Today’s Pickup: 3PL Systems completes integration of Trucker Tools’ Smarter Capacity platform

Good day,

Customers of 3PL Systems can now access the full complement of Trucker Tools’ Smarter Capacity platform, including its Book-it-Now functionality, through an integration that went live on Monday.

With this integration, 3PLSystems has embedded the full suite of Trucker Tools carrier relationship management applications including predictive freight-matching, automated load tendering through its Book-it-Now functionality, and real-time, automated shipment visibility, Trucker Tools said.

Similarly, truck drivers can access 3PL Systems’ tools through the Trucker Tools mobile driver app.

“This integration is entirely complementary to our Brokerware platform and leverages Trucker Tools proven technology and clear leadership in the digital freight-matching, automated booking and visibility arena,” said Cameron Robertson, president and CEO of 3PL Systems. “We are providing our broker-clients with powerful new planning and execution tools, more timely and accurate information about trucks available to book, and accurate, real-time location information on trucks carrying our customers’ freight. It’s a winning combination for our customers.”

Robertson said that finding access to available truck capacity, especially capacity that resides in the “micro-carriers” operating 10 trucks or less, is a tough job for small and mid-sized brokers. Traditional load boards can quickly become outdated, he said.

“Smart Capacity provides a live view of trucks that are available from hour-to-hour today, as well as those that will be available and where, two, three and four days out. That’s huge for the broker,” Robertson noted. He added that Smart Capacity was particularly effective in eliminating “stale data” on truck capacity and helped brokers reduce costs by covering loads quickly.

Prasad Gollapalli, founder and chief executive of Trucker Tools, said the partnership will open doors to potential new customers.

“We have a strong proof case that demonstrates rapid time-to-value, and a platform that enhances their processes and workflows with 3PL Systems,” he said. “Our entire focus is being the technology partner of choice that helps brokers employ new technology and compete effectively as the brokerage market becomes more digital and automated.  We’re a trusted partner enabling brokers to evolve and compete in this emerging new world.”

Did you know?

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) fell 0.4% in April, the largest drop in data since 1957, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Year-over-year, the CPI rose 1.4%, the smallest gain since 2011.

Quotable:

“Traffic levels will not be back to 100%. They won’t even be back to 25%. Maybe by the end of the year we approach 50%. So there will definitely be adjustments that have to be made on the part of the airlines.”  

– David Calhoun, Boeing CEO, in an interview with NBC News airing today, on the prospect of a major U.S. airline failure this year.

In other news:

Driver enforcement blitzes still taking place

While the official International Roadcheck 2020 has been postponed, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance said that Operation Safe Driver Week, taking place July 12-18, and Brake Safety Week, set for Aug. 23-29, are still taking place. (CDL Life)

Last-mile dispatch platform secures funding

DispatchTrack, a last-mile dispatch platform, has secured a $144 million investment from Spectrum Equity, which previously backed SurveyMonkey and GrubHub. (Tech Crunch)

COVID-19 ushers in online car buying

More consumers are buying cars online, and it is a trend that some say will continue even after COVID-19. (Wall Street Journal)

More rest stops open in Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is reopening three more rest stops in the state after temporarily shutting down all facilities on March 17. The locations are along I-70 and I-80. (Penn Live)

Final thoughts

For truckers traveling in Florida, another good sign has emerged as the state is allowing food establishments along the Florida Turnpike to reopen. Seating capacity is limited inside restaurants, but outdoor dining is available. As more states move to reopen, the options for obtaining food on the road will only grow.

Hammer down, everyone!