ADS Logistics Management System Provides Web Enabled Interface for Transtar Logistics and Straightline Source

    HOMEWOOD, Ill.--Jan. 4, 2002--Alternative Distribution Systems announces the successful implementation of its metal logistics management system, LoMaS(R), at Transtar Logistics, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Transtar, Inc. LoMaS(R) provides the logistics system requirements for Transtar Logistics and its strategic customer, Straightline Source. Transtar, Inc. is a direct subsidiary, and Straightline is a division of United States Steel Corporation.
    "Transtar Logistics and Straightline sought a comprehensive web-enabled software product to support logistics through the metal supply chain," states Stephen Fraser, president and chief executive officer of Alternative Distribution. "LoMaS(R) was founded in the deep metals logistics domain expertise of ADS and was ideally suited to provide Transtar Logistics the rich functionality required and short installation and time-to-benefit. Given Transtar Logistics' exceedingly high and broad requirements for a system to manage the e-logistics, and the care and scrutiny of their due-diligence process, we are pleased and honored to have been chosen to provide our system to these companies."
    Transtar Logistics, LLC of Monroeville, PA has been selected by Straightline to manage the transportation logistics for Straightline's new metals distribution center business. Transtar Logistics manages the process utilizing selectable LoMaS(R) modules to provide transactional efficiency and control. "Securing Straightline's logistics business was one of Transtar Logistics' key objectives this year as we continue to grow our third party logistics presence," said Keith Jansen, President of Transtar Logistics, LLC.
    The ability to fully participate in the e-commerce network was a prerequisite for partnering with Straightline. "ADS was selected over other supply chain solution software providers due to their expertise in systems to handle the supply chain needs of the metals community," continued Jansen.
    Integration with Transtar Logistics, the new Straightline systems and web capability were requirements met easily by ADS. LoMaS(R) provides load aggregations, rating, carrier load tender, load acceptance and scheduling, order status visibility by the piece, delivery information and on-line proof of delivery; providing Transtar Logistics and Straightline continued integration from order placement over the Internet to ultimate delivery of the product.
    "The combination of logistics management expertise, leverage in the transportation industry and the software capabilities of LoMaS(R) system creates powerful and dynamic capabilities in the third party logistics market, and the first step in a strategic relationship between Transtar Logistics and ADS for use of the LoMaS(R) system," Jansen continued.

    Alternative Distribution Systems, Inc. provides national logistics services, specializing in integrated transportation, distribution, management and information services to the metals industries: www.adsinet.com. For more information contact Dawn Thrasher, Director - Communications and Public Relations, Alternative Distribution Systems, Inc. (708)922-2024, dawnt@adsinet.com.

    Monroeville, PA based Transtar Logistics, LLC is a third party logistics company providing metals logistics services on a national basis and steel shipment logistics services for United States Steel Corporation. For more information contact Arlene Fatalino, Vice President Administrative Services, Transtar Logistics, LLC, 412-810-0272, affatalino@tstarlogistics.com.

    Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Straightline Source is a division of United States Steel LLC. Straightline specializes in distributing carbon flat-roll steel, offering a variety of hot roll, cold roll and galvanized products to customers of all sizes. These products are available in slit coil, stock sheets and custom cut-to-length sheets. For more information visit www.straightline.com.