How MAT keeps in touch
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MAT Transport Ltd, the international haulage and forwarding organization, operates two distinct communications systems. One is used to control and monitor the movement of containers daily, with teleprinter links between partner firms in Europe and computerized processing of a segmental, move-by-move tracing system. The other is a check on loads and traffic through a versatile electrowriter device as well as teleprinters.
MAT make extensive use of Victor electrowriters, a device used in conjunction with the telephone or UHF radio to transmit short messages, such as consignment or manifest details.
When goods are received at MAT's London depot at Stratford LIFT the details are checked and an immediate advice sent via the electrowriter to the Shoreditch head Alice. 1 he system is found to be so useful that many of the offices in the multi-floor Shoreditch buildings are also equipped with electrowriters. One of MAT's customers has an electrowriter link in his traffic office to enable an instant check of the whereabouts of goods to be maintained.
What do electrowriters cost? Modernphone electrowriter systems marketed by Modern Telephones Ltd, Shipton Group House, Oval Road, London, NW1, can be purchased outright for cash, or rented on a five-year agreement. If purchased outright the transmitter costs £380, the receiver £460 and the transceiver £705. Rental works out at £126.50 (first year) and £101.20 (subsequent years) for the transmitter. The respective costs for the hired receiver and transceiver are £153.50 and £235.00 (first year) with subsequent annual charges of £122.80 and £188.00.
An organization so geared to speed and efficiency as MAT finds the investment in electrowriters pays off. The vast number of documentary transactions involved in extensive groupage activities could hardly
be accomplished without them. J.D.