Software Offers Multiple Benefits for Ocean Shippers

By Staff -- Logistics Management, 5/1/1998

Want to ship something from Toledo to Tierra del Fuego? OceanWide Marine Network's Web site can help you find a vessel that meets your needs, get a rate quotation, book the shipment, and even insure it.

The Internet-based information company offers several free services to registered users through its Web site (www.oceanwide.com). To find vessel voyage information, for example, users select origin and destination ports, the desired time frame, and either a specific carrier or "any carrier." A list of voyages and dates meeting the user's criteria appears. OceanWide also offers the option of using PointCast software to automatically deliver customized sailing schedules.

Shippers also can take advantage of a preformatted on-line form to e-mail a request for a rate quotation or a booking to carriers. The form automatically includes the registered user's name, company, street address, phone, and e-mail address.

The Web site also includes a marine services directory, which can be searched by keyword, type of service, or port. A section offering maritime industry news and market reports is updated daily.

OceanWide's newest feature, called "Cargo Cover," allows users to get cargo insurance quotations, purchase insurance, create insurance certificates, and initiate claims on line. To offer this service, OceanWide has partnered with J&H Marsh & McLennan Ltd. and Eastern Marine Underwriters, both prominent names in marine cargo insurance brokerage and underwriting.