Whitley Named Sales & Marketing Director

Connie Whitley has been named Sales and Marketing Director for VHI Transport of Richmond, VA, formerly known as Virginia Hiway, Inc. VHI is a full service brokerage that arranges the transport of freight for shippers throughout the country. Announcement was made by David Gee, CTB, president of the firm.

Whitley has been with VHI for seven years, most recently as Senior Account Manager. She has worked closely with VHI's corporate accounts to provide ever-expanding service as customers and clients grow their own business. In addition to sales, in her new position, she is developing strategic freight management programs and doing logistics analysis for VHI customers.

Whitley was previously vice president of a printing firm and has 18 years experience in sales and marketing. She is now responsible for developing plans for marketing to both shippers and carriers and for expanding the transportation services and transport modes offered by the firm. She has launched two new divisions for VHI - warehousing and bulk transport. This is in addition to services already offered, including short and long haul truck deliveries in vans and reefers, intermodal transport and international container traffic.

Whitley is an active member of the Richmond Transportation Club. VHI is a member of the Transportation Intermediaries Association, the national professional organization for third party service providers. VHI President David Gee was recently elected to a second term as president of the organization.

In announcing her promotion, Gee stated, “Connie has been providing outstanding service to our customers and her associates in the company. Her promotion acknowledges the leadership she has accepted and the creativity she applies to the job – especially in these times of tight truck capacity. ” Whitley is a resident of Chesterfield, along with her husband, Michael.

Details – http://www.vhitransport.com

Model Broker/Shipper Contract Introduced

A model contract for shippers and brokers has been developed and approved by the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) and the National Industrial Transportation League (NITL). The contract was presented at the joint meeting in San Antonio of TIA, NITL and the Intermodal Association of North America (IANA).

The contract states basic provisions and can be used as it stands, or customized (although the customized version cannot be called the model contract). After an antitrust review by the Justice Department, the contract will be posted on the websites of both TIA and NITL. The contract will be available to any shipper and/or broker, without cost.

This model of presentation follows the shipper/motor carrier model contract created by the American Trucking Associations (ATA) and NITL, which is available on the websites of both ATA and NITL.

Details: www.tianet.org

Myers Named President - Getloaded.com

Charles F. Myers has been appointed President of Getloaded.com, a national freight matching service. He has served as Vice President of Research and Development for the last 18 months.

The main mission of Getloaded.com is to help carriers, brokers and shippers to move freight fast and cut transaction costs. Through the Research and Development program he initiated for Getloaded.com, Myers has increased speed, ease of access and volume on the freight board. In addition, he has introduced new areas of service for the transportation industry, including a Carrier Support Division. He described this effort as creating products and services to provide Getloaded members with a competitive advantage in today's transportation business.” Now, Myers is expected to take the same innovation to the entire operation of Getloaded.com.

By remaining in close touch with member users, Getloaded.com is always on the cutting edge of technological need,” stated Myers. “We watch the trends for need and jump in quickly with solutions. This is the path we plan to continue, creating value-added services that bring imagination and cost cutting to the operations table.”

Myers serves on the board of directors of the Transportation Intermediaries Association and the TIA Foundation. He is a member of the Government Traffic Committee of both the American Trucking Associations and TIA.

Myers was previously with the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) of the federal government where he served as Director of the Office of Operations Research and Resource Analysis. He was responsible for providing consulting services to the Agency in all areas of supply chain management including guaranteed traffic, regional freight consolidation and third party logistics. His responsibilities covered management of over $20 million in private consulting contracts.

Previous to this, he was with the Interstate Commerce Commission. A graduate of Troy State University, Myers attained his Masters degree in Transportation Management from Naval Postgraduate School. He has serves as an Instructor of Transportation for the University of Richmond and is a published author on transportation-related topics. Myers resides with his wife Carolyn in Midlothian and has three grown daughters.

Details: 804-744-6354 or http://www.getloaded.com

Trinity Transport
Named a National “ Best Place to Work”

Trinity Transport, Inc. has been named among the top 50 Best Small & Medium Companies to Work for in America. The list of the 50 top firms was announced before 12,000 human resource (HR) professionals at the annual conference of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) in New Orleans. Trinity ranked #13 in the Small Companies category.

