Trucking Technology Report - Sept. 15
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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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Caterpillar Tests Web System for Better Targeting
The Caterpillar division that makes truck engines is experimenting with using the Internet to gain customers with larger fleets, while still keeping its current customers among smaller fleets.
Using the site, representatives can access promotional materials such as gifts, mouse-pad packages, golf trips, and Truck Power magazine. The representative can then order a direct mail package through the site, which sends the order to Marketing.comm/ICOM's direct marketing team. DM News (09/11/00) Vol. 22, No. 34, P. 1; Khan, Mickey Alam
Secure Deliveries: E-Tailers' Holy Grail
Web-based retailers struggled with fulfillment last holiday season, leading the Federal Trade Commission to fine seven online merchants for not letting customers know about delivery problems. Consumers who must wait for delivery trucks want to use the Internet for a simpler method of delivery.New services such as Brivo.com, Freeshipping.com, Stamps.com, and zBox.com are offering free shipping and easy return. Brivo Systems' method employs a "Smart Box" outside the customer's home; the box is
ecured with a password and automatically notifies customers of delivery, using email or pager. Ideo Product Development, designer of this product, plans to make other Brivo-compatible devices to allow deliveries to garages, apartments, or offices.
Freeshipping.com aims to provide a search engine that tells customers which sites offer free shipping and returns. The site has a price comparison guide, letting consumers know how they are billed and what fees are waived. Freeshipping has partners like Bigwords.com, Camerasound.com and Miadora.com.
Stamps.com, which provides Internet mailing and shipping services, has introduced iReturn Merchant Service and iReturn.com, which offers consistent return policies for e-tailers. Brivo's newest rival is zBox, which also allows items to be delivered a consumer's doorstep via a password-secured drop box. Interactive Week (09/11/00) Vol. 7, No. 36, P. 54; Harnos, Suzanne
Deutsche Telekom Buying Spree Boosts GSM Standard
VoiceStream Wireless' recent announcement that it would purchase U.S. wireless carrier Powertel suggests that U.S. telecom firms are edging closer to adopting the GSM standard. The deal was supported by Deutsche Telekom, which is awaiting regulatory approval from the U.S. government to complete its acquisition of VoiceStream. Both VoiceStream and Powertel offer wireless solutions based on the GSM standard. However, the standard has yet to receive wide acceptance in the United States. Many U.S. telecom firms have preferred instead to choose the CDMA or TDMA mobile standards. But the combined coverage provided by VoiceStream and Powertel offers GSM services that will encompass most of the nation.
GSM backers say the technology is superior to both CDMA and TDMA. They point to GSM's sole reliance on digital electronics as what separates it from competing standards. In addition, new GSM mobile phones can make calls from overseas. GSM networks also employ smart cards, which allow users abroad to access their U.S. wireless plan by inserting the card into a rented handset.
The decision made between BellSouth and SBC also bolsters the strength of the standard in the U.S. market. Both companies, which are merging their wireless operations, will use a standard based on both GSM and TDMA. Infoworld (09/04/00) Vol. 22, No. 36, P. 8; Jones, Jennifer
Marketplaces Help Shippers Pare Costs
Toshiba International is using the National Transportation Exchange to reduce costs of some of its daily shipments by 25%; the company's Houston division began using the exchange in June to ship such products as motors around the country. The exchange helps ship goods for a lower cost, since carriers cut prices on shipments that let them fill their trucks completely. However, Toshiba sent only 10% of its monthly shipments through the NTE, in part because carriers are found for only 30% of shipment requests made by Toshiba. Expedited air shipments, flatbed shipments, or those under $150 in cost are not handled by the exchange.
According to analysts, exchanges are having trouble realizing liquidity since they have trouble bringing in carriers, who worry about losing market share, and shippers, some of whom are upset with the low match rates. Toshiba employees are also reluctant to adjust their work habits to the Web, which involves more data entry. Toshiba hopes to link its Baan back-office system with the transportation exchange to get around all the data entry eventually. Information Week (09/04/00) No. 802, P. 65; Gilbert, Alorie
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