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Norfolk Southern Corp. recently launched a feature on its Web site designed to provide customers an estimated rate immediately after inputting electronic bills of lading for new shipments.
Part of NS’ Thoroughbred Information System (TIS) suite of e-commerce applications, the Internet Bill of Lading (iBOL) feature enables customers to create electronic waybills based on historical data stored in NS’ mainframe. The application is designed to minimize customer entry yet ensure timely and accurate shipping information.
NS is providing a demonstration of the feature on its Web site under the "electronic commerce" category on the railroad’s home page. NS is testing separate versions for intermodal and hazardous materials shipments, and plans to release the intermodal version in several months followed by the hazardous materials version later this year.
Through TIS, NS currently offers customers customized reports, mileage inquiries, demand traces, a Coal Transportation Management System, diversions and reconsignments, waybill verification inquiries, and shipment weights and histories.