Today’s Pickup: OTR Capital to integrate Trucker Tools functionality into customer portal

Trucker Tools Book It Now

Good day,

Trucker Tools has struck a deal with OTR Capital that will integrate some of Trucker Tools’ technologies into the financial services firm’s customer portal.

Specifically, customers of OTR Capital will have access to Trucker Tools’ predictive freight matching and automated one-click booking through its Book-it-Now functionality.

“At the end of the day this partnership meaningfully expands the resources we can provide to truckers, and helps OTR Capital’s clients get loaded faster with better freight, run their business more efficiently and get paid promptly,” Prasad Gollapalli, founder and CEO of Trucker Tools, said.

In addition, OTR Capital clients also will be able to access information on the cheapest fuel locations, parking and rest areas, maintenance facilities, restaurant and food-service, and route optimization tools through the Trucker Tools mobile driver app.

Trucker Tools provides real-time shipment visibility, trip planning, freight-matching and automated booking tools for freight brokers and small-fleet truckload carriers. OTR Capital is a factoring firm that provides working capital and back-office solutions to truckers.

The Book-it-Now feature is an automated load booking tool that offers real-time load availability with pricing. The truck driver can book the load with a single click in the app.

Predictive freight matching uses data so users can find and secure the proper truckload shipment based on their current or projected location, preferences and profile of the individual driver. It will also identify, reserve and schedule future available loads.

“This is a very unique engagement that addresses two key imperatives for our clients: simplifying and automating many of the burdensome tasks truckers face in managing a fluid and changing business; and providing timely, accurate data through enabling, intuitive mobile technology,” Fritz Owens, founder and CEO of OTR Capital, said.

Did you know?

Of the 15 major freight markets tracked by FreightWaves in SONAR, 13 posted week-over-week gains in the Outbound Tender Volume Index, led by Los Angeles, California, (17.10%), Atlanta, Georgia, (14.76%) and Savannah, Georgia (8.96%).

Quotable:

“However, we do believe these provisions must be temporary and no efforts be made at the federal level to make these permanent.”

-Statement from the Coalition Against Bigger Trucks, on concerns that proponents of raising truck weight limits will push to make the current emergency provisions for essential goods permanent.

In other news:

Protestors vow return to DC if no changes are made

The protestors that occupied Washington, D.C., for three weeks have promised to return if the government doesn’t follow through with a crackdown on brokers. (Transportation Nation)

Trucking index likely to remain negative

The FTR Trucking Conditions Index has fallen into negative territory and will likely remain there for a while, the firm said. (Logistics Management)

Driver pay rose in 2019

Truck driver pay rose in 2019, according to the American Trucking Associations, rising to an average of $58,000 annually. (DC Velocity)

Declining revenue has toll road operators putting off investments

Toll road operators are deferring critical infrastructure investments due to declining revenues from fewer people driving during COVID-19. (AASHTO Journal)

Some economic signs of life emerge

While economic contraction is expected for 2020, some segments of the economy are beginning to show signs of life. (Wall Street Journal)

Final thoughts

Kenworth has restarted its truck factory in Mexico, but not all original equipment manufacturers have been so lucky. General Motors planned to ramp up pickup truck manufacturing in the U.S., but supply chains that haven’t restarted are leading to a shortage of parts. It is just one example of the global, interconnected supply chains that have been built over the years, and why it is so difficult for any country to avoid economic issues when regions of the global suffer.

Hammer down, everyone!