This is the first time that the list has gone beyond the Fortune 100 to name top employers in small and medium companies. The project recognizes smart people management strategies to develop a strong trust between employees and management. The organizations, ranging in size from 50 to 999 employees, were announced by SHRM and selected and ranked by the Great Place to Work® Institute (GPTWI). The ranking was based on the results of a randomly distributed employee opinion survey. Each evaluated company was given a score based on employees' responses to a detailed questionnaire about the organization's workplace culture.

Corporate headquarters of the firm is located on Route 13 in Bridgeville, Delaware. A division, of Trinity Distribution Service, is in Seaford, Delaware. The firm employs more than 125 people in their corporate and national account offices and has more than 50 agent offices throughout the country. Moving 115,000 loads of freight a year, Trinity is in the top 1% of transportation intermediaries, by volume. The firm was ranked #15 nationwide by Transport Topics magazine.

Trinity set out to be an employer-of-choice in Delmarva, by providing a family-oriented environment and a caring culture invested in giving back to the community. Its business practices have their core values rooted deeply in honesty and integrity. Last year, the firm received an Award of Excellence as an employer, in the Shining Star competition held by the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce.

“We set out to be the best employer, following the tradition of my father and my grandfather in this business,” stated Jeffrey E. Banning, CTB, President of Trinity Transport.

“Being a top employer is critical to long-term growth and success,” said SHRM President and CEO, Susan R. Meisinger, SPHR. “Too often only large organizations receive credit for great people practices. SHRM is very proud to show that smaller organizations can and do compete for top talent and may even have added flexibility or innovation to help employees perform well while loving their jobs.”

GPTWI cofounder Robert Levering said, “The companies on this list set the standards for all workplaces. They show that companies can become successful by creating an environment where employees trust their management, have pride in their work and have positive relationships with their coworkers.”

Trinity's team spirit and community support enhance the environment created by Trinity executives as a best employer. To support employee health and welfare, corporate headquarters has an exercise room. Nutritious lunch is served from a lunch cart daily. Personal development seminars are presented as well as professional training courses in the new, state-of-the-art training center. A soundproof children's room is available for when emergencies require bringing children to work.

Trinity's Human Resources Manager, Rita Johnson, is constantly on the lookout for benefits, discounts and special events to offer employees. Teammates have gone on shopping trips, recently held a luau, and are known to create practical jokes or contests at the drop of a hat.

The company sponsors study programs for professional certification and sends employees to management and leadership training. Stated Johnson, “This is the kind of owner-endorsed environment that every HR manager dreams of. Trinity is truly dedicated to its employees and constantly invests in their future with the company.”

Details: www.trinitytransport.com

Promotion at Allen Lund

Greg Ritter has been named manager of the new office opened in Phoenix by the Allen Lund Co. of LaCanada, CA. Ritter brings more than 25 years of brokerage and managerial experience to the position.

Details – www.allenlund.com

MMI PLANS GROWTH STRATEGIES WITH PETRICK

Material Management International, Inc. has contracted with Petrick Outsourcing Unlimited, Inc. to create a comprehensive management and marketing growth strategy. Headquartered in Green Brook, NJ, MMI provides transportation solutions to the military, government and corporate clients and has been in business for more than twenty years.

The MMI website (www.shipmmi.com) has been redesigned as part of the growth strategy and corporate offices have been renovated to accommodate larger staff. The company operating system is now powered by Aljex, designers of custom software exclusively for transportation intermediaries. Management personnel have been hired, a marketing program using multiple media has been initiated, a prospect/customer service database created and a new compensation and incentive program introduced. The MMI account is handled personally by Annette E. Petrick, president of Petrick Outsourcing, Inc.

