Technology news and briefs for the week of May 28, 2023:
MileMaker introduces new app
MileMaker has expanded its product portfolio with a cloud-based app that leverages its new map guide, Guide 20.
App users will gain access to traffic-influenced routing, satellite map overlays, door-to-door driving directions, personalization features and a clean, intuitive interface while retaining access to the popular features of Guide 19, including household goods (HHG) mileage. The app provides in-depth report analysis, route planning and simulation of what-if scenarios with route comparisons.
MileMaker partners with transportation management system (TMS) providers to bring mileage and rating features to its customer base of shippers, carriers, freight brokers and third-party logistics companies for an end-to-end route planning solution. The company recently separated from Rand McNally to allow it to target a niche market and invest additional resources into product advancements. The app is a sufficient standalone solution, especially for smaller fleets with fewer IT resources.
CloudTrucks partnerships expand customer benefits
CloudTrucks, which provides technology and services for trucking entrepreneurs, has formed some new partnerships to introduce meaningful cost savings for owner operators.
Those partnerships include Roady’s, Avibra, Expedia and Hotels.com, which give owner operators on the CloudTrucks platform access to more fuel savings, insurance, wellbeing and financial coverage at no cost as well as discounts for overnight accommodations.
These are some of the offerings through the new partnerships:
• Expanded CloudTrucks Fuel Network: Through the partnership with Roady’s, all active Virtual Carrier drivers and CT Cash and Credit customers will soon be able to access fuel discounts at over 200 independent truck stops across the country. Fuel discounts are shown in a map view on the CloudTrucks app, where customers can also reserve the number of gallons they will need up to 72 hours in advance to easily plan ahead for their loads. CloudTrucks also offers fuel discounts at Pilot Flying J, Love’s and Road Ranger, bringing the CloudTrucks fuel network to over 1,500 locations and counting nationwide.
• CloudCare Coverage: All active Virtual Carrier drivers can now receive insurance, wellbeing and financial coverage through Avibra at no additional cost. The offering includes AD&D and life insurance; credit, debt and housing counseling; prescription savings and more, such as access to a 24/7 wellbeing advisor. Drivers can also purchase additional coverage for $1/week through Avibra’s Dollar Benefit Store.
• Discounts on overnight accommodations and off-the-clock vacations: CloudTrucks Virtual Carrier drivers and customers who have their own authority can now receive up to 10% off of overnight accommodations booked on Expedia or Hotels.com, regardless of whether they are booking a job-related stay or a vacation. On Expedia, customers can also receive discounts when booking activities and vacation packages.
FreightSmith offers additional payment options
Software provider FreightSmith has enhanced its integration with all major payment processing companies so it can accept all forms of fuel cards across its mobile app payment network to simplify the experience for drivers, carriers and receivers and create quantifiable efficiencies.
This allows drivers and carriers to quickly and securely process unloading payments digitally using a single card, eliminating the need to use multiple payment methods for fuel and or unloading fees.
The app includes the ability to store and retrieve digital unloading receipts so payments can be processed within the app. The digital documentation can easily be shared with shippers and carriers, ensuring a complete record of the delivery. Also with the app, drivers are able to check in remotely for their scheduled appointment as well as gain access to full visibility of the gate-to-gate process for their delivery. The FreightSmith check-in process can be completed away from the facility at a convenient time and location to optimize the driver’s HOS.
