What's Hot

By Brian Milligan, News and Transportation Editor -- Purchasing, 1/11/2001

Online transportation exchanges have come a long way in the past year. But they've still got a ways to go.

The exchanges rocketed into 2000, promising to revolutionize the way transportation is purchased. The Web sites had a lot of pomp and circumstance, but not enough substance. Barely offering much more than bulletin board sites, these exchanges did not offer the value-and in some cases the ability-that shippers were looking for. Carriers were distrustful of them, and manufacturers were slow to join.

The good news is that as 2001 approaches, the playing field here has changed dramatically. Consolidation has taken its toll, and online leaders for various modes are popping up.

This year, these players have to take it to the next level. They have to prove their value here by focussing on specific modes and not trying to promise the world. They must show carrier quality and not concentrate simply on displaying rates.