Details – www.transportmarketing.com

A Different Kind of Christmas Gift

Last year, executives at GMI, Inc. in Sewickley, PA got a good look at the work done by the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. It was heart-warming. Says GMI President Dave Snyder, “We thought about all the good work they do for the contributions they receive. We considered how many more children could be saved, helped and encouraged if we contributed to them.” So last year, for the first time, GMI has made a significant contribution to the hospital in the name of their customers.

In announcing the move to their customers, Snyder said, “I hope you can join us in celebration of the true meaning of Christmas through this gift, made in your name. May the joy of Christmas shine in your heart, knowing that you participating in this gift to the children who will create our tomorrow.”

Details - GMItransportation.com

20% More Business With Aljex Software
Input Cut by 2/3 - Paper Overflow Eliminated

Choptank Transport was flourishing, but its operations software was not keeping up. Company executives looked to the marketplace for a replacement earlier this year.

The transportation intermediary was founded in 1998, at a time when the computer already ruled transportation transactions. Vice-President Geoff Turner got his MBA that year and immediately applied the business principles learned to the management of freight traffic. Today, the firm consists of a full service transportation brokerage, freight management operation, a truckline, a warehouse and agents throughout the country. Choptank provides full freight management and contract logistics. Its principals got their start in the poultry business, where they learned every nuance of temperature control and food transport.

Choptank began its operation with proprietary operational software created by their in-house information technology team. It was based on a Microsoft database.

As interactivity and reporting demands grew, the company’s software started having trouble keeping up with constant changes and advances. Turner realized they had outgrown their own system and decided to see what the market had to offer.

Research included talking to many brokers about what they were using, its benefits and drawbacks and what they would go to, if they were upgrading for growth. The name Aljex kept popping up in the conversations.

After a wide search of broker operation software, Turner invited Aljex to tell them about the Internet-based software they had developed. Choptank was impressed with the fact that Aljex was concentrating solely on transportation intermediary software. They did not claim to have software whose size fits all. Their efforts were intense on flexibility, ease-of-operation and keeping ahead of the growth patterns seen in brokerage.

“From our five years experience in business,” said Turner, “We knew how important it was to stay constantly ahead of customer, carrier and industry protocols in technology. You get a few steps behind and you are lost!”

Initially, Turner was reluctant to move to a Unix-based system, on which Aljex software is built, since all their experience had been only with Windows.
President Tom Heine presented the software demonstration at the Choptank office in Preston, MD. Said Turner, “I was impressed that the head of the company was so hands-on that he was the guy doing the demonstration.”

“Tom Heine won my confidence quickly,” Turner remembers. “He explained things in-depth, responded explicitly to every need we identified. I found myself trusting him and believing he could deliver the goods.

“As we got into testing and then actual use of the software, Tom and his staff were right there with us. No matter what time of day or night we had a question or needed help, they were immediately accessible. The response time was instant. They really earned our loyalty and respect. They are people of integrity.”
The average age of Choptank personnel is 35. The group is extremely computer-literate as well as being transportation professionals. They had very specific ideas about where improvements in operations management could be made. They took to the software immediately.

Steve Covey, Choptank’s Director of Business Development, was interested in transaction cost. He wanted to do more transactions per hour, to control operational costs and allow more business to be handled by the same size staff.

“Within the first hour of the demonstration, we could see the benefits this software would bring us,” stated Covey. “The screens were easy to move around. We could have multiple screens up at once. A change made in one place would automatically be incorporated in another, without extra input. It was fast and easy. As the employees tested it, their enthusiasm grew. It was extremely well received.”

Being smart consumers, Turner and Covey called numerous references and heard their opinion of Heine and his company repeated by people who had already been there, done that. They were convinced and authorized the purchase of software and server. The Aljex system is also available through a monthly subscription basis that reduces the initial cost. Data on the subscription basis is maintained at the Aljex office.

For Choptank, the decision was made to purchase so that data could be stored on their own server. The company executives foresee constant changing and enhancing as the company continues to grow and expand its service. Changes can be done easily due to the flexibility of the Aljex software. For Choptank, the software has been configured to allow new agent offices virtually instant access and use. Every office is currently tied into the main office. Aljex software is on 15 terminals at their corporate headquarters.

