Vendor (Carrier) Management Services include: Load Planning, Load Tendering, After Hours Service Coordination and StatusTracker360 Services. Some customers wish to keep their own carriers in conjunction with, or in place of, using the SL Fleet or SL Core Carrier Base. SL Vendor Management Services are ideal for those carriers who need assistance in managing their load planning activities and carrier performance.

SL plans single and multi-stop truckload shipments that meet customer delivery requirements. Load Planning services include the creation of manifest documents that reflect the load plan and advises the Warehouse of any special shipping or delivery requirements. SL, with applications of its TMS (Transportation Management System), analyzes outbound orders daily to identify opportunities for consolidation and load optimization. SL' expert Transportation Coordinators evaluate and determine mode selection based on delivery requirements and optimization opportunities. Load plans are adjusted daily as necessary to accommodate cancelled orders and order changes. Transportation Coordinators stay in close contact with warehouse personnel to coordinate outbound velocity with warehouse labor resources. Transit realities and customer requirements are integrated into all planning decisions.

SL manages the tendering of loads to the Client's carrier base. Carrier selection is based on carrier ranking based on price and equipment availability. The ranking method is approved and influenced by the Client's preference. Both live and pre-load pick-up arrangements are possible. SL monitors load tender acceptance status and rejected loads are re-tendered to a new carrier promptly. Capacity limitations are identified, recorded and communicated to the appropriate parties.

Customers can call for delivery tracking information, or they can view shipment ETAand delivery information on the SL web site. Furthermore, the SL system is capable of delivering auto-email messages to the representative(s) of choice that contain updated ETA or delivery confirmation information.

The SL StatusTracker360 Services offer a vast portfolio of Transportation reporting tools to help clients analyze delivery performance and Transportation investment. Some examples include: