Transportation Data Source (TDS), a provider of motor carrier information services, announced the release of Lane Search, a feature that TDS says is exclusive and designed to help shippers, brokerage and logistics companies speed freight transactions by locating qualified carriers within specific lanes.
With this latest enhancement to TDS’ database of motor carriers with more than 1.8 million registered DOT numbers, companies seeking carriers can search for capacity in any lane by entering the city names or ZIP codes for the origin and destination.
TDS Lane Search uses the most recent equipment roadside inspection data to identify carriers that operate in the specified lanes. When used in combination with other TDS search functions, users can identify carriers in each lane by equipment type (van, reefer, flatbed, etc.) and those that meet their custom qualification standards for insurance coverage, CSA safety scores and roadside inspection violations. Carriers are identified by name, address, VIN numbers and MC numbers.
TDS refreshes carrier qualification data every 24 hours. By using a “saved search” feature, users can re-run the same search criteria at any time to ensure they have the most recent information. TDS also provides ongoing carrier insurance monitoring service to send proactive alerts should any changes occur.
“In this very tight capacity market, Lane Search offers speed and reliability to solve an immediate challenge — locating the right carriers in the right places with the right equipment,” said Lyn Simon, president of TDS. “It also gives transportation professionals information to plan ahead and expand the range of services they can offer to customers.”
Shippers and transportation providers can use TDS and its new Lane Search feature as a proactive capacity management tool, added Simon, for building and maintaining a database of qualified carriers in each freight lane. Time-consuming searches on load boards and phone calls can be eliminated.
TDS searches can be exported in a .csv file format and integrated directly with transportation management software (TMS) systems to streamline the carrier selection and load tendering process. TDS also creates custom APIs for integration with proprietary TMS systems.
TDS says its information services appeal to a broader market than shippers, brokerage and logistics providers. Any company needing up-to-date information on the commercial and private fleet market can use TDS with Lane Search functionality, including insurance companies, truck manufacturers, state trucking associations and suppliers.
