a Democrat. House Commerce and Government Matters Committeein Annapolis is holding one of the hearings, while another is being conducted by the state Senate.
The bills face stiff opposition from various groups, including many lawmakers and business groups. Some opponents of the measures indicated they may support the new restrictions if users are given adequate time to switch to hands-free devices.
Some lawmakers at the House hearing argued that using cell phones should not be considered different from other activities that may cause a driver's attention to be diverted from the road.
I> Baltimore Sun (01/31/01) P. B1; Barker, Jeff
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Verizon Wireless Introduces Two-way Text Messaging
Verizon Wireless has introduced a new two-way text messaging service in several prominent cities, including Philadelphia.The new service can be accessed from a wireless device, an Internet address, or even a Verizon Web site. The system will be able to transmit text messages of up to 120 characters.
People who have phones with text messaging capability will not have to subscribe to use the service. Verizon will not charge messaging fees until after April 1. Philadelphia Inquirer (01/30/01) P. E3
AAR's Steelroads to Offer Rail Shipment Tracking
Steelroads President Jim Gardner says the online firm will be able to track products being shipped on major Class 1 railroads by July. Steelroads, a unit of the Association of American Railroads, will able to trace the movements of shipments by several different criteria, including times, dates, lanes, groups of cars or commodities.The company is also developing a standard bill of lading for railroads, which should be accessible on the company's Web site by the end of March.
By the end of February, the company also plans to have equipment-request features available on the site. Traffic World (01/29/01) Vol. 5, No. 265, P. 25; Hickey, Kathleen
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