April/May 2002

Book a load remotely

Text messaging is being added to the Courier Exchange trading hub's Web site, allowing couriers to place a load on the site's traffic exchange system by texting or email. There will also be provision for users to request SMS alerts of all empty vehicles travelling on a particular route.

The company is also developing a system that will allow users to place bookings by SMS, fax or email. Ultimately it be possible to send collection and delivery details by SMS.

 

In a further development of this concept, the company will be making it possible for couriers to transmit proof of delivery back to the customer by SMS message.

Meanwhile, couriers using the hosted online despatch system from ticHost, a brand name of TheInternetCourier, can now place traffic or capacity directly on the Courier Exchange system. The facility results from a partnership between the two companies, and allows seamless transfer of information between the two systems without the need for re-entering data.

TicHost is also developing a system allowing courier staff to communicate with their corporate booking and IT systems whilst on the move. It is a joint project with UK-based wireless applications specialist Cerocom. The service uses a handset incorporating Cerocom's own mobile communications modem, and is expected to be offered at a flat monthly rate, plus a communications charge of around 4.5p per minute.