i2 LAUNCHES ONLINE LOGISTICS MARKETPLACE

i2 LAUNCHES ONLINE LOGISTICS MARKETPLACE    i2 Technologies, the Texas-based supply chain software developer, has launched an online site called FreightMatrix designed to integrate logistics planning, commerce and transportation by providing shippers, carriers and third party logistics providers a common communications network.
      i2 said it has signed 3PL Ryder System Inc. and trucker Central Transportation International to be “anchor” FreightMatrix service providers. The site is expected to go live in the second quarter. The system initially will be available for domestic ground shipments.
      The site will be powered by i2’s TradeMatrix e-commerce software platform, which i2 is using to launch digital exchanges and marketplaces in other industries. The FreightMatrix system is designed to give transport providers access to the shipping demands of other TradeMatrix exchange users.
      “FreightMatrix will be positioned as the one-stop logistics services source for all shippers participating in industry-specific TradeMatrix marketplaces such as HightechMatrix,” i2 said.
      Ryder will use the system to offer logistics to e-commerce shippers and to develop new value-added IT services for existing customers. Central Transport International hopes the system will help it attract new customers and improve service.