“Once we started using it, we found that it streamlined everything we do, from A to Z,” said Covey. “Aljex has really grasped the essence of our business and how to maximize automation and eliminate redundancy.”

Inputting rough data now takes 1/3 of the time it did previously. Choptank personnel can put in three times the number of orders in the same amount of time, with the same staff. Where there are duplicate loads, they are copied over in seconds. Multiple drops are easy to do. Said Covey, “It streamlined our operation from ground zero right through accounting, tracking and payment.”

Turner reported that in June, with one less staff person than in previous months, Choptank handled 20% more business.

“Think of what that will mean to productivity, profit and customer service,” he pointed out. Speeding up regular transactions means we have time to seek and handle more business, more time to find trucks in the current capacity crunch and more time to be innovative with challenging assignments.”

Scanning of documents, which is an integral part of the Aljex system, has also added time saving and efficiency to the Choptank operation. Turner explained, “We have a 40 foot trailer outside the office half full of white document boxes holding bills of lading. If someone requested a copy of an old document, it could take us 30 minutes to find it. Now it is immediately accessible and we fax it or email it right from the computer in 30 seconds. How’s that for efficiency?”

Turner has found that the Aljex software has helped access more trucks to move customers’ freight. The system automatically posts their loads on freight boards Getloaded.com and Internet Truckstop.

“We are receiving tremendous exposure and matching more loads to freight than before with this automated assistance. We’re bumping out there in real time. It’s awesome.”

Aljex has been producing software since 1994. Before then, they had first hand knowledge in operating a freight brokerage. Their team develops software specifically for non-asset-based transportation service providers. From their corporate headquarters in Summit, New Jersey, they serve clients throughout the U.S. and Canada.

President Tom Heine explains, “We strive to deliver productivity in every part of our software with rapid and accurate functions.”

Dependability, speed and interactivity are major factors cited by Aljex customers that account for their high level of satisfaction.

With the expansion of transportation intermediaries into international freight transport, the scope of their software development is now global, encompassing customs, cross-border transfers and regulations worldwide.

Details: www.aljex.com

Roper Industries Finalizes Acquisition of TransCore

TransCore Holdings Inc. announced in December that Roper Industries Inc. has finalized the acquisition of TransCore from the investor group led by KRG Capital Partners L.L.C. in a transaction valued at approximately $600 million. The acquisition of TransCore establishes an additional strategic growth platform for Roper.

Headquartered in Harrisburg , PA , TransCore will operate as a stand-alone segment within Roper and continue to market its products under its current brand names. TransCore's current senior management team, under the leadership of President John Worthington, will continue to direct the business. By maintaining continuity of management and service personnel, customers will see no disruption in service with day-to-day contacts remaining the same.

As part of Roper, TransCore will continue to focus on delivering value propositions to its customers, such as the deployment and advancement of next-generation radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, multi-protocol readers and satellite communications products for tolling, traffic management, security and asset-tracking applications.

"We believe this combination of resources will ensure the continuation of our long history in research, innovation, and product development to serve customers and drive market expansion," explained Worthington.

TransCore is a leading provider of RFID and satellite-based communication technologies and related services that are used by customers to automate and enhance business processes, increase asset productivity and improve security, largely for transportation-related applications in North America.

Details: www.transcore.com

New COO at McLeod

McLeod Software Corp. of Birmingham, AL has promoted Matthew Cacace to chief operating officer. With the company for seven years, Cacace formerly directed product development and has been instrumental in the design of the new business intelligence suite of products.

Details– www.mcleodsoftware.com

Broker/Carrier Dinner at NASTC Conference

Brokers and carriers got together for a special, invitation-only dinner at the annual conference of the National Association of Small Trucking Companies (NASTC) in Nashville in November. Several hundred carriers attended this year's conference that held educational sessions covering contemporary subjects such as per diem pay, driver recruitment and the new training requirements as well as a software demonstration.

Brokers planning to attend were invited in advance to an exclusive broker/carrier dinner with attendance limited to 25 brokers and 25 carriers. The dinner was a venue for discussion on several topics including the creation of a model contract for carriers and brokers, fuel surcharges and accessorial charges.

