Electronic marketplaces facilitate the exchange of information, goods, services, and payments between buyers and sellers. They perform three main functions: matching buyers and sellers, facilitating exchanges, and providing an institutional infrastructure. The National Transportation Exchange (NTE) uses the internet to connect shippers with fleet managers, creating an efficient "spot market" for unused truck capacity. It issues contracts and handles payments within minutes. NTE earns commissions on each deal, providing extra revenue for fleet managers and bargain prices for shippers.