Load matching
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A SOUTH LONDON company has launched an electronic load matching information service aimed at small fleet operators who are overawed by the cost of the Cargofax International and Datafreight services.
Transport Information Services, based at Thornton Heath, Surrey, is offering operators annual membership of the service for £150 plus £25 for each vehicle registered. Consignors may use the service free of charge.
Unlike Cargofax or Datafreight, there is no need initially for users to invest in computer terminals, as TIS's eight staff monitor traffic and vehicles on monitors in the company's office, and inform subscribers by phone of traffic available.
Once an operator has 25 or more vehicles registered on the system, it will be able to have a terminal installed in its premises for no extra charge.
According to Rod Summerscales, the company's sales director, the company is confident of being able to attract around 200 users to the service at an early date. He told CM that
at present there are twice as many consignors as carriers on the system, which ensures that operators have a selection of traffic available.
As with the other load matching services, TIS does not become involved in setting haulage rates. It leaves this to be negotiated between the carrier and the consignor.
Mr Summerscales said he accepted that there was a risk that hauliers and consignors would use TIS once to establish a contact and then deal direct in future. But he added that the service would still be attractive for one-off loads.
The service has been operating since August 1, and Mr Summerscales said it was planned to increase the number of traffic matching staff to 16 if business grows.
Details are available from Department F, TIS Ltd, 132/134 Brigstock Road, Thornton Heath, Surrey.