Internet Services Help International Traders

By Staff -- Logistics Management, 1/1/1998

One of the greatest benefits of the Internet is its ability to carry information from one country to another almost instantly--an ability that international logistics and transportation service providers are learning to exploit. In particular, the technology is proving to be an economical vehicle for global shipment tracking. A look at some new Internet-based information services shows why the Internet is likely to soon become an indispensable tool of international trade.

* American Consolidation Services, the global consolidation unit of APL Ltd., has introduced NetTrac v. 1.0, shipment-tracking software that allows customers to monitor the progress of their purchase orders and inventories in transit. NetTrac users can create, save, and modify customized exceptions rules that highlight problems requiring immediate attention. NetTrac also provides standard-format traffic and merchandise reports, but users may choose to download data into their own software applications. (http://www.acslogistics.com)

* Freight forwarder AEI has added more information to its track-and-trace program, merging its LOGIS-Link PC software capabilities with the ease of using the Internet. For example, customers now may search for a shipment via eight different search keys: house bill, master bill, customer reference number, origin, destination, date, and shipper or consignee names. (http://www.aeilogistics.com)

* Customers of FlightMasters/SeaMasters, an international transportation company, can track and trace air and ocean shipments by multiple search variables, such as shipment date, customer reference number, and estimated delivery date. They also can get confirmation of freight charges and proof of delivery via the Web site. (http://www.flightmasters.com)