KIVALLIQ

It may not be evident in the Kivalliq during 2011, but the Northern Transportation Company Ltd. (NTCL) is hard at work ensuring it lives up to its promise of being the best when it returns in 2012.

NTCL manager of business development Martin Landry said the company has implemented a new online tracking system.

He said NTCL continues to go forward as it restructures itself and prepares to return to the Kivalliq.

"We implemented the bar codes and scanners this past year so we knew where everything was," said Landry.

"Now we're taking the process a step further.

"Customers will be able to enter their booking number on our website and track exactly where their freight is.

"This is something we haven't had in the past and we're excited to have it in place."

Landry said customers can now register for online e-mail alerts for every time their freight moves.

He said they'll also be able to do online price indications during the next few weeks.

"The price indications will allow them to enter the dimensions of their freight - length, width, height and weight - as well as the departure site and destination, and our website will give them an estimate on the total cost.

"So, based on the information a customer inputs, they'll have an idea on how much their shipment will cost.

"We're excited to be the first in the North to be implementing such an advanced system."

NTCL president Bill Duffy said the company will be in a strong position to go after the Government of Nunavut's contract in 2012.

He said NTCL needs to pay close attention to what its customers say as it moves forward.

"If our Kivalliq customers want their freight to come out of Manitoba, then we need to give them that option," said Duffy.

"But our relationship with Braden Burry Expediting (BBE) and OmniTRAX is critical, and that's where the pricing issues come in.

"We will be able to change our pricing and, at least, negotiate with BBE and OmniTRAX to get a number fair to every customer.

"So, at this point, NTCL will definitely be coming out of Quebec in 2012 and, depending on negotiations with BBE and OmniTRAX, we will be looking at coming out of Churchill, Man., as well."