In-cab backloads from Route!
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• Routers vehicle-based on-line database is designed to give owner-drivers access to a wide range of information, including backloads, that has been available to international fleet hauliers for the past two years.
The Dataphone link gives access to data from the weather forecast to load matching.
The Datacom 2000 package squeezes a powerful 386SX computer up to 120MB with a full-size keyboard in a briefcase-sized package. A bubble-jet printer outputs A4 documents and the integral modem can send or receive from standard fax machines. The phone system incorporates hands-free and compressed dialling functions.
With the advent of the Single Market the importance of obtaining back loads is greater than ever because of the trans-continental distances involved. More than 20,000 subscribers are using the Teleroute system, of which Routel is the UK licensee, and 13,000 more will join in April.
When CM logged on to the system 800 loads were listed for departure from Italy to destinations all over the EC. Information on the screen gives the time logged; address of pick-up/contact; phone /fax number; destination; and the type of load. The operator then makes contact to agree a rate.
Methods of payment vary greatly throughout the EC—but few businesses take as long to pay as those in the UK. To avoid cash flow problems Routel includes a credit information service provided by Dun and Bradstreet and a payment grading service is often available.
At present the system only caters for international journeys, but it is to be expanded to include UK-to-UK deliveries from April.
Subscription costs £25 a month plus £14.95 a month for equip- ment rental. Extras include 38p/min