Oct 26, 2023

Food Purchasing Habits at Truck Stops

We surveyed our community of truck drivers to learn about their food purchases at truck stops.

10 Reasons Why Commercial Vehicles Need Regular Maintenance By recognizing the significance of maintaining our personal cars and trucks, it becomes clear that commercial vehicles deserve no less attention. In fact, regular maintenance is one of the most important aspects of <a href="https://www.merchantscommercialsales.com/vehicles-for-vocations.html">commercial vehicle ownership</a>, regardless of industry use. What Does Regular Maintenance Mean? Let’s review some top maintenance items before we dive into the reasons regular maintenance is essential for commercial vehicles. ● Oil and filter changes — The old rule of thumb used to be every 3,000 miles, but newer engines that use either synthetic oil blends or 100% synthetic oil can be driven between <a href="https://www.kbb.com/car-advice/how-often-should-i-change-my-oil/">5,000 and 10,000 miles</a> before an oil and filter change is needed. However, your vehicle manufacturer's guidelines will offer the best advice. You can expect to need new air filters every 15,000-30,000 miles. ● Tire tread depth and pressure — Your dashboard will light up with an alert when your tire pressure is low, often a tread depth issue is not realized until a technician points it out or a vehicle is undergoing an inspection. ● Tire rotation — It’s best to <a href="https://www.bridgestonetire.com/learn/maintenance/tire-rotation/">rotate your tires every 5,000 miles</a>, or as recommended by the manufacturer. ● Alignment — Potholes, bumps, and rocky terrain can impact your <a href="https://www.bridgestonetire.com/learn/maintenance/tire-rotation/">vehicle’s suspension alignment</a>, which can contribute to uneven wear and tear on your tires. The following features should also be checked regularly to avoid larger issues and safety concerns: ● Battery life ● Belts ● Brakes ● Fluid levels ● Headlights ● Hoses ● Shocks ● Spark plugs ● Turn signals 10 Reasons Why Your Commercial Vehicles Should Undergo Routine Maintenance 1. Improve safety Safety is widely regarded as a top priority. Make sure a technician regularly checks your <a href="https://www.allstate.com/resources/car-insurance/how-to-check-brake-pads">brake pads</a>, and keeps an eye and feel out for any unusual noises (such as grinding) or odd sensations (such as vibrating). Failing brakes have the potential to create a major accident that endangers the life of your driver, passenger, and anyone else in the vehicle’s vicinity. 2. Save money in the long-run The idea is that what you spend on routine maintenance will help prevent larger, more expensive problems in the future. For example, rotating your tires helps them wear more evenly, which means you don’t have to buy new ones as often. Failure to change your oil may result in the need for a completely new — and typically very expensive — engine. 3. Improve fuel economy According to the <a href="https://afdc.energy.gov/conserve/vehicle_maintenance.html#:~:text=Regular%20maintenance%20tune%2Dups%20ensures,the%20repair%20type%20and%20quality.">U.S. Department of Energy</a>, “using the manufacturer’s recommended grade of motor oil in an engine can improve fuel economy by 1%-2%.” Properly inflating your tires can improve your mileage by an average of .6% but possibly up to 3%. 4. Detect potential problems When caught early, big, expensive problems aren’t so big and expensive. Many potential issues are noticed during routine maintenance and can be addressed promptly. 5. Extend the life of the vehicle If you care for something properly it will last, and commercial vehicles are no exception. Here’s some helpful advice from <a href="https://www.progressive.com/answers/how-many-miles-does-a-car-last/#:~:text=A%20conventional%20car%20can%20last,help%20extend%20your%20car's%20longevity.">Progressive:</a> “Experts recommend scheduling routine maintenance for your vehicle, including annual engine cleaning to extend its life and regular car washing to prevent corrosion. Vacuuming the interior removes dirt and debris that can lead to tears in the fabric.” 6. Comply with regulations Regular maintenance ensures that your commercial vehicles meet safety and environmental regulations, avoiding potential fines and penalties. 7. Promote your brand Dependable companies have dependable vehicles. It’s important to maintain a brand that promotes reliability and diligence. The last thing you want is for your cargo van or truck to break down because of an issue that could have easily been avoided with proper routine maintenance. 8. Increase the value of your vehicle A properly maintained commercial vehicle will go a long way with potential buyers if you’re looking to sell down the road. This includes <a href="https://www.autotrader.com/car-tips/3-reasons-your-cars-service-records-are-essential">keeping service records</a>, which provide proof that you’ve taken good care of your vehicle. 9. Maintain vehicle warranty Saving detailed records of all types of maintenance will also come in handy when it comes to your warranty. The <a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/auto-warranties-service-contracts">Federal Trade Commission</a> recommends keeping a file to track all repairs (oil changes, new brake pads, inspections — essentially everything),explaining that “if you ever have a warranty claim and it appears that you didn’t maintain your vehicle, your claim might be denied.” 10. Peace of mind Knowing your commercial vehicles are regularly inspected and in good condition gives you peace of mind and confidence in your business operations. When all is said and done, taking proper care of your vehicle helps ensure that it stays in excellent condition. Be meticulous and promptly schedule routine checks. This maintenance is intended to go a long way in prioritizing the safety of your driver and those around them, and in preserving the lifespan of your vehicle. __________________________________________________________________________________________ Article Author: Dawn McQueeney Dawn McQueeney serves as Marketing Manager at <a href="https://www.merchantsauto.cars/">Merchants Auto</a>. Joining in 2020, she brings with her more than 15 years of marketing experience, and originally started as a Marketing Coordinator. McQueeney has helped elevate the customer experience in the dealership showroom so that every visit is positive.

