LENEXA, KS--(Marketwire - Aug 22, 2012) -  XpressRate.com and the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce's International Trade Administration today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to increase awareness in the U.S. business community, particularly among small and medium-sized businesses, about exporting and the tools and resources our organizations provide to help them succeed.

As a strategic partner, XpressRate.com will help businesses across the country search international ocean and air shipping rates from multiple shipping companies within seconds.

"International shipping can be complex for businesses," notes Stefani Reed, Business Development Manager of XpressRate.com. "With several freight providers in one site, XpressRate.com aims to become the 'Travelocity' like shipping portal for exports."

"We're pleased to welcome XpressRate.com as a partner in our efforts to strengthen the U.S. economy and support local jobs through expanding U.S. exports," said Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Francisco Sánchez. "With more than 95 percent of potential customers living outside U.S. borders, it's imperative that American companies of all sizes consider the benefits of selling their products abroad."

Under the MOU, XpressRate.com and U.S. Commercial Service's network of worldwide offices will work together on marketing, education programs and events leveraging both entities' expertise to help make U.S. businesses -- and particularly small and medium-sized firms -- more export savvy. Joint activities may include building awareness through outreach at trade shows, direct mail campaigns and online registration for resource support.

In 2010, President Obama announced the National Export Initiative (NEI) with the goal of doubling U.S. exports by the end of 2014. The partnership supports this goal by educating U.S. exporters, particularly small- and medium-sized companies, about the benefits exporting and expanding their exports to additional markets, and the public and private sector resources to assist them. XpressRate.com joins several of the U.S. Commercial Service's Strategic Partners who have connected more than 1,500 companies to federal export assistance.

About XpressRate.com:
XpressRate.com is a neutral site that allows importers and exporters to quote and compare International Air and Ocean rates instantly from several freight forwarders. While some providers only offer Air rates worldwide, XpressRate.com offers Air and Ocean full containers and less than full containers all from one system. Visit www.xpressrate.com to book your export shipment today.

About U.S. Commercial Service:
The U.S. Commercial Service is the trade promotion arm of the U.S. Department of Commerce's International Trade Administration. U.S. Commercial Service trade professionals in more than 100 U.S. cities and in more than 70 countries help U.S. companies get started in exporting or increase sales to new global markets. Visit www.trade.gov/cs to learn more.