FAQ

What is Advantage OregonSM?

Advantage OregonSM (AO) is a transportation management company that offers a unique program to shippers of agricultural and perishable goods that features reliable carrier service at excellent rates supported by a time-saving web-based system. Our ability to attract freight volume and leverage across multiple seasonalities provides a win-win solution for growers and carriers alike. Supported jointly by State Economic Development funding and by our parent, the Oregon Association of Nurseries (OAN), we want to ensure that shippers of refrigerated goods have access to low-cost and reliable transportation alternatives that make them stand out as premier vendors to their customers.

What is the Advantage OregonSM "program"?

Members of the Advantage OregonSM (AO) program enjoy access to their own secure section of our transportation management system to quickly and efficiently process, optimize, track and map their shipment orders. Incentive programs are just a bonus to the everyday benefits of low rates and excellent reliability of truck arrival. Through the Advantage OregonSM program, shippers have access to powerful services that they often can't get on their own.

Which carriers participate in the Advantage OregonSM program?

The core carriers in the AO program represent a variety of transportation providers -- from national asset and non-asset based carriers to regional and niche companies who specialize in refrigerated freight. Our carriers are valued partners who believe in and contribute productively to our unique Advantage OregonSM program.

Is Advantage OregonSM a broker?

The Advantage OregonSM (AO) program addresses multiple transportation needs. Through utilization of a dynamic online system, we facilitate arrangements for shipment and management of products that primarily need a refrigerated environment. Although it is difficult to categorize our multi-faceted program, we consider our services to be most similar to those of a third party provider.

How does the transportation management system (TMS) work?

Members can simply log into their secure, branded portal through the Advantage OregonSM website, click on the order window in their dashboard, and start typing order details! Since it's web-based and accessible through any browser, there's no installation involved. The reporting, sorting and messaging functions in this incredible program are extremely flexible and fast. This event-driven tool substantially minimizes administrative time which allows you to focus on growing and selling your product.

How are loads assigned to carriers?

Loads entered into the transportation management system immediately go into "cascade tendering" -- which means that they are electronically submitted to the carrier who submitted the lowest rate on that shipping lane (origin zip code to destination zip code). This eliminates any preferential treatment and truly gives the advantage to those shippers who get their order information into the system early. The carrier has a short period of time to accept the load, and the shipper is notified by email or on a report (their choice) when the load is accepted (booked). If the shipment is declined -- a rare circumstance but it does happen -- the order is automatically tendered to the carrier who submitted the next lowest rate on that specific lane.

Can the Advantage OregonSM program handle multiple pick-ups ("picks") and drops?

Certainly -- multiple drops are a fact of business for agricultural producers. Special rates are negotiated with carriers to facilitate multiple drop loads. The transportation management system is an outstanding tool for load planning, effectively minimizing out-of-route miles and visually illustrating the planned route. Advantage OregonSM is in the process of designing a consolidation program to handle multiple picks and partial shipments (LTL) which will launch on a limited basis in Spring 2007.

Why do I need to submit shipping lane/load information in advance of the season?

Advantage OregonSM compiles this information to negotiate the best rates and plentiful capacity prior to the start of your shipping season. Since transportation costs are an important part of supply chain costs, delivered prices -- highly appreciated by retailers -- can be quoted with confidence.

Currently, Advantage OregonSM negotiates rates that are valid between August 1 - December 31, 2006 (Fall/Winter 2006), and rates that are valid between January 1 - June 30, 2007 (Spring 2007). Growers who want to ship a portion of their orders through Advantage OregonSM in Spring 2007 are encouraged to submit their lane/load forecast by September 15, 2007.

Can I schedule rail shipments through Advantage OregonSM?

AO is actively exploring qualified rail vendors to add to our program, but currently we focus on truckload shipments.

How much does it cost to join the Advantage OregonSM program?

The savings associated with lower rates and consistent truck arrival more than covers the small annual membership fee for the AO program. Additionally, Advantage OregonSM's transaction management fee is extremely competitive -- thanks to lower overhead costs due our efficient transportation management system.

What can I expect when I sign up as an Advantage OregonSM program member?

You will be asked to submit a "grower profile" which we use to create your secure portal in our transportation management system. Before you log into your portal the first time, you will need to answer some questions to facilitate setup. After that you may use your portal at your convenience. AO staff will be happy to assist you with the most productive ways to utilize this valuable tool. Advantage OregonSM program members will be periodically asked to submit forecasted shipment lane/load information which is handled in a confidential manner and used to negotiate volume rates and capacity.

How do I learn more about the Advantage OregonSM program?

We are happy to schedule demos and customer visits to show you the many benefits offered through the Advantage OregonSM program. Our contact information is readily available on our Contact page.