91ÊÓƵ

October 14, 1999 8:47 AM, EDT

Carriers that have not done any testing to see if they are ready to dodge the computer problems associated with the changer to the Year 2000 had better be prepared to unravel an awful mess when they show up for work Jan. 1 — if they can get in the building at all.

That warning comes from Tom Kempen, Y2K project manager with Schneider National, who has spent much of the last five years testing for the dreaded glitches.

But aside from major hassles for companies that do not prepare, many technical experts predict there will not be nationwide catastrophes associated with the rollover to the new millennium, as long as people do not panic and drastically alter their routine.

Most major companies in the United States report that their systems are Y2K compliant. However, observers fear that small companies will not be as well prepared. In addition, if companies that are compliant do not require their trading partners to test for Y2K glitches, supply chain delays may occur.

For the full story, see the Oct. 11 print edition of Transport Topics. .