Trucking Technology Report - Oct. 23
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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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Software Speeds Wireless Messaging
Mirapoint recently introduced WAPmail Direct to provide quicker access to mobile messaging services. The software, which will be marketed to companies, has also been designed to work with different wireless protocols.
Mirapoint CEO Satish Ramachandran says the software does not require the use of complicated conversion techniques employed by many companies to reformat wired protocols for WAP access. Because the software is imbedded in the server, the need for reformatting the data to be viewed on the cell phone's display is eliminated, according to Ramachandran. Aberdeen Group analyst Dana Gardner says the system can plug into most messaging services easily. Information Week (10/16/00) No. 808, P. 201; Williams, Aisha M.
IBM, Ariba, Microsoft Champion New B2B Standard
IBM (IBM), Ariba (ARBA), and Microsoft (MSFT) are masterminding the Universal escription, Discovery, and Integration (UDDI) standard, an open, XML-based specification that facilitates business-to-business communication and interaction online. With UDDI, businesses can register, detail their products and services, locate other businesses, and post their transaction protocols. Almost 40 heavyweights – ranging from American Express (AXP) to Dell (DELL) – support the UDDI initiative.
Although the registering and searching service is free, the three companies see great revenue potential in UDDI, which a standards organization may take over next year. "We're not naive about the fact that the business value [of UDDI] is in the things you can build on top of this," says IBM's John Swainson. Supply Chain Technology News (10/00) Vol. 2, No. 10, P. 1; Kuhel, Jennifer S.
Internet is Transforming the Business of Long-Haul Trucking
Using the Web helps keep many truck drivers in touch with their companies, friends, and associates. Debbie Hogan, a driver for U.S. Xpress Enterprises (XPRSA), based in Chattanooga, Tenn., uses e-mail to stay in touch with her siblings. The Net is also useful to drivers who want to plan their next load, check weather, or find directions. This connection is helping keep drivers from leaving the industry.Jeffrey Crowe, president of Landstar System Inc. (LSTR), believes those companies with Internet access will succeed. The main obstacle is convincing and teaching truck drivers to use the Internet for their benefit. Kevin McKelvy, vice president of Contract Freighters, estimates 40% of drivers are computer-literate, and 25% have regular access to the Internet.
Until trucks become wireless, Web use will not be maximized, since drivers have trouble connecting at many truck stops. Another concern is distraction for the drivers. The best way to go online for truckers is using satellite communications, which means putting an antenna on the roof. U.S. Xpress pays $360,000 a month for satellite communications, but the Web will help the company reduce the cost of interaction with its drivers.
Even with new freight-matching sites on the Web, companies have been slow to participate. Several trucking companies, including J.B. Hunt (JBHT), M.S. Carriers, Inc. (MSCA), Swift Transportation Co. (SWFT), and Werner Enterprises (WERN), have agreed to merge their logistics units into a commonly owned Internet-based company called Transplace.com. Transplace has 200 truckload customers, helping them share efficiencies.
Overall, the Internet helps truck drivers ease loneliness by keeping them connected to family or friends. PNV Inc. (PNVN) provides the Hogans with an Internet connection, offering Internet boxes at truck stops equipped with a computer and connection. PNV charges $15 to $40 a month for access, and drivers buy their own laptop. Cellular phones can also be used to log on, but many truck stops do not have cell-phone service. PNV has launched a wireless Web service that allows a modem card to connect to satellite dishes at truck stops. Wall Street Journal (10/23/00) P. R51; Machalaba, Daniel
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