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Yesterday, RAILINC introduced NextPath, a Value Added Network (VAN) service designed to facilitate the flow of supply-chain information between railroads, shippers, third-party logistics providers or equipment owners.

NextPath can translate data into any formatting language, enabling users to send and receive business documents, including bills of lading and purchase orders. The service also offers real-time shipment tracking information from more than 425 railroads in Car Location Message or Electronic Data Interchange formats.

"NextPath … can validate, translate and automate the exchange of business transactions, making it easier for trading partners to do business electronically," said Richard Flynn, RAILINC assistant vice president of marketing and sales, in a prepared statement.

NextPath links more than 1,500 trading partners, who currently exchange more than 6 million transactions daily with railroads, shippers, equipment owners, government agencies and all major North American VANs.

RAILINC provides information technology services to North American railroads, shippers, equipment owners and suppliers, and manages e-commerce Web site Steelroads.com.