(FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE) Fort Smith, Arkansas - ABF Freight System, Inc. has made significant enhancements to eCenter®, its suite of Internet-based transportation tools, and announces a one-time credit of $25 to customers who try these industry-leading features before June 30, 2000.
The Bill of Lading, Pickup Request and Rate Quotation tools found on this site have been upgraded to allow the customer additional interactivity and data storage capabilities. Now, customers may save time by accessing up to 50 previous entries, eliminating the need to resubmit repeated information. Additionally, they can seamlessly share information among these tools and create customized templates for frequent shipments. For instance, information from a Rate Quotation may be transferred to a Bill of Lading or to a Pickup Request. These documents may be previewed or transmitted by e-mail to other parties.
Bob Davidson, ABF's Vice President-Marketing and Pricing, stated, "Our first generation of these tools was the best in the industry. Instead of resting on those achievements, we have remained sharply focused on our customers' needs. At ABF, we understand that eCommerce is changing the way that businesses work today. We continuously develop and implement technology to make business transactions easier for our customers."
ABF® offered the first generation of Rate Quotation in March, 1997; Pickup Request in May, 1997; and Bill of Lading in October, 1997.
Through the enhanced Rate Quotation application, many customers now have access to instantaneous quotation for points in Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. This is in addition to ABF's existing interactive, instantaneous quote response for mainland U.S. and Canadian locations. Through the end of June, ABF is offering each account a one-time $25 shipment credit when it uses the online rate quotation system. Details are provided at the Web site.
The upgraded Pickup Request tool also includes a "returns management" feature. Customers can now enter an RMA number when submitting their pickup request information online. This easy-to-use returns management system includes the ability to trace shipments via the RMA number.
Chris Baltz, ABF's Director-Marketing, added, "The advancements in our eCenter are designed to streamline information management for the customer. With our integrated cross-platform features, an individual can input data in one form and then seamlessly transfer it to other functions. Through our wide variety of easy-to-use Internet services, we are reducing the administrative expense of shipping. No other carrier begins to approach the tools that ABF provides today."
Along with the upgraded features, customers may access the many other advanced eCenter tools such as Shipment Tracing, Freight Bill Review, and Dynamic Rerouting via ABF's Web site. Additional information about ABF services is available at 1-800-610-5544.
A complete descriptive list of ABF's current eCenter features follows. The company plans continued expansion of its eCommerce services.
Shipment Planner (patent pending) -- Customers use a simple calendar interface to easily view and manage their shipments on ABF's Internet site. Shipments appear on the calendar by pickup date, due/delivery date or appointment date, as selected by the customer. Customers can choose the types (inbound, outbound, third-party) of shipments and the shipment information (pro number, shipper bill of lading number, purchase order number, shipper name or consignee name) to be displayed. Calendar items are hyperlinked to additional shipment detail. Customers can also manage business and personal items, such as meetings, appointments and anniversaries, with their customized Shipment Planner calendar.
Dynamic Rerouting -- Customers can change the destination point of an in-transit shipment at ABF's Internet site. Shipments in route can also be recalled and returned to the origin. ABF's internal systems automatically issue the rerouting instructions to the proper ABF facility based upon the current location of the shipment within the ABF system. With Dynamic Rerouting, ABF also provides e-mail confirmation and revised charges.
Advanced Reports -- Customers can create detailed reports, customized to their specific needs. Users can choose from a wide variety of shipment selection, data item and sort sequence options. A report "Wizard" is available to guide report creation. These reports can be saved and quickly retrieved for future use. For less experienced users, ABF provides 10 standard reports (e.g., undelivered shipments, unpaid bills, or recent outbound shipments) that can be created with a single click. These reports can also be viewed within the Shipment Planner.
Customer-specific Rate Quotation -- Contrasted with typical Internet rate quotations, ABF uses detailed pricing information unique to a particular customer, providing quotations that match actual freight invoices. Most Internet rate inquiries are interactive, with instantaneous response, including points in Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Some more complicated inquiries receive a response by e-mail, facsimile or telephone, as requested by the user. During expanded business hours, virtually all inquiries receive a reply within 20 minutes. Customers may save time by accessing their last 50 quotes and by creating customized templates for frequent shipments. Confidential information is protected by encryption technology and by passwords, which can be requested through the Internet site.
Document Retrieval, including online viewing and retrieval of critical transportation documents -- The signed bill of lading and delivery receipt are available on every shipment. Other documents, such as packing lists, customs documents, and weight confirmations are provided, when applicable.
ABF ToolKitTM, an innovative personal computer navigational aid -- The ABF ToolKit is a desktop toolbar that provides one-button access to an expanding variety of customer productivity tools at ABF's Internet site. The versatile ToolKit, available at no charge on the Web site, can be customized to incorporate other PC applications or Internet sites chosen by the user.
Shipment Tracing -- through the ABF network, by carrier pro number, shipper bill of lading number, purchase order number or other customer reference number. Specific shipment location and other information are continually updated.
E-mail Notification of critical events -- The user may request e-mail notification as the shipment moves through the ABF system or when it has been delivered. Automated e-mail notification can also be provided when a shipment is delivered with an exception or when ABF's predictive tracking systems project that a particular shipment may be delayed.
Freight Bill Review -- Customers can quickly resolve questions regarding the charges on an ABF freight bill. ABF answers most inquiries within one hour, by e-mail, with a detailed explanation of the basis for the charges or an immediate adjustment to the amount due.
Pickup Requests transmitted directly to the origin serving station -- Customers may save time by accessing their last 50 requests and by creating customized templates for frequent shipments. Customers can enter an RMA number when submitting their pickup request information online. The easy-to-use returns management system includes the ability to trace shipments via the RMA number.
Loss and Damage Claims Filing or Status -- Customers can file a cargo claim and upload supporting documents via the ABF Internet site. The current status of a loss and damage claim can be retrieved, along with contact information for the service representative involved with the claim.
Bill of Lading preparation, printing, and transmission options -- Customers may save time by accessing their last 50 entries and by creating customized templates for frequent shipments.
Routing, service and postal code information throughout North America, including Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean, highlighting ABF's broad direct coverage network. Location, personnel, and contact information are provided for each of ABF's 310 terminal service facilities. Direct e-mail contact is provided for all sales, management and administrative personnel.
Forms and ABF documents -- Customers can access and print various forms used in the course of business (e.g., a Canadian Customs Invoice). In addition, customers can view and print various ABF documents, such as ABF's Common Carrier permit or Insurance Certificate.
An informative Resource Library including free rate calculation software, special service information, ABF's searchable service guide and the simplified Shipping Guide, all of which may be retrieved directly from the Internet.
Descriptive explanations of ABF's varied service offerings, an archive of press releases and additional company and industry information.