The dinner brought up a major carrier complaint that stemmed from encounters with brokers who do not pay fuel surcharges. One broker pointed out that to prevent any misunderstanding, such issues should be arranged prior to the handling of any load by the carrier.

This heated discussion ended with a recommendation that carriers utilize the list of NASTC's Best Brokers to avoid such problems.

NASTC Marketing Director Bill Morris reported that “We are in process of completely revising our web site for the Members Only section, which will list our Best Brokers in 2005.”

Details - www.nastc.com

New Rules for Success
by Jeffrey E. Banning, CTB

In addressing the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce recently, Jeff E. Banning, CTB, President/CEO of Trinity Transport, Inc. stated that there is are new rules for successful companies this year.

I believe there's a new set of rules for success. It doesn't matter if you're in transportation, a service business or a manufacturing firm; the same rules apply. I'd like to share them with you.

In order to seize opportunities that lead to success, companies must be ever mindful of changes occurring beyond the obvious. You must continue to be willing to adapt to change. We are living in a constant period of transition. What works today becomes history in a hurry.

Successful businesses today do not stop for self-congratulations. They are too busy raising the bar. You must become your own fiercest competitor. No sooner than you cross one frontier, you must be out, scouting the next.

Companies can no longer assume that good basic service is enough. It's not. You must continually work to dominate your market by improving your processes year after year.

You must believe in continuous improvement, always trying to be forward thinking, asking yourself daily how you can get better, and then doing something about it.

You must be creative and innovative. More than anything else, this means recognizing and embracing ideas. They may originate anywhere inside the company or out. Either can work. The key is to implement these changes quickly.

Management and executives must create and maintain a culture that encourages employees to bring ideas into the company. Just as important, they must listen to and consider these ideas. And respond to them.

No company can afford to ignore change and just do what comes naturally. That may have worked in years past. But those days are in the history books. Competition today is really stiff and we need to use technology to stay out front.

Technology gives a company the tools it needs to meet the demands of the 21st century. It is the driving force that will either catapult you down the road, or leave you limping along, behind the pack.

Successful professionals continue to believe that this is a people business. Relationships must be cultivated not only with your customers and vendors, but also with colleagues within the company. At Trinity, we firmly believe in the 3R's – Real Relationships Rule.

Training will always be a high priority in a successful company. Training helps people to perform at their best. Good performance boosts self worth. A sense of worth builds employee loyalty to the team, the company, and the customer.

To be successful today requires a culture of caring – not only for the company, but its community and the world outside. A company and its employees must be willing to give back – to donate time, money and ideas to help improve our communities.

I believe a successful company needs to create a culture that allows team members to address their jobs with complete integrity and morality – not only to do it right, but to do the right thing.

Along with everything else, leadership beliefs have changed. Today, the characteristic that sets leaders apart from those less successful is not ambition. It's nor intelligence or charisma or personality. And it's certainly not luck.

The valued leader today is one with the ability to set goals that people can become committed to achieving. It is the person who is consistent in involving, rewarding and recognizing people.

A company must cherish and nurture their real asset - the people who comprise the company. Those who lead the company must be a model of the kind of leaders you want to inspire and develop.

You must provide leadership training. Create pathways to success and leadership for those within the ranks. Create a culture where people care about each other, and the company they work for.

It's up to the people at the top to create that kind of culture. One that has everyone believing that they have a stake in the success of the company.

To succeed today, it's really very simple. You must get better and better each and every day, create an environment of high tech and high touch and every day, appreciate and reward the people who make it work. If every element of an organization, and every person, gets a little better every day, then that organization will be unstoppable.

An organization that builds this kind of momentum will soon evolve into a market leader. It will be successful and profitable. And most important, it will be a source of pride for each and every person it employs.

Details - www.trinitytransport.com

Capacity Continues to Plague Industry

A year ago, the trucking industry needed 120,000 drivers. That number has not changed. The combination of driver shortage, carriers out of business and truck shortage continues to present a capacity crunch for those attempting to get freight to market.

