Press Releases
05/15/2002
Horizon Services Group Launches Captainsuite™ For Transportation Management
DALLAS, TX -- Horizon Services Group, LLC, a logistics technology company with a record of proven results in transportation management, announces the launch of its CaptainSuite™ of software products.
Each Captain solution has been designed to solve a specific transportation process problem within the intermodal supply chain. The suite represents the culmination of more than five years of work by Horizon in developing world-leading transportation management applications for CSX Lines, the ocean shipping division of publicly-traded U.S. transportation company CSX. Corp.
The CaptainSuite™ marks a significant expansion in Horizon Service’s business focus. Since late last year, Horizon product managers and systems developers have been working to segment its market-leading Global Traffic Management System into parts designed to solve specific transportation problems for shippers, their intermediary partners and carriers. Each CaptainSuite™ product is derived from the HORIZON traffic management system, built by Horizon Services over the past seven years.
CSX Lines uses the HORIZON system to manage its entire shipping business. The system was inherited by CSX Lines after the Maersk/Sea-Land merger in 1999. It has been continually enhanced and is widely regarded as one of the most advanced logistics systems of its kind.
The HORIZON system automates intermodal logistics transactions from “order-to-cash.” Using HORIZON, shippers and intermediaries can search scheduling options; route deliveries; optimize loads; manage hazardous materials shipments; book cargo; track cargo; automatically file shipping and trade documents to regulators and partners; pay invoices; look up shipping histories; and create reports.
Carriers using HORIZON can manage all communications with customers and partners via a single database, eliminating expensive redundancies within their global organization. Carriers can accept bookings in real-time via the Internet using HORIZON’s capacity and yield management applications -- something few systems in the market can do. Carriers can generate, manage and file vessel manifests and trade documents all within the same system. They can rate shipments automatically, generate and send invoices or bills of lading. HORIZON actually delivers something unique in the logistics industry: Truly integrated information flow between shippers and their transportation providers using simple user interfaces supported by the most advanced technology.
With the introduction of CaptainSuite™, transportation managers along each link of the supply chain can benefit from HORIZON’s unique capabilities without investing in the entire system. The Captain products offer proven, easily-implemented solutions to everyday shipping problems within pricing plans that any company can afford. Horizon Services Group introduces six Captain products in this initial launch.
LOADcaptain™
Virtual load planning software that allows transport planners to see their shipments before they go out. Full-color, 3-D diagrams help planners maximize loads and plan loading procedures in minutes instead of hours and days. Learn more at www.LOADcaptain.com.
HAZcaptain™
Determines hazardous materials compatibility of same-container shipments and alerts users to incompatible goods. Allows viewing of data by UN number or chemical name, viewing of EMS schedules & MFAG information, checking the compatibility of up to 20 hazardous materials at once. HAZcaptain™ utilizes the Reference North American Emergency Response Guidebook and the Stowage and Segregation Guide to IMDG Code. Learn more at www.HAZcaptain.com.
FREIGHTcaptain™
Web-based application that collects additional data regarding individual less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments to track customer information and shipment status including: received; load; stage (targeting a vessel); in route; projected arrival at port; actual arrival at port; devan; deliver (to next carrier) to final delivery; and bar code scanning/tracking for data collection automation. Provides detailed shipment tracking and management of LTL shipments. This system comes with bar code scanners, pre-set for automated scanning and system interface. It automates the EDI transmission of shipment information and statuses based on events that occur in processing shipments, such as received, shipped, delivered, etc. The FREIGHTcaptain application also produces shipping documentation such as: port directions/instructions for personally owned vehicles delivered to the port; delivery receipts; dealer notifications; and staging receipts to gate in the loaded auto stack or container.
SEDcaptain™
Web-based automated filing of Shipper’s Export Declaration documents to Customs through EDI transmissions into the AES system. Improves the accuracy and efficiency of filing these documents with the proper government agencies. The core functions include: pre-departure filing; post-departure filing; validation for pre- and post-departure transmissions; error handling and reminders; and status recording/reporting for filing status. Can be used for Air, Ocean, Truck and Rail shipments.
DISPATCHcaptain™
RWeb-based dispatch software designed to assign intermodal moves to third-party truck and rail carriers. Dispatch software interfaces with any booking application to automatically receive bookings with intermodal legs. Full integration with routing tools ensures that standard corporate routes will be used. Full integration with rail and inland cost applications facilitates communication with railroads and trucking companies.
Results in greater data accuracy. Information that is given at time of booking is actually how the cargo moves. Flexibility in rating structure for truck carriers. Reduced training time by 66 percent - from 3 weeks to 1 week - due to point and click technology. Automatic fax of carrier instructions from the application. Proven, audited cost savings of $30,000 at implemented client sites.
GATEcaptain™
GateCaptain is a web-based system designed to manage and track trucker access to and from port yard for arriving and pulling out loaded or empty containers. This works in conjunction with and updates stowage and equipment systems in order to provide timely updates for the organization.
Results in greater data accuracy and greater control over the entire gate process due to integration with audio/video. Potential for higher service to customers due to ability to track turn time. Also fully compliant with new government regulations. Has proven savings of $8000/month at implemented client sites.
About Horizon
Horizon Services Group, LLC, was formed in 2001 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of CSX Corp. The company is based in Dallas, Texas. Its mission is to assist logistics companies in applying creative information technology solutions for improving customer service while reducing the cost of doing business.
