McLeod Software is now shipping version 11.1 of its LoadMaster Enterprise and PowerBroker software. Among the changes is a new function called Feasibility, an office telephone system integration, improved order capabilities and expanded opportunities for mobile applications.
Feasibility allows planners to identify the best driver for a particular load based on the driver’s location, current load situation and available hours of service. It also estimates detention time based on historical averages. According to McLeod, this function helps the planner determine if a specific driver can take the load and make all of the appointments, including pickup, stops, and delivery for a particular load, on time and within the driver’s availability determined by HOS rules.
The new office telephone system integration creates an interactive interface with digital office telephone systems. Outbound calls are made by clicking on the number inside the system and the phone will autodial. For inbound calls, each individual user can be configured based on their role and the system integration module will read the inbound caller identification information and the destination extension in order to determine the correct context for the call. Based on this context, it will then provide pop-up menu buttons for the user, McLeod said. The pop-up menu buttons allow the user to select from several options specific to this call, even before they have answered.
Based on the user’s selection, the appropriate screens and tabs will then open and populate on the user’s screen. The context identified for the inbound number can be a customer, shipper, carrier, carrier driver, or a company driver.
Using the offer/order function in PowerBroker, users can send and receive rate confirmations or terms acceptance electronically with carriers. The outbound process for carrier offers is now available as a “one click” solution for carriers who want to accept an offer. There is also live history tracking, the source for the carrier to whom the broker sent it (i.e.: identified from a load board), how many carriers were contacted or called, and how each carrier responded, if there was a response.
Version 4 of the McLeod Mobile Applications allows both PowerBroker and LoadMaster to run on Android and Apple iOS devices and provides users secure access to their systems, alerts and other vital information, McLeod said.
Version 11.1 of LoadMaster also includes new functionality for the LTL dispatch and operations systems. The system has been unified with McLeod financial systems, driver, tractor, trailer, and safety systems in the core LoadMaster Enterprise system. New visual cross docking capabilities and visibility for inbound tractors are included in this version of the product, the company said.
