DC Velocity - November 2019

inbound

You’ve no doubt become accustomed to those “live chat” boxes that pop up when you scroll through retailers’ websites. But it turns out, they’re not the only ones using the technology. Live webchats are also being offered by at least one port.

That port, the Port of Oakland (California), introduced its online chat service when it overhauled its customer-service platform back in December 2015. Called “LiveChat,” the automated feature collects the questions that are submitted through the port’s website and distributes them to human personnel for replies.

The feature has proved so popular that the port announced this summer that it had welcomed its 10,000th visitor. It said online representatives respond to about 200 queries each month, responding in real time during business hours and answering questions submitted after hours the next day.

The most commonly asked questions concern employment opportunities and how to import containerized cargo from overseas, according to the port. But some of the others are a bit more offbeat, such as: No. Everyone at LiveChat is a real person.)

Yakety Yak

As if sharing roads with motorists who are distracted and inattentive weren’t challenge enough, North American truck drivers now have something else to worry about: motorists who are high.

A study from the Canadian Automobile Association’s (CAA) South Central Ontario (SCO) unit shows that approximately 1.2 million Ontario drivers have, at some point, driven high after consuming cannabis. A full 72% reported waiting three hours or less to get behind the wheel, with 27% feeling very or somewhat high when they did.

The study comes as Canada approaches the first anniversary of the country’s legalization of cannabis and prepares for the introduction of legal edibles, and it suggests that the public underestimates the dangers of cannabis-impaired driving, the group says. Commissioned by CAA and conducted by Dig Insights in June 2019, the study surveyed 1,510 Ontarians between the ages of 19 and 70 who have a valid driver’s license.

“It is crucial to continue to explore and understand what impact the legalization of edibles may have on Ontario’s roads,” Teresa Di Felice, assistant vice president of government and community relations at CAA SCO, said in a release. “If Ontarians choose to consume edibles, they should be aware of [their] delayed psychoactive effects and the impact on their ability to drive.”

On top of Old Smokey

We’re all familiar with the old “dog bites mailman” cliché, but it turns out not all dogs have it in for their local delivery people. In fact, it appears quite a few have formed deep attachments to their parcel couriers and are absolutely overjoyed when the local delivery truck pulls up.

For evidence, you need look no further than “UPS Dogs,” an online community in which UPS drivers can share photos and videos of all the furry friends they meet on their routes. Nearly 350,000 people follow the popular “UPS Dogs” Instagram account, which features photos of happy dogs with wagging tails, goofy grins, and lolling tongues—including a few of eager pooches trying to jump on board the Big Brown truck. And it’s not just dogs. Scroll down far enough and you’ll find a smattering of photos of other critters: a spotted fawn, a pinto pony, a wild turkey, and even a horned goat and a pair of lambs.

For those who just can’t get enough of these adorable pups, there are companion “UPS Dogs” Instagram and Facebook pages as well, though they boast far fewer followers.

Atlanta-based UPS Inc. says it isn’t officially affiliated with the popular site but points out that it shows the tight connection between customers and delivery trucks. “We have several dog-loving drivers with personal social media accounts dedicated to celebrating the pets they meet,” a UPS spokesman said via email. “These are great examples of the strong relationships UPSers build with their customers, both two- and four-legged.”