Contact:

Lynn M. Brady SMC³
770.486.5981
lbrady@talk2smc.com

SMC³ Introduces Automated Classification and Packaging Software
FastClass™ Streamlines Freight Classification for Transportation Professionals

Peachtree City, GA - August 16, 2000 - Continually expanding its presence in the transportation community, SMC³ today introduced FastClassÔ, an automated classification and packaging system. Including a complete cross-reference of rules, notes, packaging requirements and carrier listings, FastClass lets shippers and carriers look up commodity classes "on the fly" - without leaving the user's computer. Built with browser-like capabilities, FastClass works very much like a web browser, providing access to various pages by moving between screens quickly and easily.

"Unrivaled in the marketplace today, FastClass is a one-of-a-kind product. FastClass is a powerful and robust system that creates a simpler and more logical method for looking up product classifications, " commented Jack E. Middleton, president and CEO, SMC³. "By automating the classification and packaging requirements, carriers and shippers no longer have to sift through hundreds of pages of commodity listings. FastClass greatly simplifies this process."

FastClass is built around a library, which consists of articles, rules, packaging requirements and carrier listings. Each of these sections is color-coded to guide users through the program. Color-coded links throughout the sections navigate users to additional information, such as subgroups, notes, applicable rules and packaging requirements. Added features, such as charts, graphs, images, are included in the sections to provide further explanation on commodity rules and packaging requirements.

A key feature to this automated system is the search engine. Simply entering a word or phrase in the search engine brings up topics of articles, which are then displayed by item number and description. Search results include links to supplementary notes, rules and packaging information. To round out the search engine capabilities, FastClass includes a synonym list. This list is a file that contains common words that do not appear in the NMFC dictionary and matches them with words that do appear in the dictionary. This powerful and necessary feature allows users to customize and expand their search options.

Toenhance speed and accuracy, export capabilities provide "cut and paste" options. Users can transfer specific fields, such as class, item number or description, directly into their billing system. This is a quicker and more proficient method for printing up invoices and bills of lading while eliminating errors that result from manual input.

For additional accuracy and verification purposes, the shipment date feature contains several years of classification data that allows users to view classifications on a certain date. This database will continue to grow each year as supplements are released with new rates and classifications. Updated with each NMFC classification supplement, FastClass guarantees the most accurate and up-to-date classification

About SMC³
SMC³ is the leading nationwide provider of LTL transportation pricing, data and technology. SMC³ helps shippers, carriers and logistics companies conduct business seamlessly through the maze of local, regional and national transportation networks. To better equip its customers in the high tech marketplace, SMC³ develops several data software modules and a host of complementary products. SMC³ presently serves more than 3,000 customers throughout the United States and Canada.