Most transportation intermediaries have undertaken carrier relations programs that were unheard of, just a few years ago. Carriers are being paid several times a month, weekly or instantly. Technology has been created that favors carriers and moves brokers up on their list of preferred customers. Brokers are advertising in display and classified ads and on radio shows for carriers to move customers' freight.

The combined volume of all of a broker's customers should attract carriers. Many brokers offer dedicated lanes, no-touch freight and other carrier benefits. Yet carriers rarely see brokers as preferred customers. Transportation intermediaries have to work hard to gain that status.

This is all part of the ever-changing landscape of the shipping industry where brokers must be flexible and quickly accommodate needs or foresee them before they occur.

NXL Image Program by Petrick

National Xpress Logistics of Glenside , PA has launched a company image program in strategic consultation with Petrick Outsourcing Unlimited, Inc. of Woodstock in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Petrick firm created a logo for NXL using gold and black as company colors. Company literature was written and designed to convey the unique, customer-centered services provided by owners John and Mike Flynn .

Petrick also designed the website for NXL, which is being expanded this year to present new transportation options offered by the firm. Additional premiums are also being produced this year, to further company branding.

Details – www.nxltrans.com and www.transportmarketing.com

Brokers Meet with Carriers and Shippers

The Transportation Intermediary Association (TIA) held its Fall Meeting in San Antonio in November in conjunction with the TransComp sponsored by the National Industrial Transportation League and the Intermodal Expo presented by the Intermodal Association of North America.

Keynote addresses were presented by trucking industry executive Jerry Moyes, Chairman, President and CEO of Swift and Gene Krantz, lead flight director at NASA mission control.

TIA education sessions covered trade-driver transportation requirements, transportationpolicy, multimodal optimization, best practices, contracting issues, domestic security OSRA, the Ocean Shipping Reform Act, maximum customer satisfaction, strategic sourcing and accessorial charges. An Issues Forum was held for members of TIA, NITL and IANA.

Truck Capacity Stretched Throughout Peak Shipping Season

Truckload carriers saw demand outpace their hauling capacity by as much as 25% during the peak shipping season just concluded. Freight industry officials say they continue to face a period in which they could be starved for capacity.

Transportation stock analyst Michael LaTronica of the Excalibur Group said truckload firms for months had been overbooked by 10% to 15% on any given day.

Getloaded.com, the Internet load board for the trucking industry, says they have seen as much as 65% more loads than trucks in certain sections of the country on certain days. There seems to be no relief in sight.

TDS President Elected to State Office

Darrel Banning, president of TDS, Trinity Distribution Services in Seaford, Delaware, has been elected vice president of the Delaware Motor Transport Association (DMTA). His official title is State/Conference Vice President to ATA (American Trucking Associations). DMTA is the official trucking association for the state.

TIA 27th Annual Convention and Trade Show:
Perfect Storm or Perfect Opportunity
March 31 – April 2, 2005, Hyatt Regency Hotel, Miami , FL

Third parties, brokers and other transportation intermediaries will meet this spring for the 27th time at the Annual Convention of the Transportation Intermediaries Association. The transportation industry is constantly changing. Issues such as tight capacity, driver shortages, new technologies, and changes in security regulations couldfundamentally shift the way brokers and other 3PLs offer services. This meeting is designed to provide this segment of the transportation industry with information to succeed in today's stormy marketplace.

Details - www.tianet.org

ATA's Highway Watch Gets $21 Million Grant

The Department of Homeland Security has announced an additional $21 million grant for the Highway Watch Program of the American Trucking Associations (ATA). The funds will be available for use starting in March 2005.

"America 's truckers and other transportation workers are in a unique position to contribute to our homeland security," said C. Suzanne Mencer, executive director of the Department of Homeland Security's Office for Domestic Preparedness. "As they travel our nation's highways, they must be alert to a possible terrorist attack and know how to respond appropriately, how to take safety precautions, and how to report suspicious activity."

