DALLAS, Dec. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Horizon Logistics, LLC, the third-party logistics management subsidiary of Horizon Lines, Inc. (NYSE: HRZ), has introduced a less-than-truckload (LTL) shipment rating engine for domestic U.S. shippers, adding to an existing suite of web-based logistics tools available at www.horizon-logistics.com.

The new LTL rating engine is designed to ensure price consistency, effective carrier benchmarking and competitive pricing by eliminating the cost adjustments most carriers make to compensate for lane imbalances. The company's LTL rating structure is uniquely configured to offer customers not only cost-effective pricing, but also multiple service options. The ultimate objective is a lower total cost of transportation for Horizon Logistics' customers.

Once rates are provided, shippers can use the system to automate carrier selection, bill of lading generation, load tendering and shipment tracking. The secure system is highly configurable, simple to use and accessible via the web at anytime from anywhere in the world. Horizon Logistics customers also can generate shipment reports instantly in a variety of formats including Microsoft Excel.

"Most shippers don't have the time or the resources to figure out the complexities inherent in LTL pricing within the United States," said Brian Taylor, President of Horizon Logistics. "They need a tool that provides a reliable, always competitive rate with visibility and control throughout the shipping process."

Introduction of the LTL rating engine marks another phase in the development of Horizon Logistics' transportation management system for customers. The company implemented an international ocean shipping and purchase order management portal earlier this year. Further development is planned for 2010.

About Horizon Logistics

Horizon Logistics delivers innovative transportation and distribution solutions for the toughest supply chain challenges in North America. The company's growing portfolio of services includes international ocean transportation as a non-vessel operating common carrier; air freight forwarding, intermodal transportation management, distribution, warehousing, order fulfillment, truck brokerage and expedited delivery. The company's logistics network includes warehouses, terminals and offices throughout Asia, Europe and North America. Horizon Logistics is a wholly owned subsidiary of Horizon Lines, Inc. (NYSE: HRZ), the leading U.S. domestic ocean carrier and integrated logistics company.

For more information on Horizon Logistics, visit www.horizon-logistics.com.

SOURCE Horizon Logistics, LLC