Global Briefing: Mar. 25, 2002

May I Ship Your Bags for You?

When Richard Altomare travels in the U.S., he carries only his briefcase. The CEO of UNIVERSAL EXPRESS, a cargo shipper based in New York City and Miami, Altomare uses Virtual Bellhop, a service his company offers, to have his bags picked up and delivered to his hotel before he arrives. Universal Express, Skycap International and other luggage-shipping services have seen a post-Sept. 11 boost in business from harried travelers looking to save time at security checks. SKYCAP INTERNATIONAL, based in Anchorage, says that it's shipping more bags containing equipment like hunting knives and fishing gear. The companies send the luggage with other cargo ("A suitcase is nothing more than a package with handles," says Altomare) and charge between $40 and $120 a bag. To meet increasing demand, Skycap International is opening offices in Los Angeles and Seattle this year; Universal Express is expanding its Virtual Bellhop service to accommodate international travelers.

BANKS VS. PAYPAL

Investors showed confidence in Internet bill-payment company PAYPAL last month, buying $70 million of its stock the first day it traded on the New York exchange. But PayPal, which allows registered users to transfer funds to one another, is unpopular among bankers, who accuse it of operating as an unregulated bank. Some customers say the firm unduly delays transfers to accrue interest, and they fear losing their money if the service, which is not federally insured, falters. Before its IPO, several states informed PayPal it would have to obtain a banking license. Its defenders say the opposition exposes nervousness over online financial services' growing popularity. Says Paul Kedrosky, a business professor at the University of British Columbia: "Banks think PayPal is getting large enough to do them some damage."

It's a cell. It's a PDA...

Although cell phones, laptops and PDAs have made it immensely easier to do business, many users hate having to tote around all three devices. HANDSPRING, maker of the popular Visor handhelds, thinks these burdened business people are the perfect customers for its Treo communicator, which debuted last month. The palm-size phone and organizer also has wireless Web service and a little keyboard or writing area for e-mailing and text messaging. Handspring prices the Treo at $399 with a service plan.

EXOTIC HEALTH TIPS ONLINE

Most executives who live and work overseas know expatriate insurance is a necessity, as public-health systems may be inadequate or private care too costly. But trying to figure out what health care is actually available can be frustrating. Last month CIGNA INTERNATIONAL, whose expatriate-benefits division has grown about 30% each of the past five years, added a country guide to its website cigna.com/expatriates that gives such information as lists of qualified local doctors and evaluations of hospital facilities. The site also offers quirky tips: in Brazil, "Do not send purple flowers, as this signifies mourning"; and in the city of Campinas, "Ambulances are not well equipped; therefore, take a taxi or private transport to the hospital."

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