FORTRANS News and Events

2009

2009, Winter – FORTRANS introduced EDI 204 & 990 to our customers
This new capability allows FORTRANS to send 204 (Load Tender) and 990 (Response to Load Tender) electronically to our customers.

2008

2008, Fall – FORTRANS Upgrades Transportation Software
FORTRANS upgrades to TruckMate 8.0 SP2 to enjoy the latest enhancements from software vendor TMW Systems.

2008, Fall – FORTRANS introduced EDI 204 to our customers
This new capability allows FORTRANS to receive 204 (Load Tender) from our customers.

2008, Fall – Introduce document imaging capabilities to the web
This web enhancement will allow our customers to retrieve copies of bill of lading, freight invoices and proof of deliveries (PODs).

2008, May – Introduce Online Freight Charges
This web enhancement allows our customers to view their freight charges 24 hours a day/7 days a week.

2008, May – FORTRANS Upgrades Transportation Software
FORTRANS upgrades to the latest version of its transportation software, TruckMate 8.0. Enhanced features will allow us to continue and serve our customers in the most efficient and user friendly manner.

2007

2007, Summer – 4th generation family member joins the FORTRANS TEAM
Marnie Leslie joins the FORTRANS TEAM overseeing our customer service team. Marnie has over 10 years of transportation experience.

2007, Spring/Summer – Introduction of Online Pick-up Requests
This new feature will allow our customers to schedule pick-ups 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via the web.

2007, Winter/Spring – New Invoicing Capabilities
New capabilities will allow our customers the ability to receive their freight invoices via fax or e-mail.

2006

2006, Fall – FORTRANS Implemented Document Imaging to Our Transportation Software
This new capability will allow Fortrans to interact more efficiently with our customers.

2006, Summer – FORTRANS Introduced EDI 210 to Our Customers
This new capability allows us to exchanged data electronically with our customers.

2006, January – 4th Generation Fortrans Family Member Acquires Operating Interest
Ryan Leslie has now assumed additional operating responsibility and has been name Vice President.

2006, January – FORTRANS Employee/Family Member Retires
Long-time employee and family member Hank Leslie retired as of January 1, 2006 after 40 plus years of service.

2004

2004, Fall – Fall 2004 - FORTRANS Invests In New Technology
FORTRANS increased its customer service capabilities by purchasing new Transportation Software (TMW Maddocks Systems). These new tools allow Fortrans to better serve our customers.

2003

FORTRANS Builds Web-site for Customer Service
FORTRANS establishes Internet domain name, www.shipwithfortrans.com. We continue to use new technology to improve our efficiencies and make assess to us easier.

2002

FORTRANS Delivers Peace of Mind
FORTRANS invests in new technology to ensure our customers’ shipments arrive on time – every time. We installed in-cab fleet information systems in our trucks employing satellite technology (GPS). PeopleNet Communications Corporation supports this technology. With this system, we can pinpoint your shipments location within blocks of our assigned destination. Our dispatch team regularly monitors our trucks to ensure on time service.

FORTRANS In On The Move
FORTRANS moves its corporate offices to a larger facility. Our planned growth and desire to seek operating efficiencies made our move possible.

Industry News – 2003

FMCSA Issues Final Rule on Drivers Hours of Service
The U.S. DOT’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced on April 24, 2003, the first substantial change to the hours-of-service rules (HOS) since 1939. The FMCSA estimates the new rule will save up to 75 lives and prevent as many as 1,326 fatigue-related crashes annually. There were an estimated 4,902 truck-related facilities in traffic crashes in 2002.

This rule governs drivers transporting freight in interstate commerce in a property-carrying commercial vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,001 pounds or more, and operating vehicles transporting hazardous materials in quantities requiring vehicles placards. Carriers will operate under current hours-of-service regulations through January 3, 2004.

This final rule along with explanatory information may be accessed at the FMCSA Internet website at http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov. The American Trucking Association's website at www.truckline.com also provides significant amount of information about the new rule.