Advantages of Web Presence Seen By Companies

July 1, 2001
ALTHOUGH the novelty has worn off the Internet and many dotcoms have taken their last breath, companies in the tank truck industry remain on board because

ALTHOUGH the novelty has worn off the Internet and many dotcoms have taken their last breath, companies in the tank truck industry remain on board because they understand the Web's importance for reaching established and prospective customers.

Some companies are just now joining the Internet while others are showing off refurbished web sites. As time passes, many say they, too, will be adding new capabilities in the future that provide customers password-access for a diverse range of services.

Following is a look at a few of the web sites pertaining to the tank truck industry that have updated their offerings.

A&R Transport

With shippers always concerned about carrier safety ratings, A&R Transport Inc of Joliet, Illinois, has a page that provides specific information on the company's safety rating in comparison to the national averages. The information can be accessed through a link to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration at www.safersys.org.

As part of its information on quality performance, the company displays its ISO9000 Certificate of Compliance.

A&R Transport not only discusses its vehicle specifications, the company provides a link to www.Qualcomm.com for more information about the satellite tracking device system in the power units.

ArvinMeritor

ArvinMeritor, Troy, Michigan, has upgraded and redesigned the product and services section of its web site. The new content showcases more than 20 different product lines, with a redesign of its electronic Technical Library where customers can access over 300 service and maintenance publications.

There is a long list of publications that can be downloaded, ranging from product brochures to technical bulletins.

Other library contents include maintenance and service publications, and specifications and vocational warranty information for the company's range of components for commercial vehicle systems.

An example of the brochures that are available is the one designed for the company's Enhanced Easy-Stop trailer antilock brake system. The brochure lists the product's benefits and has photographs of three models.

Betts Industries

For information on products manufactured by Betts Industries Inc, Warren, Pennsylvania, take a look at the company's updated web site. Among the products discussed on the site are manlids, discharge valves, pressure and vacuum relief valves, vehicle lighting components, and other safety devices for cargo tanks, tank trailers, aircraft refuelers, and ISO tank containers.

The engineering department has posted bulletins and instruction manuals that can be used on an as-needed basis. They are designed to educate Betts customers and others in the industry about the Betts products and regulations. The information is published in Adobe Acrobat format, which can be downloaded from the site, if necessary.

Site links to several of the company distributors are an additional convenience. Distributor addresses and telephone numbers also are listed.

Civacon

The web site for Civacon, Kansas City, Missouri, provides information about Civacon, and links to its parent and affiliated companies: Dover Corporation, Knappco Corporation, OPW Engineered Systems, and Midland Manufacturing. There also is a link to the company's European web site at www.civacon.nl.

The Civacon pages include answers to frequently asked questions about the company's ROM II overfill detection system. An e-mail address gives instant access to a company technician for answers to questions that aren't posted on the site. General product information includes discussion of applications and key features.

Other pages discuss the company's latest news concerning company activities, people, new product launches, and technical bulletins.

Linden Companies

The Linden Companies, Linden, New Jersey, launched an Internet presence this year that includes three Web addresses for its bulk, freight, and warehouse services.

Operating throughout the United States and Canada, the bulk site lists service areas, equipment that includes 240 tractors and 480 tank trailers, and the special services that are offered.

A 1.2 million-square-foot warehouse provides storage for over 100 million pounds of inventory. The storage facility is operated with a computerized inventory management system and has adjacent rail sidings.

Scully Signal

Scully Signal Company of Wilmington, Massachusetts, fills its web site with information about its fueling systems and the industries it serves.

Among the systems are automated fleet fueling, automatic fuel oil re-order, cam and groove couplings, petroleum product delivery, electronic terminal equipment, electronic tank truck equipment, and electronic storage tank equipment.

In addition to its headquarters in Wilmington and sales offices in Houston, Texas, the company has European sales offices in England, France, and Germany. Information is provided in German and French.

A “What's New” section previews Scully's latest or improved products. The types of customers Scully serves are listed in the company profile section, which also includes a description of the departments that handle various responsibilities.

About the Author

Mary Davis

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