FROM offering truck dealers a special Web site to providing information on retreaded tires to making it easier to get oversize and overweight highway permits, the Internet supplies the route — and the road is definitely not the least traveled.
Here is a look at three Web sites that contain information for the transportation industry. Getting there requires nothing more than a computer, access to the Internet, and a nimble finger or two.
www.mackassets.com
Mack Commercial Finance, the financing arm of Mack Trucks Inc, Lehigh Valley PA, has launched a new Web site to help meet the demand of the Mack dealer network for used trucks.
The site provides photographs and detailed specifications for every truck offered for sale to Mack dealers by Mack Commercial Finance. Third-party condition reports are also included. All vehicles come with a variety of financing options.
Dealers utilizing the site also can participate in on-line auctions. Bids are taken for a set period of time. The highest bid at any given time is displayed, and rebidding is allowed until the specified closing date.
The site is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All a dealer has to do to take advantage of the new resource is secure a user ID and password by clicking on the “SIGN UP NOW” button on the home page.
www.retread.org
As its name depicts, the Tire Retread Information Bureau (TRIB), provides everything a carrier could want to know about retreaded tires. The association's Web site offers up-to-date information about the economic and environmental benefits of tire retreading and tire repairing, as well as practical data that will benefit trucking companies.
Web site information comes from many sources and is updated regularly. The material is non-commercial. All of the pages are printable and in some instances have covers to assist users in creating booklets that can be used in meetings. The association just asks that credit for the information be given to TRIB.
Those wishing to purchase retreaded tires can refer to the buyers guide that lists vendors and the types of retreaded tires they sell in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and other countries around the world.
A “Visit Tires from A-Z” reveals articles on all aspects of tires. For those new to retreading, “Retreading 101-A Beginners Guide” gives a quick overview. Those unfamiliar with the vocabulary of retreading and tire repairing can refer to the Glossary listed in the category of suggested reading.
The related links section includes many categories, including various publications important to the industry. A list of suppliers also is posted.
www.permitwizard.com
Trucking companies now have an easier way to apply for oversize and overweight permits in several states. Vital Chek Network, a subsidiary of ChoicePoint, Alpharetta GA, has announced the introduction of its new trucking permit application solution, PermitWizard Online.
The web-based application allows trucking companies to apply for multiple state oversize and overweight permits using a single online application form. The process is designed to reduce the amount of time a carrier must spend to get necessary permits.
Once a carrier fills out a single application, PermitWizard Online submits it to the appropriate state agencies. Permits are delivered to the requesting trucking company upon approval.
Companies with Internet access can set up accounts and begin the application process. The service is designed for carriers of all types.
The service was launched in January 2003 and is scheduled to have access for all states by the end of the year, according to company information.