Jul 20, 2023

Trucker Path Increases Load Exposure for MercuryGate TMS Customers Digital integration enables greater and more efficient access for brokers to nearly 1 million Trucker Path app users PHOENIX – August 29, 2023 – Trucker Path, a subsidiary of leading global SaaS provider, Moatable, Inc. (NYSE: MTBL) and the most comprehensive and relied upon mobile app for North American truckers, announced today that a direct connection for digital load posting is now providing brokers using MercuryGate software with increased exposure for their available loads to North America’s largest carrier community. “With a direct digital load posting integration via API we are facilitating greater access, faster transactions, and enabling several new features for brokers using MercuryGate,” said Chris Oliver, CMO at Trucker Path. “Our collaborative integration increases the exposure of available loads to qualified capacity, streamlines freight matching, and drives time savings and efficiency -- creating additional revenue generating opportunities for both sides of the transaction.” For carriers using Trucker Path’s TruckLoads digital freight exchange the new MercuryGate integration provides the ability to quickly and easily view available loads, the opportunity to book loads instantly, and the capability to communicate with brokers directly via their MercuryGate TMS where they spend the majority of their time. “MercuryGate’s Smart Transportation platform is intentionally designed so that our users can seamlessly leverage the most effective transportation management tools to meet their business needs,” said MercuryGate Chief Strategy Officer Jeffrey Varon. “We’re pleased to advance our partnership with Trucker Path and make it easier for brokers and carriers to instantly connect freight with available capacity. As a result, our customers can cover more loads, fill more empty miles and eliminate time-consuming procurement processes that drive up cost.” This API connection allows MercuryGate users to quickly and easily post available loads to the Trucker Path community representing nearly a third of North American carriers. With direct API digital load posting these brokers are able to expand their load visibility and form relationships with Trucker Path’s carrier network. TMS providers and brokers interested in integrating with Trucker Path can email brokersoftware@truckerpath.com. About MercuryGate MercuryGate provides powerful transportation management solutions proven to be a competitive advantage for today’s most successful shippers, 3PLs, brokers and carriers. The comprehensive Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) product suite natively supports all transportation modes and segments, generating value for its users through improved cost, productivity and efficiency using artificial intelligence (AI),machine learning (ML) and connected technologies to adapt and automate transportation management functions. Learn how MercuryGate makes shipping intelligent, simple, sustainable and transformative for customers at www.mercurygate.com. About Trucker Path Phoenix-based Trucker Path is the provider of a wide range of truck driver-centric mobility products. A subsidiary of leading global SaaS provider, Moatable, Inc. (NYSE: MTBL),the Trucker Path app is currently in use by nearly 1 million professional truck drivers. Offering best-in-class navigation with truck-optimized routing, the Trucker Path app also provides access to vital up-to-date information about truck stops, real-time parking availability, fuel prices and discounts, weigh station statuses, and truck scales and wash locations. The company also offers TruckLoads, a digital freight exchange that connects drivers, carriers and brokers; and COMMAND™, the industry’s first and only Operations & Driver Relationship (ODR) platform that provides small to mid-size fleets with the necessary driver and TMS technologies to successfully run a fleet. For more information, visit www.truckerpath.com. Media Contact: Susan Fall LaunchIt Public Relations 858-490-1050 susan@launchitpr.com

