EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ, October 5, 2004, Management Dynamics, Inc., the market leader in quote and contract management solutions for the ocean transportation industry, today announced the US Shippers Association (USSA) has implemented Rate Explorer to automate its portfolio of ocean contracts and provide member companies with a new set of value-added services. With Rate Explorer, over eighty users across thirteen member companies can quickly and securely access USSA contracted rates and services to improve their international logistics processes.

Rate Explorer provides member companies with a centralized repository of available rates and routings under contract with the USSA. Members can quickly calculate the complete bottom-line cost of a shipment because Rate Explorer links to the carrier's rules tariffs to ensure all applicable surcharges, inlands and GRIs are included. USSA members can efficiently determine alternative routings with available door to port rates as well as port to port rates that can be linked with an inland rate. Upon this foundation, USSA value-added services help members improve the accuracy of their sales quotations, optimize booking decisions with the side-by-side comparison of shipment options, and efficiently audit freight bills.

"Rate Explorer helps our member companies do more with less: run a more efficient global logistics operation while absorbing the staff cut-backs of the past few years," said John Chinn, executive director of the USSA. "The USSA can now fully optimize the value of our contract portfolio to help members achieve their customer service and transportation cost objectives."

Delivered as an "on-demand" service over the Internet, member companies only need a browser to securely access Rate Explorer. For member companies that wish to link USSA contracts directly with their order management process or automatically audit freight bills, Management Dynamics offers a series of integration adapters.

"Leading shippers associations like the USSA are automating their contracts to further differentiate their services, simplify back office processes and increase the value of their association by attracting new members," said John Preuninger, president of Management Dynamics. "We welcome the USSA and its member companies to our growing clientele of associations and affiliated shippers."

About the United States Shippers Association
The United States Shippers Association (USSA) has been in operation for eighteen years with a mission to negotiate contracts and provide value-added services that address the global transportation needs of its member companies. Specializing in contracts that cover the export of chemicals (hazardous and non-hazardous) and synthetic resins, the USSA serves thirteen member companies including Air Products and Chemicals, AMCOL International, FMC Corporation, AKZO Nobel Chemicals, BayerCrop Science, KRATON Polymers, Solvay, Resolution Performance Products, Arch Chemicals, and Bassell USA. For more information about the USSA, please call (610) 395-0794.

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