TANK TRUCK carriers are taking advantage of the Internet by designing Web sites that emphasize their services. Some are realizing the advantages found in designing pages for business-to-business programs so that customer, carrier, consignee, and others can access valuable information. All use the medium as an advertising tool to attract customers and prospective employees. Some provide links to other sources as a public service.
Examined below are Web sites belonging to companies that are members of National Tank Truck Carriers, and have their sites linked from the association's location at www.tanktruck.org.
www.casttrans.com
The Web site for Cast Transportation Inc, Denver, Colorado, is as versatile as the company it represents. Cast bulk services specializes in chemicals, but if you need an airplane, train, or US Army tank hauled somewhere, the company can handle that, too.
A priority for the Web site is driver recruitment, evidenced by its placement on the home page with a link to information and application form. However, there is easy access to the company's services: aircraft, chemicals, hazardous materials, lumber, machinery, military, pre-fab concrete, steel products, and trains. Transloading services also are discussed.
Another page shows equipment, including Kenworth T800 and W900 power units, 6,000-gallon tank trailers, and other trailers for the various services.
www.horizontanklines.com
Aware of the importance shippers place on driver qualifications, Horizon Tank Lines devotes a section of its Web site to its award-winning drivers. The drivers are profiled in photographs and text that define their accomplishments. Seven award-winning driver-names are linked to pages with their biographies and professional experience.
In addition to driver details, the pages expand on general information about the company operations. They list the company's hazardous materials certificate number, Department of Transportation number, and insurance coverage for single limit liability, general liability, and cargo.
www.kanetransport.com
Don't bother to go to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to obtain the safety record of Kane Transport, Sauk Centre, Minnesota. Just visit the company's Web site where the information is posted.
“Browse around and check things out,” the company states on the home page. “We have many features on our Web site to benefit you.”
The FMCSA information includes the carrier identification and operation information, as well as data on inspections, crashes, safety rating, and insurance. The calculation of SafeStat score is supplied. SafeStat calculates a score to rank carriers in descending order by their safety status.
Aside from FMCSA information, Kane has posted forms for rate quotes and employment. Company history also is detailed.