The grant will help ATA expand the Highway Watch security training and awareness program. HW trains highway professionals including truck drivers to identify and report potential security situations on roads to first responders, law enforcement and the intelligence community. The program was started in 1998 as a joint project of ATA and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

SiriCOMM and Getloaded.com
Offer Wi-Fi Solution to the Transportation Industry

Getloaded.com has announced a professional alliance with SiriCOMM, Inc., providers of wireless communication services for the Transportation industry. Getloaded.com will now offer a Wi-Fi solution to provide access to the Internet throughout the nation via subscription to InTouch, SiriCOMM's wireless ISP package. SiriCOMM and Getloaded together will provide technology to enable real-time load information to be sent automatically to subscribers. This service allows truckers to access load information quickly and easily.

SiriCOMM Wi-Fi Hot Spots are installed in Pilot Travel Centers nationwide. The company plans to continue installing hot spots, focusing on high-traffic locations frequented by truck drivers. Drivers who subscribe will have broadband access to a proprietary network providing transmission, email and Internet access. Getloaded currently provides information and other valuable data to over 15,000 trucking members, representing over 250,000 trucks.

By joining forces, Getloaded.com's load matching service and SiriCOMM's network of Wi-Fi Hot Spots add power to the technology toolbox that allows today's trucker to stay in touch, respond quickly and manage freight profitably.

Details: www.Getloaded.com and www.SiriCOMM.com

About Getloaded.com – Getloaded.com is the Internet load board for the trucking industry. Our interest extends to providing education, information and resources for shippers, logistics professionals, motor carriers and third party contract logistics providers. Getloaded.com posts over 122,000 loads per day and provides maximum access to equipment, lanes and capacity.

About SiriCOMM - SiriCOMM (OTC Bulletin Board: SIRC) provides nationwide broadband wireless software and network infrastructure solutions for the commercial transportation industry and government market. The Company has a vertically integrated technology platform incorporating both software applications and broadband network infrastructure and access. The vertical-specific, enterprise-grade software solutions are designed to help businesses of any size and the government to significantly increase profitability, reduce operating costs, improve productivity and operational efficiencies, enhance safety, and strengthen security. The Company's unique, commercial-grade private network solution is built for enterprises and integrates multiple technologies to enable an ultra high-speed, open-architecture wireless data network for its software applications and Internet access. The Company believes that its vertical-specific software, network technology, deep industry relationships, and low cost of operations represent significant value to the commercial transportation industry and the government market.

Access SiriCOMM online at http://www.siricomm.com or call SiriCOMM at (417) 626-9971

TIA Endorses TransCore's CarrierWatch Service

The Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA), largest freight broker association in the country, has endorsed TransCore's CarrierWatch (TM) online service to provide freight brokers with an efficient and cost-effective method of prospecting for as well as validating and monitoring carrier credentials.

"We are currently dealing with an acute nationwide shortage of truck capacity and our members need more efficient tools to find qualified carriers and check credentials quickly before engaging them. The CarrierWatch program helps our members find the trucks they need and reduces the risk of using unauthorized, unsafe, or underinsured carriers," said Robert Voltmann, TIA president and CEO. "We found the CarrierWatch service to meet the criteria established by the TIA board of directors for an online carrier monitoring service, and that the CarrierWatch service solves some of the most pressing needs of our members today."

Launched last year, CarrierWatch has quickly become the most comprehensive third-party source for checking carrier credentials. At the heart of the CarrierWatch service is a database that stores key information on more than 30,000 North American motor carriers. Brokers subscribing to the service can easily search for carriers using more than 60 separate criteria to find a qualified carrier or validate the credentials of a carrier in a matter of seconds. The CarrierWatch service helps brokers avoid the risk of using questionable carriers and reduces the time-consuming paperwork that is normally a part of the hiring process. The service also serves as a prime source for finding additional equipment capacity.

As part of the promotional agreement, TIA will offer its members discounted subscriptions to the CarrierWatch service.

