CarrierPoint Delivers First-Available Web-Based Dock Scheduling Tool Integrated with Load Tendering Technology.

Business Editors & Technology Writers

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 22, 2001

Automates Scheduling Process Between Shippers/Consignees and Carriers

CarrierPoint(SM), Inc., an e-logistics company that provides Web-based collaborative supply-chain management tools and transportation marketplaces to the $154 billion less-than-truckload and full-truckload freight market, today announced DockMaster(SM), the first-available Web-based dock scheduling tool that is integrated with both contract and spot market tendering tools.

A January 7 article in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution states that according to the Truckload Carriers Association, "Time spent waiting to load or unload freight takes up to 25 percent of most long-haul truck drivers' working time. For most drivers, paid by the mile, such unpaid time now ranks as the top reason for job turnover, topping 100 percent at many trucking companies." And, that "using measures to eliminate wasted time could save the industry about $1.6 billion a year."

CarrierPoint's DockMaster allows shippers/consignees to automatically or interactively schedule pickups and deliveries by their selected carriers to pre-assigned loading/unloading doors. The product brings organization and efficiency to the scheduling process of both inbound and outbound freight, decreases communication errors, reduces congestion and waiting time at the dock, minimizes phone calls and faxes, and allows on-time notification of pickup and delivery of shipments.

DockMaster also collects data regarding actual dock activity for reporting purposes. In doing so, it can establish performance benchmarks and measure carrier on-time performance. In multi-location facilities, DockMaster reports can measure performance from location to location to identify process improvement opportunities and analyze asset utilization.

"DockMaster is a real-time communication tool that helps users maximize their dock assets and people," said Bill Wied, CarrierPoint's senior vice president of engineering. "Since it is all Web-based technology, companies can either buy or rent this application. This enables CarrierPoint to meet the needs of all prospective customers. Larger corporations that have existing dedicated hosting capabilities tend to find licensing (i.e., buying) the application more attractive because it gives them greater control. Smaller companies that do not have such capabilities see the Application Service Provider model (i.e., renting) as more feasible since they do not typically have the upfront capital, nor the internal resources, to host the technology. Regardless, all CarrierPoint members have access to the same program, the same version and the same upgrades with very little out-of-pocket expense. The only hardware required is a PC and Internet access. The program is very comprehensive, but easy to use - and it's configured to meet the customer's business rules. It's a natural and valuable adjunct to our other Web-based e-logistics tools."

One of the features that makes DockMaster so unique is that it can be used as a standalone product or combined with CarrierPoint's Dynamic Shipping Marketplace(SM) (DSM)(SM) for a completely integrated dock-to-dock shipping and scheduling solution. The integration of CarrierPoint's DSM can completely Web-enable the entire tendering process, improving the procedure for both the shipper and the carrier.

With its contract management, Web-based dispatch and collaborative exchange functionality, DSM enables shippers to streamline labor-intensive and costly shipping processes. DockMaster goes a step further by allowing shippers and consignees to automate the scheduling process that follows carrier selection and interaction.

About CarrierPoint

Based in Atlanta, Georgia, CarrierPoint is a leading logistics software provider, supplying Web-based applications that allow shippers and carriers to communicate in real time. Through the use of electronic commerce, advanced communications and data warehousing technology, CarrierPoint leverages the Internet to facilitate both contract and spot market shipments and to improve operating efficiencies. CarrierPoint's value-added logistics toolset is available in an ASP format or through licensing of the software. For more information about CarrierPoint, visit its Web site at www.carrierpoint.com.