TradeCard, Inc, an online trade fulfilment and settlement network, is working on a charges collection service for logistics providers that might be rolled out in the fourth quarter of the year, an executive says. TradeCard director of alliance management, Elke Chan, said details of the service were still being worked out. Based on industry feedback, the company is said to be planning to put charges incurred by a logistics provider through the TradeCard system, and have it processed and approved online, activating payment. This allows logistics providers to get their payment at a much cheaper rate than they would through banking transactions commonly used in the marketplace. Essentially, the TradeCard system provides a range of financial settlement options through a single platform supporting both international and domestic trade transactions. These are designed to meet customer needs in trans action procurement, fulfilment, risk mitigation, payment decision-making and settlement. TradeCard also provides a patented data compliance engine, assurances of payment, money movement and access to logistics, inspection, insurance and financial services. Virtually any type of domestic or cross-border trade transaction can be initiated, tracked and settled in an automated, collaborative environment. TradeCard financial supply chain services are available to buyers and sellers, marketplaces, and financial institutions. Ms Chan said there were other related financial services that a logistics service provider could use like payment protection. Separately, TradeCard has announced an alliance with Dimerco, a Taiwan-based freight forwarding and logistics provider. Buyers who have negotiated for the purchase and shipment of goods via the TradeCard system can obtain logistics services from Dimerco and its subsidiary, Di versified Freight System Corp (DFS). While Dimerco provides logistics services and DFS offers ocean freight services, both companies will send proof of delivery electronically to the TradeCard system, once goods are shipped. If the purchase contract and proof of delivery documents are compliant, TradeCard's global payment provider will transfer payment for shipment from the buyer's account to the seller's. 'TradeCard, Dimerco and DFS provide the financial and physical supply chain tools traders need to do business,' said Kurt Cvano, TradeCard chairman and chief executive officer. 'The added value we bring to importers and exporters will allow them to focus on their core businesses instead of on the physical and financial logistics of their transactions.' With headquarters in New York City, TradeCard, Inc has offices in San Francisco, San Diego, Chicago, Hong Kong, Taipei and London.