Mobility To Provide Next Step In Online Trucking

11 December 2001

Mobility To Provide Next Step In Online Trucking Revolution

Online job scheduling has already revolutionised the freight industry. Now adding mobility to the mix will result in truck drivers getting better efficiency and less down time than ever before.

A new WAP service being developed by eCargo, in association with Vodafone, will put access to job information at drivers’ fingertips and will be available in the first quarter of 2002. eCargo currently offers an internet-based method of planning and scheduling the delivery of land freight around NZ.

The new service will allow truck drivers to log into the WAP version of the eCargo website via their mobile phone, view lists of deliveries assigned to their vehicle and check basic delivery details.

The service will allow them to provide customers with realtime delivery times and to get statements of past deliveries.

For sub contracting, job offers will be viewable and those interested will be able to indicate their availability for a job – all via a WAP enabled mobile phone.

eCargo’s General Manager, Nicola Hunter, says that adding mobility to the mix will make the online service even more efficient.

“Since implementing the online version of eCargo customers such as Sanitarium have reported a 20% reduction in the number of vehicles needed and around 10% time efficiencies – the mobility component is bound to increase these figures,” said Ms Hunter.

Other eCargo customers include Carter Holt Harvey’s EcoPine, Kinleith, Packaging New Zealand and Tasman, full circle & paperboard businesses.

For Vodafone New Zealand the eCargo WAP service is another opportunity to build its presence as a business solutions provider.

“Our aim is to provide the support needed to develop innovative products for business that can show real benefits to the bottom line,” said Vodafone NZ General Manager Business Marketing, Todd McLeay.

“eCargo’s online job scheduling has already positively impacted on the freight industry. We believe that enabling truck drivers to administer their businesses whenever they want to, wherever they are, will provide new levels of efficiency and cost saving,” Mr McLeay said.

Meaningful DIFOTIS (delivery in full on time in spec) reporting is another eCargo benefit that will be enhanced by mobility. Not only will customers and drivers be able to see exactly when the freight was dispatched, the WAP service will mean that up to the minute information about delivery times can be made available throughout the duration of the job.

The NRC (National Road Carrier’s Association) has already shown an interest in the project and eCargo plans to seek NRC endorsement of the service once it is complete.

James Smith, Executive Officer of the NRC has this to say, "We're particularly interested in seeing how the eCargo WAP service performs. It potentially represents a significant opportunity to work smarter for a large number of our members who would benefit from being able to stay on the road longer."

A demonstration of eCargo’s WAP service can be viewed at www.ecargo.co.nz

About eCargo

eCargo is on online method of planning and scheduling the delivery of land freight around NZ, using an internet-based tool that provides visibility, improves communication and provides data measurement within the relationship between businesses and their freight suppliers.

eCargo was initiated by software company eCentric, with the backing of Carter Holt Harvey as a major shareholder and customer.

About Vodafone

Vodafone New Zealand Ltd is part of Vodafone Group Plc, the world’s largest mobile telecommunications company with more than 95.6 million proportionate customers. The company has interests in 28 countries over five continents.

Vodafone New Zealand now has more than 1.08 million customers on its fully digital network and provides coverage to 97 per cent of the population.

ENDS

© Scoop Media