Connectivity startup to use SMC³ LTL visibility APIs

Chain.io, which focuses on providing connectivity to companies that lack resources to consume application programming interface (API) technology, will integrate SMC³’s visibility messages via API.    The supply chain connectivity technology startup Chain.io will integrate less-than-truckload (LTL) visibility application programming interfaces (APIs) from SMC³ into its platform, the firm said Wednesday.
   Chain.io focuses on providing connectivity to companies that lack the internal IT resources to consume API technology, from purchase-order connectivity and EDI-messaging conversion to full software system integrations. These shippers and logistics services providers instead use a range of software formats and platforms, and may not have invested in transportation management systems, the technology provider said.
   “The decision to integrate to SMC³ arose from our customers needing a better way to optimize the LTL portions of their multifaceted supply chains,” said Brian Glick, chief executive officer of Chain.io. “SMC³’s solutions give Chain.io platform clients a single window into their LTL activity.”
   SMC³ has long been a neutral provider of LTL rate and transit time information, traditionally via EDI. But in recent years, as the need for more real-time information has grown, it has developed APIs to convey that information to shippers, LSPs, and through integrations with software providers.