The impact of Minitel technology on road freight transport in France

This paper describes the impact of new information technologies on road freight transport in France. In particular it studies videotex technology which is developing quickly in the country. French videotex technology links computer, telecommunication (telephone) and television technologies. It is embodied in the Minitel terminal. This new technology has important effects on the management of information needed by companies for their productive activities. So, the study of Minitelized road freight information requires some preliminary description of the French computerized information system, the French videotex system and the Minitel terminals. The paper first considers the rise of the new information technology (essentially linked with the computerization of economic activities); it describes Minitel, its place in the French videotex system and its impact and growth as a specific sector in the French information economy. It then studies applications of Minitelized information by road freight transport companies.