International Asset Systems® (IAS), provider of cloud and integrated technologies that connect intermodal trading partners to enhance visibility, optimization and collaboration, announces that Apex Maritime, the second largest NVOCC carrying imports from Asia to the US in 2012, has selected IAS Dispatch as their work order management solution. Apex will use the full IAS Dispatch suite to gain first and last mile visibility within their transportation network, to enhance customer service, and to improve operational efficiencies. With Apex joining the IAS community, IAS now supports four of the top five Trans-Pacific freight forwarders by volume.
“IAS helps both large and small freight forwarders, 3PLs, and ocean carriers to better manage intermodal transportation in order to increase efficiency and profitability,” said Mike Nedrow, Vice President of Sales at IAS. “The best-in-class InterAsset platform will provide one-to-many connectivity to Apex’s trading partner network and IAS Dispatch will provide monetary savings, transparency of costs and motor carrier performance, and the first and last mile visibility that their customers require.”
The IAS Dispatch suite provides Apex with the tools we need for scalability, for continual performance enhancements, and for standardizing processes across our motor carrier network,” said Kevin Bulger, COO of Apex Maritime. “As many of our partners are already IAS Connected, we expect a quick implementation time and a fast return on investment. After working with IAS, we knew that IAS Dispatch was a must-have solution for our business and our customers.”
IAS Dispatch is an integrated suite of solutions that brings together drayage assignment, appointment times, amendment management, invoicing, visibility, rates, optimization, and business intelligence, while coordinating resources in the IAS transportation network to improve profitability, customer service, and equipment utilization. Apex will use the following IAS Dispatch modules:
DispatchManager automates work order management and provides a common platform for communicating with trading partners. Apex will gain a standardized, traceable, repeatable process across their complete motor carrier network and will be able to easily record proof of delivery (POD) on completed work orders.
DispatchInvoice streamlines the invoice receipt, verification, and approval process while enhancing controls regarding the accuracy of drayage and accessorial costs. More reliable data will result not only in direct savings, but will also decrease the number of days outstanding on incoming invoices and allow Apex to bill their own customers more quickly.
DispatchOptimizer provides decision support for drayage assignments by showing street-turn opportunities that combine disparate jobs matching trip-specific criteria. Apex will lower empty mileage, and reduce repositioning, per diem, gate, storage, and handling charges.   
•  DispatchTariff gives Apex a centralized view of all their freight rates, allowing them to quickly discover the best partner for a particular trip.
DispatchTender enables Apex to broadcast work orders and receive individual quotes from any motor carrier within their network. This reduces the time taken to find the right service provider, opens new opportunities for optimization, and lowers operational costs.
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