With the use of the Internet, information can be gathered from companies around the world by just acquiring their web site addresses and taking the time to scan their pages. Contact is also instantaneous through e-mail.
Transportation companies' services can be reviewed. Manufacturers facilities can be toured. Companies' histories can be learned -- and all at the click of the mouse. Following are some brief reviews of companies' web sites that help to make up the global network.
www.grupointermex.com.mx The web site for Transportes Intermex, Mexico City, Mexico, is available in three languages: English, French, or Spanish. It is filled with information about the company, its vehicles, and services.
The company is dedicated to domestic and international transportation of hazardous materials, using dry bulk, vans, flatbeds, tank containers, and others.
Site divisions include international multimodal transportation; domestic transportation; trailers and semi-trailers; ecology, safety and emergency services; real estate; and other business.
Design drawings of the vehicles are available and the web site discusses corrective maintenance services.
A description is available for MC306, 307, 312, and 331 tank trailers. For example the MC306 is described as being used for the transportation of hazardous materials, such as gasoline, or any other combustible. The vessel construction materials are listed and include carbon steel, high tensile steel, and special aluminum alloys. The minimum thickness of tank material is reported by gage. Also listed are overturn protection, pressure relief valves, and automatic emergency fuses, which close automatically in case of fire. This is just a small example of the information provided about the vehicles.
www.voslogistics.com At the web site for Vos Logistics, Oss, The Netherlands, visitors will find easy navigation. The divisions are categorized by location. Information also covers Vos' many other services that include combined transport, a rail-service center, and warehousing.
Pages contain a brief narrative as well as detailed technical information. For example, at the Oss location for bulk services, the page describes the carrier's operation for non-hazardous dry bulk, powder, and granulates, and lists petrochemicals as a primary service. The division operates in Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Scandinavia, Poland, Tsjechie, and Austria.
Another list describes the fleet for that location -- 150 silo trucks, equipped with compressor; aluminum bulk tanks designed with electric tank tipping; and computer and satellite communications. More facts are available for the parent company by returning to the home page for specific topics.
www.oddy.co.za Welfit Oddy (Pty) Ltd of Port Elizabeth, South Africa, supplies ISO stainless steel tank containers and intermediate bulk containers. Pages contain schematic drawings of the tank containers with each part labeled and described. Detailed information about capacities, pressure resistance, and other specifics is also provided. Similar discussions are available for IBCs and swap tanks.
A moving slide presentation offers a tour of the manufacturing facilities.
A data measuring device is available that can determine the characteristics of normal, abnormal, and abusive loads on tank containers. More information about the device is on the web site. In addition, a CD can be ordered that presents equipment specifications, approvals, drawings, and certifications.
www.wew.de WEW Westerwalder Eisenwerk GmbH of Weitefeld, Germany, has been building tanks for more than 50 years, according to its web site information.
In its tank container section, there are photographs of containers used in hauling chemicals, gases, and foodgrade products. Test pressures and a brief description accompany the pictures.
The page on safety includes the tank container frame and the a six-fold welding system that is used in the construction. More information can be obtained by using the e-mail entry that is provided.