Trucking Technology Report - Nov. 3
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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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E-Learning Course Helps Truck Dispatchers Boost Skills
Many trucking companies are hiring dispatchers who understand computers, the Internet, logistics, trucking rates, and theory, but know very little about communicating and relating to truckers. Often, trucking companies cannot afford to send their new dispatchers to seminars or conferences on high tech communications.
ClearCross to Merge With Compliance Software Company
ClearCross, a seller of software and services focused on helping shippers deliver products across borders, has finalized an agreement to merge with Atrion International, a provider of software used by chemical companies for meeting environmental health and safety regulatory standards. Dow Chemical (DOW), Exxon Mobil (XOM), and Proctor & Gamble (PG) are some of Atrion's clients.The merger with Atrion is part of ClearCross's ongoing strategy to purchase and develop more data content. Having access to Atrion's software will allow ClearCross entry into the hazardous goods market. The company will also gain Atrion's current customers.
Both ClearCross and Atrion are privately held firms, although both had indicated plans to go public before the merger announcement. The merged company will be named after ClearCross. Journal of Commerce (11/03/00); Atkinson, Helen
Europe Going Crazy for Wireless, But End Result Could Be Mixed
Many telecom companies are spending astronomical amounts to acquire 3G licenses for providing wireless services in Europe, but some industry observers fear that high costs will be passed on to consumers. Michael Bartholomew, the director of the European Telecommunications Network Operator's Association based in Brussels, said that the high costs of the licenses will manifest into an indirect tax added onto services. However, high prices are likely to reduce the appeal of the technology.Bartholomew also expressed concern that funds raised from European UMTS auctions are likely to be used on non-telecom matters, which could result in Europe losing its lead in wireless developments.
Before the auctions began, governments did not anticipate such extraordinarily large bids. Britain, for example, raised more than 10 times the amount it had forecast from its auction. But excluding Germany, many other countries have not fared as well. Canada currently plans to conduct its auction of 56 licenses in January. Some industry observers expect the Canadian auction to only raise between $3 billion and $5 billion.
Despite the criticism of some industry observers, Earl Hoeg of Industry Canada maintains that auction is the best method to allocate the licenses. Hoeg added that bidders are more likely to offer more realistic bids for Canadian licenses because they will have to sell new services at competitive prices to be successful. The Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association and many of Canada's leading telecom firms have supported the use of an auction process in the country. London (Ontario) Free Press (11/03/00) P. D3; Ward, Kevin
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