Oct 31, 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, Transport Pro, 3PL Systems, Aljex, MercuryGate, 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.

An Overview of Alternative Fuel Trucks and How They Are Revolutionizing the Trucking Industry The trucking industry, which plays a vital role in the global economy in transporting goods across vast distances, is facing a significant challenge. With the rising costs of traditional fuels, insurance and maintenance, the cost of operating a truck is <a href="https://truckingresearch.org/2023/06/an-analysis-of-the-operational-costs-of-trucking-2023-update/">increasing year over year</a>. Among these increasing expenses, <a href="https://www.ttnews.com/articles/atri-cost-trucking?utm_source=logisticsB&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=newsletter&mktId=15533167&mkt_tok=OTA1LUJCVy04NzYAAAGMh1CMLfQv7GxQJmMyS0ZJK-BumFeZLjbLjHBJphheKHuEDPiQWw9DuYXkPUJ-At2B4nkw2rGloUwNOnotzZeufVHxwLtm50r0lz6sBfE4Bp5QXg">rising fuel costs</a> (53.7% higher than in 2021) are of the biggest concern.. While <a href="https://truckerpath.com/discounted-fuel-deals/">fuel savings programs</a> have emerged, trucking companies are actively seeking sustainable and cost-effective solutions to power their fleets and reduce the cost of trucking. In recent years, alternative fuel trucks have emerged as promising options, offering environmental benefits and reducing operating costs. According to an ATRI report in 2022, <a href="https://www.ttnews.com/articles/atri-cost-trucking?utm_source=logisticsB&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=newsletter&mktId=15533167&mkt_tok=OTA1LUJCVy04NzYAAAGMh1CMLfQv7GxQJmMyS0ZJK-BumFeZLjbLjHBJphheKHuEDPiQWw9DuYXkPUJ-At2B4nkw2rGloUwNOnotzZeufVHxwLtm50r0lz6sBfE4Bp5QXg">8.2% of respondent fleets</a> included at least one truck powered by an alternative fuel source, an increase from 7% in 2021. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular alternative fuel trucks that are transforming the trucking landscape. 1. Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Trucks Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks have gained considerable popularity as one of the leading alternatives to conventional diesel-powered vehicles. In fact, they were the most popular alternative fuel option according to the ATRI survey, at 6.2%. <a href="https://www.treehugger.com/what-is-cng-fuel-6502399#:~:text=What%20Are%20CNG%20Vehicles%3F%20Natural%20gas%20vehicles%20are,or%20diesel%20when%20natural%20gas%20is%20not%20available.">CNG</a> is a clean-burning fuel that is abundant and domestically available. It has grown in popularity as the choice of alternative fuel due to low natural gas prices versus high diesel fuel rates. Besides being much cheaper and resulting in lower operating costs for trucking companies, CNG trucks also produce significantly lower emissions than gasoline and diesel trucks, contributing to improved air quality and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. 2. Battery Electric Trucks Battery electric trucks are another emerging alternative fuel option that holds great potential for the trucking industry. They produce zero tailpipe emissions and have the potential to reduce the carbon footprint of the transportation sector significantly. They also deliver a much <a href="https://traton.com/en/newsroom/current-topics/why-the-battery-electric-drive-represents-the-future-for-trucks.html">higher level of fuel efficiency</a> and are also much more cost-effective on long-haul routes. Although battery electric trucks have been slower to gain traction in the heavy-duty trucking market due to the limitations of battery technology (such as range and charging infrastructure),ongoing advancements are rapidly improving their viability. As battery technology improves and charging infrastructure expands, electric trucks are expected to play a crucial role in the future of freight transportation. 3. Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Trucks Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) trucks are another alternative fuel option and are fueled by natural gas that has been cooled to a liquid state, making it easier to store and transport. LNG trucks, similar to most alternative fuels, offer environmental benefits by emitting lower levels of greenhouse gases. They also provide longer driving ranges than CNG trucks, making them suitable for long-haul applications. However, the infrastructure for <a href="https://www.energy.gov/fecm/liquefied-natural-gas-lng">producing, storing, and distributing LNG</a> is still developing, which can be a limiting factor in the widespread adoption of these trucks. 4. Hydrogen Fuel Cell Trucks <a href="https://www.baesystems.com/en-us/definition/what-is-a-hydrogen-fuel-cell-truck">Hydrogen fuel cell trucks</a> are at the forefront of cutting-edge technology in the alternative fuel trucking landscape. These trucks use hydrogen gas, which is combined with oxygen from the air in a fuel cell to produce electricity, which powers the vehicle. One major benefit of hydrogen fuel cell trucks is that they produce zero harmful emissions, as the only byproduct of the energy conversion process is water vapor. However, several challenges hinder widespread adoption, including the high cost of hydrogen production and the limited hydrogen refueling infrastructure, due to hydrogen fuel cells being a relatively new technology. However, as technology advances and the hydrogen ecosystem continues to develop, hydrogen fuel cell trucks may soon become a game-changer in the trucking industry. The Trucking Industry is Changing As we speak, the trucking industry is undergoing a transformation as the demand for more sustainable and cost-effective transportation solutions rises. Alternative fuel trucks offer a promising path forward, providing environmentally friendly options to combat rising fuel costs. As technology continues to progress, these next generation options will undoubtedly become more accessible and prevalent, revolutionizing the trucking industry.

