Synergistic Systems and SAIA Transportation have entered into an agreement to install Synergy Dispatch and Cross Dock Tracking at SAIA's Atlanta service center.

Synergy Dispatch is a premier dispatching application for the LTL (less-than-truckload) industry. Call taking, inbound planning, and delivery planning with static & dynamic routes are just a small part of its capabilities. Constant contact with pickup and delivery drivers using mobile data terminals and RF communications gives a high level of customer service while reducing driver miles and road time. Synergy Cross Dock Tracking eliminates misloads, reduces claims, increases dock worker efficiency and accountability, and provides detailed status of shipments on the dock for improved customer service.

Both applications will be installed at the Houma, LA general office, and will be accessed remotely in Atlanta using thin clients over their WAN. Touch screen computers with bar code scanners are mounted at doors in the service center for the dock clients. Both applications use a Microsoft SQL Server 2000 database with an interface to SAIA's AS/400. Having the Citrix® and database servers at Houma gives SAIA's IT department the ability to manage the system from the same location as their AS/400, reducing upkeep and increasing security. SAIA is a regional less-than-truckload carrier who has been in business for 77 years. With a network of 113 terminals, they are one of the largest regional LTL carriers in the U.S., with projected 2001 revenue of over $500 million. Find out more about SAIA at www.saia.com.

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Hercules First to Send Electronic Cargo Data to Customs in Canada

Hercules Forwarding is proud to announce today that they are the first highway carrier to send electronic cargo data to the Canada Customs & Revenue Agency (CCRA) for Customs Self Assessment (CSA) across the US-Canada border using ViaSafe Import connectivity services. This new method of providing customs data demonstrates Hercules leadership and continuous innovation in providing importers and exporters superior cross-border LTL services.

The new CSA process, which includes electronic submission of cargo data, is one of CCRA's customs reform initiatives to expedite clearance across the US-Canada border. Under this program, carriers must pass stringent security requirements and prove to CCRA that they can fully control and account for the goods from pick-up in the USA to delivery to the final consignee in Canada. Importers must pass a similar set of stringent tests in order to become a participant in the CSA program. In essence, the program allows importers to account for their imported goods on a batch basis, rather than on the current transaction-by-transaction level.

As part of the CSA program, CCRA has offered carriers an electronic mechanism to communicate cargo manifests that will streamline the flow of information between carriers and CCRA. This is the first step in mandatory electronic communication for carriers that will be implemented under the Advanced Commercial Information (ACI) program slated for May 2003.

"With increased security measures along the Canada-US border, we believe that electronic reporting of data will provide expedited service for Hercules customers, and keep delays in delivery to an absolute minimum," stated company president Martin T. Burnham. "It was important to us to become an early adopter of this technology, and ViaSafe"s deep experience in international trade allowed them to implement this CSA cargo data project on time, handling all the connectivity issues with CCRA."

Using custom software tools created by Synergistic Systems Inc. of Neptune Beach, Florida, Hercules now transmits all customs manifest data to Canada Customs & Revenue Agency in EDI format, eliminating paper-based manifests entirely. "Synergistic Systems has provided us expert software consultation and superior solutions for many years," said Burnham, "and their efforts in this project have been no exception."

"As the first carrier in North America to use electronic cargo data reporting in a production environment, Hercules continues to demonstrate their commitment to excellence to their clients." stated Oryst Dydynsky, President - International Trade Services at ViaSafe. "Our myViaSafe Import services helped Hercules reach their goal in this area, and demonstrates ViaSafe's commitment to provide the transportation industry with the necessary tools to meet their customs-related electronic cargo data requirements in a timely and cost-effective manner."

Hercules Forwarding Inc. is a Vancouver-based full service LTL carrier, providing a wide range of trucking and customs brokerage services to customers across the United States and Canada. Further information is available at www.herculesfreight.com.

442 Third Street Neptune Beach, FL 32266
904.249.0201 Fax 904.249.8045
www.syn-sys.com