Truck Sites We Like
Monthly picks of the best on the web
DEBORAH LOCKRIDGE
SENIOR EDITOR
Regularly, 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." We're also looking for user friendliness and that little something extra.
You can nominate web sites for "Truck Sites We Like" by e-mailing Senior Editor Deborah Lockridge at dlockridge@truckinginfo.com.
www.tougheststandards.cummins.com
Cummins Inc., Columbus, Ind.
Engine owners have complained that the information available from engine makers on the October 2002 emissions engines has been scarce. Now that Cummins has become the first manufacturer to get an October '02 engine certified by the EPA, it is eager to offer information and has created a special web site to do so.
Read news coverage of the EPA certification and first shipment of the new ISX. Download a PDF print version of a flyer showing how cooled EGR and Variable Geometry Turbocharging, the technology Cummins is using to meet the new regulations, work. Frequently Asked Questions cover common topics such as what EGR and VGT are and whether maintenance will change, or you can email in your specific questions via the site.
If you've got the bandwidth, multimedia options let you download a video showing how the new technology works or listen to two drivers who have been running the new engine for six months across the Rockies.
www.jjkeller.com
J.J. Keller & Associates, Neenah, Wis.
J.J. Keller starts off right at the top letting you know who they are: "The nation's leading supplier of safety and regulatory solutions for transportation, manufacturing, construction, human resources and general industry."
Chances are you're familiar with Keller. But if you're involved with safety and regulatory issues and haven't checked out their website, you should.
There are a number of ways to access the information on the site. You can search for products by keyword, narrowing the search by market, subject and format.
Or, if you want to browse information and product offerings by subject area, check out the Resource Centers. Pages are devoted to topics such as security, human resources, ergonomics, NAFTA, hazmat and load securement. They list not only the resources Keller offers for sale, but also news and other information available online just for the clicking.
The site's resources are also divided into categories such as forms, publications, training, and seminars & consulting.
From the colorful, well-organized site you can also learn more about J.J. Keller, order online, request a catalog, contact the company and get live online help.
www.opisnet.com
Oil Price Information Service, Lakewood, N.J.
OPIS distributes petroleum prices and analysis and offers seminars on how to control your fuel costs, among other things.
OPIS offers a wealth of information you can tailor to your needs. Weekly newsletters cover price spikes, supply shortages, EPA regulations and more. Reports offer diesel rack prices, retail truckstop prices, and a truckstop spread report offering retail prices and estimated margins to help you negotiate fuel discounts. If you want to learn about fuel hedging and other strategies to save money on fuel, consider signing up for the Fleet Fueling Expo, which also covers topics such as security, insurance, and the outlook for the economy and for fuel prices.
While most of these services are available for a price (and you can find out more about them on the website), there is also free information on Opisnet.com that you may find useful. For instance, news stories cover topics such as clean air regulations and oil company activities. There's also a useful page of industry links.
