Mar 4, 2013 9:23 AM

CombineNet Inc and Transplace have extended their partnership agreement for at least three more years to help supply chain customers be more effective in procuring transportation and logistics services.

Having entered into the partnership nearly three years ago, Transplace leverages the CombineNet ASAP advanced e-sourcing technology, helping customers develop and optimize carrier strategy for procurement events involving truckload, less-than-truckload (LTL), and intermodal needs. Transplace delivered more than 50 customer systems in 2012 using the CombineNet sourcing technology.

Ben Cubitt, senior vice-president, consulting and engineering, Transplace, said several new areas of opportunity have recently been emerging where the CombineNet advanced sourcing system is creating value:

•Enhanced discussion of carrier strategy prior to opening the bid process, in order to improve scenario analysis.

•Classification of lane types (replenishment, transfers, customer, dedicated fleet or private fleet, etc) to further refine procurement requirements, for example: service levels, channel or customer requirements, equipment, or mode options.

•Improved classification of carriers to help promote or evaluate strategic carriers, growth opportunities, or other carrier mix decisions.

•Ability to leverage a variety of carrier feedback options (targets, competitive ranges, carrier ranking) for both first and second bid rounds.

•Sourcing of indirect materials that support the transportation network, including the collection of detailed cost drivers from suppliers to support scenario analysis.

Access www.combinenet.com or www.transplace.com for complete information.