On-line load listing site plans new features

Second-hand truck sales and warehousing on the cards, writes Ray Smuts TRANSFUSION, the new software information package aimed at addressing the need for optimal freight management, is going from strength to strength and hopes to launch a number of new subscriber 'perks' before the end of the year. While there is still a degree of uncertainty as to Transfusion's actual purpose - some think it may be a brokerage out for a cut - more than 150 transporters have thus far availed themselves of the R295-a-month subscription after having enjoyed free access to the site for several months previously, moving commodities as diverse as 1 000 tons of coal and 50 cubic metres of furniture. "It's been a learning curve for us as this is a fairly new concept but we are now moving at a hectic pace to grow the Transfusion subscriber base," says product manager Matthew Costello. What the product does in essence is allow transporters to post their listings and freight requirements nationwide on a daily updated basis. This e-mail service is also available to more than 1 300 non-subscriber transporters but they may only look, not quote. Costello told FTW new services in the offing include a computerised voice-activated site which will enable a transporter to ascertain by cellular 'phone where and when loads are available. "We are also looking at launching a service for second-hand truck sales, hopefully before the end of the year, and at a similar service focusing on warehouse availability." Costello says Transfusion, a product of Solution Dynamics, is intent on targeting the owner-driver in particular. "He is the guy on the ground doing the work, so to speak, who often does not get the best deal as he does not have access to information vital for his business."