Aug 10, 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

Safe Alternatives for Truckers’ Pain Management Every job has its pros and cons, which also applies to truck driving. The main demerit of any trucking job is physical – the discomfort and pain that often come with the countless hours spent sitting in the cab. Because different parts of a trucker's body are exposed to various pains, it is important to find safe and effective alternatives for pain management. Let’s delve further into the more common physical pains a trucker is exposed to and how to manage each safely. Common Pain Concerns Many Truckers Face Working in an environment that requires you to sit for long hours has to have some effects on your body. This is the plight of many truckers. Some of the pain concerns include: ● Back and Neck Pain There is an alarmingly high number of truckers who suffer from back pain. Neck and lower back pain are more common because truckers sit for extended periods. Other causes include using improper lifting techniques and poor posture while driving. ● Wrist Pain Truckers suffer from wrist and hand pain because of the repetitive and extended pressure applied to their nerves. This discomfort is further exaggerated by keeping the wrist in one position as you drive and many times can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. ● Shoulder Pain Driving for long hours puts truckers at risk of shoulder pains and irritations, including bicep tendonitis and rotator cuff injuries. ● Headaches Truck drivers can experience severe headaches due to tension on the nerves at the base of their skull. Tension can be created by a number of factors including the daily task of managing the road safely. Luckily, all these pains are manageable and treatable with the right methods. How to Manage Pain While Working Long Hours We have already established that a trucker is more susceptible to various pains due to the nature of their work. That is why they need to find ways to manage the pain before taking medication. The few things they can include in their daily routine to help with different pains include: ● Lumbar Support Pillow Investing in a good quality lumbar support pillow will go a long way in preventing the dreaded back pain. Truckers can couple this with a good seat cushion to enhance comfort and promote good posture. ● Mirror Positioning Truckers that ensure their mirrors are positioned correctly are less likely to suffer from neck strain. <a href="https://thechilterncentre.co.uk/2019/12/03/driving-posture-do-you-sit-correctly-in-your-car/">Chiltern Health Centre</a> suggests all drivers should “…stretch yourself up and make your spine as tall as possible sitting in an ideal posture. Set the rearview mirror so you can just about see the traffic behind you. This will help to correct your posture every time you look in your rearview mirror, because if you slouch you will not be able to use the rearview mirror.” Mirror positioning is a simple solution to managing core, back, and neck pain. ● Wrist Braces and Stretches By wearing a wrist brace, truckers can ensure their wrist is not in one position for too long. The other great way is to stretch the hand and wrist regularly. Flexion stretches, lifts, and hand squeezes done frequently have also proven to alleviate wrist discomfort. ● Taking Regular Breaks and Sleep Sometimes, acting before it strikes is the best way to prevent pain. Truckers who take breaks, make the most of their down time, focus on getting good rest and stretching can help release built-up tension. Adequate rest is crucial in pain management, especially for truckers. Sleeping on a mattress and pillow that provides extra support to the neck, spine, and legs is also advisable. Safe Alternatives for Pain Management It is always a good idea to try pain management methods with fewer side effects. Here are some safer alternatives for pain relief that truckers can use: ● Exercise A few stretches before and after driving around for hours can do wonders in keeping pain in check. Truckers are advised to try different forms of exercise to reduce pain incidences. Some workouts drivers can try include stretching, bending, and pelvic lifts. Be sure not to overexert with the exercises because it could lead to more damage. ● Ice and Heat Packs A simple yet highly effective pain management alternative is using ice and heat before and after a shift. Physicians recommend that truckers place cold packs on sore areas after a shift to soothe the nerves and reduce irritations. Afterward, they can put a heat pack to relax the affected area. ● Pain Relievers Truckers can sometimes do all the right exercises and preventative measures but still fall short in managing their body aches. It is wise to try different pain-relieving medications to see which works best for you. You can use topical creams and gels, which work by penetrating the skin. Truckers can use <a href="https://www.thecbdistillery.com/blog/how-to-take-cbd-oil-a-beginners-guide/">THC-free CBD oil</a> for even faster pain relief, which works better and has longer-lasting effects. Being pain-free can be a reality for truckers if they adhere to the recommendations listed above. However, in the event self-administered care does not produce adequate results, it is recommended drivers pursue advice from a doctor. Free <a href="https://www.smartandsimple.com/partners/trucker-path/">teleheath options</a> are available that truckers can consider.

Sep 19, 2023