McLeod Software’s Internet module for its LoadMaster enterprise software allows fleets to extend real-time shipment tracking to their customers.

If your website is merely an online brochure, customers and other visitors have little reason to visit – and even less reason to return. Increasingly, customers would rather track shipments and conduct business on their own schedule, rather than waste time tracking down a live person through the phone.

Many carriers offer Web portals for customers to track shipments, tender loads and access reports, documents and other timely information. To improve the efficiency of human resources even more, fleets and software vendors are beginning to use new online applications for drivers and other remote workers.

McLeod Software recently added a driver center to the Internet module of LoadMaster, its transportation management software system. When logged into the driver center, drivers can view payroll history, request time off and use a secure e-mail and message center for personal correspondence, says Robert Brothers, manager of product development for McLeod Software.

Innovative Computing Corp. (ICC) is now beta-testing a new View Driver/Owner Pay History enhancement that is part of its Xpress Suite line of products – an optional connectivity module for the IES enterprise management software system. The new tool uses the existing Xpress Suite design and IES connectivity to enable company drivers to view their payroll history and owner-operators to view their settlement history over the Internet.

View Driver/Owner Pay History also allows carriers to customize searches for payroll and settlement history, such as by a specific trip number or through a date range. Additionally, it can store and display document images such as settlement statements or pay stubs.

“We believe that the simple act of allowing drivers secure, online review of their payroll history information will be invaluable to driver satisfaction,” says Ernie Betancourt, ICC president.