The for-hire transportation industry consists of thousands of carriers who specialize in product movement between geographic locations. Over the years, a comprehensive carrier network has emerged. providing shippers a broad assortment of services, utilizing all available forms, called modes, of transportation and related technology. The value proposition of for-hire transportation is based on specialization, efficiency and scale economies. Value is generated by a carrier's capability to provide shared transportation services for multiple shippers. The transport alternatives for shippers are either to invest capital in transportation equipment and operations or to engage the services of for-hire carriers. Naturally a large number of firms develop transportation solutions that combine benefits of these alternatives.