Abstract: A truck rack supports one or more cumbersome items in a truck bed. The truck rack comprises a rectangular frame having two horizontal sides and two vertical sides. The frame has two lower corners and two upper corners. Further, the frame has a pair of opposing legs extend laterally from each of the lower corners and the frame has a pair of opposing articulated arms extending laterally from the upper corners. Each of the opposing articulated arms comprises a plurality of sections joined by hinges.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for using an electronic hub to facilitate supply chain management through the creation of business rules that monitor critical supply chain parameters and the subsequent generation of alert notifications to inform suppliers and buyers of violations to the business rules. The invention further provides a method and system for allowing supply chain participants to view the data associated with an alert notification through customized report generation or drill down menus that allow the participants to actively search the relevant database.

Abstract: The disclosed invention provides an electronic market and related methods particularly useful for negotiating the exchange of transportation services between shippers or carriers and shipping customers. Embodiments include an electronic catalog-type listing of carrier services and related rates such that buyers can purchase services at periodically listed prices, and an electronic auction exchange whereby buyers can bid on the available capacity of carriers or whereby carriers can bid on shipping orders requested by customers. In preferred embodiments, carriers and shipping customers can take into account pre-existing business relationships by designating other carriers and/or customers as preferred business partners or customers. Participation in auctions or qualification for discounted catalog rates can be limited only to those preferred partners or customers.