Details - www.transportationsoftware.com

Trinity Publishes 25th Anniversary Book

As part of the celebration of its 25th anniversary, Trinity Transport, Inc. of Bridgeville, DE published a full color, 80 page book that traces the history of the company. Started by Ed Banning in 1979, the firm followed Christian principles of ethics and integrity introduced to the family by Ed's father, Gil Banning, a pioneer in trucking in the first half of the 20th century.

The book was researched and developed for Trinity by Petrick Outsourcing Unlimited, Inc., a marketing and management firm located in Woodstock, in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. The book was written by Annette E. Petrick, president of the firm.

“This has been a wonderful opportunity to bring attention to the enviable culture that continues to be nurtured by Trinity Transport, despite its metamorphosis into a major 3PL,” stated Petrick. “The same principles that guided its founder 25 years ago are still alive and strong through the 50 plus Trinity offices throughout the country.”

Details: www.transportmarketing.com

CompuNetCompletesReporting Test for TIA

In 2003,the Transportation Intermediaries Association formed a new Credit Practices Committee. The group was to review credit reporting practices in the industry. Their first such assignment was CompuNet. Brokers had complained that the firm's practice of immediately reporting non-payment gave a misleading reading on upstanding brokers. This was a serious concern to TIA members. Some 2/3 of TIA members are subscribers to CompuNet.

Addressing the complaints resulted in a test program where CompuNet placed a 72 hour hold before posting non-payment complaints. 107 TIA members participating in the test. It was agreed that any broker with 3 or more complaints would be removed from the test which ran form May 2003 to April 2004. Results were announced at the TIA conference in November.

Of the 107 companies in the test, 3 were removed for having 3 or more complaints. Another had 60 complaints and subsequently went out of business. Of the 218 non-payment complaints against the 104 remaining brokers:

• 182 were ruled valid (based on documentation or a broker's lack of response to requests for appropriate paper work) and remained on the system

• 32 were paid during the 72 hour period

• 2 were removed because the carrier was out of compliance with CompuNet business rules

• 2 were removed when the broker's paperwork showed non-payment to be justified

CompuNet was found to have 98% accurate reporting during the test period. They have therefore removed the 72 hour hold on non-payment complaints. Such complaints will go on brokers' reports immediately.

Credit Committee Chair Jeff Banning, CTB, pointed out, “CompuNet was very willing to work with TIA. But their core business is protecting motor carriers. A few companies either got in trouble or abused the system and we must deal with the consequences.”

At a meeting at their headquarters in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, CompuNet executives also agreed to changes in their Gold Book. A new Gold Seal, suitable for posting on a website, is available to qualified brokers. A discount for new customers who are TIA members was also arranged.

Committee member Sean Somers continues to work directly with CompuNet. Banning is now working on broker reporting by Dun & Bradstreet and Experian. Jeff remains chair of the group for 2005.

Build Stronger Credit -
New TIA/CompuNet Audio Conference February 2, 2005

The TIA Foundation of the Transportation Intermediaries Association is presenting a new professional development series. The "Improve your Credit" series offers convenient audio seminars designed to educate in interactive, 60 minute programs,delivered via telephone and the Internet.

For the conference fee of $99 per location, valuable information can be brought to as many staff members as you choose to invite.

The first session will be delivered on February 2. "Building Stronger Credit" is an interactive seminar created by TIA, representatives from CompuNet Credit Services, Inc, and other industry experts. Information presented will help build a stronger credit policy. Attendants will also learn how to improve your company's standing with credit reporting services.

Details - Joanna Sheehan at TIA Foundation at 703-299-5710.

Richardson Named Agency Manager

Troy Richardson has been named Agency Manager for VHI Transport, according to President David Gee. Richardson served as operations manager at VHI until some four years ago. He was then recalled to his former position with the airlines. Troy is now back and building the Agency Division of VHI.

“With the 25 year reputation built by Virginia Hiway and its top notch credit rating and financial status, we expect to attract agents throughout the country.” VHI recently introduced new operations software that can be easily linked for use by agents outside of the corporate headquarters area in Richmond, VA.

Last year was a time of significant expansion for VHI. A flatbed division was opened, as well as divisions for containers, intermodal and bulk.

Details – www.vhitransport.com