Catapult releases rate bid mapping tool for carriers

   The freight rate technology vendor Catapult International said Wednesday it has released a new software product called Spring Board that allows liner carriers and non-vessel-operating common carriers to accept shipper rate request bids of any Excel format and map them to a master template.
   Spring Board also allows carriers and NVOs to manage the bids in one cloud-based system so that the ocean tender management teams can work simultaneously on bids.
   Catapult said it intends to roll out the product to existing clients in January, before contract negotiation season.
   “With so many shipper bids with different formats, it is time-consuming to process all of the (request for quotes),” said Mohammed Abdelrahman, product manager for Catapult International. “This new technology tool addresses the needs of the NVOCC’s and carriers who require rapid turnaround of rates back to their customers.” – Eric Johnson