TWO companies, one federal agency, and one Canadian trucking association have enhanced their Web sites for specific services to their users. Looking at their customers' billing needs, The Kenan Advantage Group (KAG), Canton, Ohio, has organized the information and provides downloads as necessary.
Reinke, Deshler, Nebraska, makes it easy for customers to find dealers, or access other information about the trailer manufacturer's services.
Looking at today's security issues, the Federal Highway Administration (FHA) has added suggestions for ways various entities can handle the new concerns.
The Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA), in partnership with online training developer, Training Alternatives Inc, is offering a Web-based way to take CTA's Transporting Dangerous Goods by Truck training course.
www.kagbilling.com
KAG's customer service enhancement on its auxiliary Web site allows customers to access copies of invoices and related support documentation with a few simple keystrokes — and eliminate telephone calls formerly used to retrieve the information.
The site provides step-by-step instructions to get started. A contact request form must initially be submitted in order to obtain a password for daily access. New users perform a download of one of several free image viewers provided, along with contact information should they desire to discuss any aspect of the system person-to-person.
On the company's main Web site, kenanadvantagegroup.com, a facilities section had been added that allows customers to locate KAG facilities and the contract information by state. Online rates opinion is now available for customers to access pricing information for new movements.
www.reinke.com
Reinke, manufacturer of drop-deck tank container chassis, other over-the-road trailer/intermodal chassis equipment, and mechanized irrigation systems, has redesigned its Web site to provide viewers with a more navigable format, additional company information, and sharper product images.
Reinke provides links for both product divisions, mechanized irrigation systems and trailer/chassis equipment. The chassis link now supplies product information, a dealer locator, streaming video testimonial clips, company news, and product warranty information.
“We want to provide potential customers and current customers with helpful information about our company and products, and we believe the redesigned Web site will accomplish that,” said Tim Goldhammer, Reinke vice-president of marketing.
Reinke trailers are known for their lightweight, but strong and durable design with a variety of options. Trailer designs include all-aluminum, combo (aluminum with steel rails), drop deck combo (features special strong beams to eliminate stress points), and other specialty trailers.
www.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/OpsSecurity
The FHWA has a new Web site that provides ways to improve transportation security for state and local agencies. A section on the site offers specific information on how to plan effectively for managing emergencies, how to align action plans with the nation's Homeland Security Advisory System, and how to improve military mobilization on roadways.
An extra benefit of the site offers ways to improve transportation's ability to handle natural disasters like hurricanes and earthquakes. The agency developed the site in response to requests from state and local transportation officials who were seeking technical guidance and best practices.
The new site links to the information on transportation security from all of the department's administrations, from other federal agencies, and from the associations participating in the National Associations Working Group for Intelligent Transportation Systems. It also links to articles, research, and other information related to transportation security.
“The need to ensure the security of America's surface transportation system is a top priority for the FHWA,” said FHWA Administrator Mary E Peters. “We are working closely with the Department of Homeland Security and other federal agencies to help state and local officials develop and carry out a comprehensive set of improvements to increase the security of our transportation network.”
www.dangerousgoods.net
The CTA-Training Alternatives Inc program can be completed within four-to-six hours of study, depending on the trainees' previous familiarity with handling of hazardous materials procedures, according to CTA. Designed for new, intermediate, and experienced truck drivers, shippers, and frontline supervisors/managers, the course includes a reference guide that contains the new Canadian Clear Language regulations.
The course covers several subjects related to the transportation of hazardous materials, including naming, classifying, packaging, and identifying hazardous materials. Proper documentation, labeling, and placarding is another section of the program. Trainees will also study ways to handle accidental releases of products, as well as other hazmat-related emergencies. Regulations and their implementation schedules also are on in the program.
CTA points out that the online training allows students to learn at their own pace and to study at a time and place when it is convenient.