TransCore's DAT - A Transportation Data Processing Dynamo

DAT Services - Portland, OR

April, 2001

By

Evan Armstrong and Richard Armstrong

DAT became a household word in transportation by creating load boards in truckstops before "e" was part of every day business. Today they have expanded load posting, negotiation and related services to the Internet.

DAT Services handles over half of the daily truckload spot market. In addition to TV monitors, Internet routers and ISP servers supply the bulk of DAT's information these days. With 300,000 transactions daily, DAT Services is a dynamo of information efficiency.

This huge volume was built rapidly during the last half of the 1990s under the leadership of Marc Cameron. Cameron had a good modernization plan and surrounded himself with good personnel. DAT quietly exercises employee-driven, quality process improvement.

Care is taken to provide the level of service DAT's customers need and expect. Loads and truck postings, questions and concerns are handled over the Internet, phone or fax - whichever method is most convenient for customers. Neutrality for all transactions is a mantra.

DAT's new product, DATconexus, completely automates the negotiation process. With DATconexus, customers can negotiate the day-to-day movement of shipments and equipment on-line with one or multiple trading partners. Also featured in DATconexus is access to the spot market, fleet and fuel management systems - all designed specifically to speed communications between carriers, intermediaries and their customers. Use of this integrated, new product will give customers significant administrative savings through increased efficiency.

TransCore recently acquired DAT Services from the Jubitz family who started DAT in 1978. TransCore provides transportation services and technology including mobile payment systems, fleet management and intelligent transportation systems. DAT serves as TransCore's Commercial Headquarters located in Beaverton, OR.

The buyout bodes well for Cameron and his crew. The new owners bring capital and interest in letting DAT modernize and expand in the exchange market.