TWO contemporary issues affecting operations today are concerns about security and corporate ethics. Some companies are using Web sites to address those concerns. TydenBrammall, Angola, Indiana, has developed an auxiliary site that discusses ways to improve cargo security.
Air Products, Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, has posted information that discusses the company's principles and corporate governance. Government agencies also know the value of the Internet to disseminate information.
www.cargoguy.com
TydenBrammall has added a Web-based information tool that covers a range of topics related to cargo security. Cargo Guy will field specific questions from site visitors regarding issues such as the hidden ramifications of loss and damage, and the impact of security systems on insurance rates.
“Worldwide losses are increasing more each year,” says Tom Hayes, vice-president, North American sales and marketing. “This is an issue that is not going to disappear. Therefore, we feel it is important to create a forum where people in the industry can go to share thoughts and get answers.”
TydenBrammall is a supplier of cargo security products worldwide, including barrier and indicative cargo seals, such as bolt, cable, metal strap, and plastic seals.
Web sites from the government and association sector of the industry also are making an effort to enhance their offerings for users. Below are some samples of their use.
www.airproducts.com/responsibility
Air Products' new corporate responsibility Web site showcases its guiding principles and policies on corporate governance.
“It's very, very important that integrity remain front and center, particularly at a time marked by corporate distrust,” said John Jones, Air Products chairman, president, and chief executive officer. “This new Web site puts many of our benchmark policies and practices in one place, giving people immediate access to information about where we stand on very important issues.”
The site highlights the company's environmental, health and safety policies, and operating record, and provides detailed information about its community partnerships and giving program.
Air Products' Deliver the Difference strategy also is featured, particularly its vision, mission, and values focused on delivering innovation to customers across all businesses and geographies. The site also contains information about Air Products' diversity initiatives and its compliance plan for doing business globally.
www.ai.volpe.dot.gov/safestat/safestatmain.asp
Beginning in mid-January, the Volpe Center's Motor Carrier Safety Assessment Division and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) initiated a monthly SafeStat report designed to provide a more timely safety analysis of motor carriers. The site includes previously posted semi-annual historical results, according to Volpe Center information.
SafeStat results are also available on the Internet at http://ai.volpe.dot.gov. This site assists interested parties, including motor carriers, insurers, shippers, and the public.
SafeStat, developed by the Volpe Center for the FMCSA, is an automated, data-driven analysis system that employs a series of algorithms and safety data to determine the current relative safety status of individual motor carriers.
A tool used in many federal and state safety-enforcement programs, SafeStat identifies, prioritizes, and monitors carriers with safety deficiencies for FMCSA compliance reviews, as well as the Federal/State Performance Registration and Information Systems Management project improvement process.
SafeStat results are incorporated in other decision-making tools to select carriers for roadside inspections under the Inspection Selection System and PrePass program.
www.customs.gov
The US Customs Service has launched a redesign of its Web site that improves site navigation for its 700,000 monthly hits, according to Customs information.
“Communications to the general public and the trade community is faster, more intuitive, and more streamlined than ever,” said Jeffrey Smith, Customs webmaster.
Information for the import-export trade, international travel, and law enforcement are highlighted throughout the site. Special interactive applications allow customers to do business online, including applying finding border wait times, Customs brokers, and purchasing user-fee decals.
The new home page features a link to the current Customs Alert Level, five threat conditions outlined in the Homeland Security Advisory System.
New to the site are a help section, quick links, and printer-friendly pages.
www.nptc.org
The National Private Truck Council (NPTC) is another organization that has updated and improved its Internet presence. The Web site maximizes information exchange to members and others interested in the private fleet transportation community, including upgraded content on NPTC's educational conferences, seminars and certification program.
Other new features on the site include the latest news affecting private fleets, an interactive Buyers Guide featuring allied member products and services, and expanded coverage in the members-only area. Visitors can find information on membership, awards, and certification.