Aug 30, 2023

The Power of TMS and Load Board Integration in Maximizing Freight Brokerage Efficiency Freight brokers play a crucial role in connecting shippers with carriers, ensuring goods move swiftly and smoothly from one point to another. With the boom in online shopping, especially during the global pandemic, there has been an increasing demand for efficient freight transportation. To streamline their operations and improve their capacity to move freight quickly, many freight brokers employ Transportation Management Systems (TMSs) to source and manage their carriers. However, the importance of integrating these TMSs with load boards cannot be overstated. Let’s look into the significance of TMS and load board integrations in the freight industry, emphasizing their potential to provide value-added benefits to brokers. The Role of TMS in Freight Brokerage TMSs have revolutionized the freight brokerage industry. As the center of operations for freight brokers, TMSs enable brokers to efficiently manage and monitor shipments, carriers, and customers. TMSs offer features like order management, cargo tracking, and delivery planning, making them indispensable tools for brokers seeking to increase efficiency and customer satisfaction. Some popular TMSs include McLeod, Samsara, MercuryGate, Aljex, 3PL Systems, Oracle, PCS, and Transport Pro, all of which are widely used and offer some kind of load-sourcing option for their users. However, what many brokers may not realize is that these TMSs can be further empowered by integrating them with multiple load boards. Unlocking Greater Capacity through Load Board Integrations Load boards are web-based platforms where shippers or brokers can post available loads, and carriers search for and book loads that match their availability. By integrating their TMS with load boards, brokers can significantly expand their reach and gain access to an expanded network of carriers. This integration allows brokers to source carriers quickly and efficiently, resulting in faster freight movement, happy customers and increased profitability. The Benefits of TMS and Load Board Integrations Expanded Capacity: Perhaps the most evident advantage of TMS and load board integrations is the expanded capacity. Through the load boards, brokers can tap into a vast pool of carriers, ensuring they never face a shortage of options to move freight. This capacity expansion is vital during times of high demand when securing reliable carriers can be very challenging. Streamlined Operations: The integration between platforms can lead to streamlined and simplified operations, as brokers no longer need to switch between multiple platforms to source carriers. Instead, they can access load board information directly from their TMS, saving time and effort. Real-Time Updates: Integrations also mean that real-time updates on load availability and carrier status can be viewed directly via the TMS. Brokers can make informed decisions quickly, resulting in faster response times and better customer service. Enhanced Visibility: TMS and load board integration also results in improved visibility into the entire freight movement process. Brokers can track shipments, monitor carrier performance, and analyze data effortlessly directly from their TMS, leading to better decision-making. Cost Efficiency: In many cases, load board integrations do not incur additional costs for TMS providers or users. The integration costs are often shouldered by the load board, making it a cost-effective solution for brokers. Trucker Path’s Integration with Leading TMSs Most leading TMS providers offer seamless integration options with popular load boards, making it easy for brokers to connect and expand their capabilities. Trucker Path integrates with many popular TMSs, such as McLeod, <a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/trucker-path-teams-up-with-transport-pro-to-expand-load-visibility-for-drivers-and-fleets/">Transport Pro</a>, <a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/trucker-path-and-3pl-systems-offer-single-click-access-to-loads-and-capacity/">3PL Systems</a>, Aljex, <a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/trucker-path-increases-load-exposure-for-mercurygate-tms-customers/">MercuryGate</a>, and many others. These integrations give brokers direct access to the nearly one million carriers who rely on the Trucker Path app. Final Thoughts The importance of TMS and load board integrations in the freight industry cannot be emphasized enough. It is a win-win situation for both brokers and TMS providers. Brokers gain access to a wider pool of carriers, enabling them to move freight more efficiently and profitably. TMS providers are able to offer a value-added service to their broker customers without incurring significant integration costs. All in all, TMSs should, and often do, wholeheartedly embrace load board integrations as an essential component of their offerings. It is a strategic move that not only enhances the competitiveness of their broker customers but also solidifies the position of TMS providers as a true partner in the fast-paced and ever-evolving freight industry.

Oct 31, 2023