Truck Sites We Like
Monthly picks of the best on the web
DEBORAH LOCKRIDGE
SENIOR EDITOR
Each month, HDT presents overviews of some trucking web sites we like. They are gauged primarily on what casual visitors to the sites experience. For the most part, that means what computer types refer to as "look and feel." But these impressions are no small matter. They are critical to a company's image, and as we all know, image itself is critical. We're also looking for user friendliness and that little something extra.
It is impossible to visit all the web sites serving such a vast industry, so we know we will miss some worthy sites in the coming months. Please let us know about any you feel are especially good by emailing Senior Editor Deborah Lockridge at dlockridge@truckinginfo.com.
www.fedex.com/us/
FedEx Corp., Memphis, Tenn.
The FedEx web site is like the company: fast, no-nonsense, reliable. You won't find slick graphics here, but you will find a large amount of information presented in a well-organized fashion. It's fast to load and easy to use.
The typical FedEx customer will likely be looking to track his packages, and he'll find that feature prominently located on the home page. For those looking for more, a special Welcome Page offers a tour of the site and its services. Or you can just dive in and start clicking on clear and obvious text links.
One particularly nice service is the Small Business Center. Sign up and you'll have online access to advice from experts on a wide range of topics such as managing your cash flow, legal issues, deciding which software to buy, succession planning and interviewing tips. While they're not trucking-specific, there's plenty of useful information here.
www.altec.com
Altec Industries, Birmingham, Ala.
Altec's page greets you with an animated graphic showing a utility worker in a bucket and proclaiming, "For over 70 years ... Helping crews work safer and smarter."
Among dozens of truck body sites, Altec stands out not only because of the attractive home page and animation, but because it offers plenty of help finding the products you need.
On the home page, a heading of "Need Help Selecting Equipment?" offers buttons for electric utility, telecommunications, tree care, and lights & sign maintenance. Click on the one you need, and you'll be asked a few questions before getting a listing of the equipment you're looking for. Or, you can use the left-hand menu to select from options such as New Equipment, Used Equipment, Rental Equipment, In-Stock Equipment, and Financing. And if you're still having problems finding what you're looking for, there are easy-to-find search, site map and glossary links.
www.trippak-tmi.com
TMI, Brentwood, Tenn.
When you're trying to sell something, your website should make it very obvious what it is you're selling. A surprising number of companies, especially those that offer services, seem to think that if you find their site you already know what they do. TMI doesn't make that mistake. At the top left hand side of the home page, it says, "Products and Services," with links to pages about TripPak Express, TripPak Online, TMI-MultiMedia and other services.
If that's not enough, right below that, there's a list of "Resources," such as company info, drop box locations, an envelope ordering page, reference library, and careers at TMI.
In addition, the home page and other pages are crammed full of news and stories about TMI, testimonials, quotes, and even video clips. Despite the large amount of information, everything is presented attractively, with nice use of color and graphics, a consistent look, and fast-loading pages.
