Freight matching load boards are one of the ways the Internet has transformed the auto transport business. Instead of labor-intensive pre-digital systems that rely on phone communication and physical record-keeping, online load boards allow truck operators, brokers and shippers to instantly deliver quotes and bid for jobs. Another major advantage of online boards is the ability to integrate logistics software, allowing carriers to plot routes and track all kinds of useful statistics automatically, right through the online interface. This article is a basic introduction to integrated load board logistics software.
Load boards aren’t just for freight carriers – shippers who have freight to transport can create accounts to post their job on the board, though they will see a different interface than either brokers or carriers. Advanced boards have the ability to provide quote estimates that they compile based on past transactions conducted on the board, to help the shipper anticipate and budget costs. When shippers post jobs, brokers and carriers can view them to optimize truck loads and bid on the contracts.
As we mentioned earlier, implementing load boards online also makes it possible to implement advanced computerized logistics solutions, and this is exactly what the industry has done.
If you ever wondered how auto transport carriers pick the best routes, they do it by using truck mapping, routing and mileage software that selects the optimal path automatically. For a modern business that relies on transportation – not just trucking companies, but supermarket chains and many others – logistics software is a necessity. Large companies often have heavily-customized in house solutions; however, most auto transport carriers are relatively small businesses, so as an extra service, most online auto transport boards provide truckers access to logistics software as part of their membership.
While there is a variety of logistics programs on the market, most boards active today incorporate the PC*MILER software by ALK Technologies. Other route planning and mileage tracker software includes Viamente Route Planner, Telogis logistics suite, TruckMiles by ProMiles software and a number of others.
Integrated logistics software allows a board member to plan routes, estimate gas usage and track mileage – all important steps in giving the customer an accurate quote that reflects current fuel prices and won’t obliterate the carrier’s profit margin.
Moreover, logistics programs, including load board integrated ones, aren’t limited to calculating routes – with GPS tracking, they can also pinpoint the location of a vehicle and calculate the number of miles actually traveled, average speeds, fuel efficiency and much more. These features are great for carrier financial calculations, bookkeeping and efficiency improvements.
Routing software can contain helpful features for the carrier operator as well – while in transit, the driver can connect to the app and check traffic and road condition information from the 511 service in states and localities where it’s available.
These are only some of the great benefits that integrated logistics software can provide to transport carriers and truck operators. Learning to use this software to save gas and money, and improve workflow efficiency is crucial to your company’s success as a freight carrier.
Source by John Costelac