SUPPLYLINKS SIGNS 7 TRANSPORTATION PROVIDERS INTO ONLINE SHIPPER NETWORK

SUPPLYLINKS SIGNS 7 TRANSPORTATION PROVIDERS INTO ONLINE SHIPPER NETWORK    SupplyLinks, a San Francisco-based online transportation and logistics management service, has added seven large transportation providers to its shipper network.
   Under the direction of David I Beatson, chairman and chief executive officer, SupplyLinks has developed a multimodal transportation service network that provides shippers with a “neutral source” to plan, book and manage their cargo online.
   The transportation companies which have joined the network are AIT Worldwide Logistics, BAX Global, Central Freight Lines, Central Global Express, Exel, Watkins Motor Lines and Schneider Logistics.
   SupplyLinks said the system, which will be formally launched in the second quarter, “simplifies the procurement and management of transportation services, enabling customers to improve efficiencies and lower transportation expenditures through carrier, mode and route optimization.”
   “SupplyLinks realizes that many shippers already have existing contracts with carriers, while others are willing to shop around,” said Adrian Gonzalez, senior supply chain analyst for ARC Advisory Group. “By enabling the former to maintain existing relationships and providing the latter with reduced carrier-established tariffs, SupplyLinks has created a win-win situation for both shippers and service providers.”
   Nick Fountain, division CEO for technology and freight management at Exel, said his company chose SupplyLinks because of its “global focus and neutral network.” “They empower the buyer in the decision-making process, which compliments our business model extremely well.”