Loadsmart introduces new freight analytics solution and more

00:00 CCJ’s Tech Shorts this week highlights a new freight analytics solution, additions and updates to a truckload and tanker TMS, a new predictive fuel pricing tool, a battery-monitoring software and updates from Uber Freight.

00:27 Logistics solutions provider Loadsmart has introduced FreightIntel AI, an advanced freight analytics and intelligence solution that reveals transportation insights, including easy-to-understand cost savings and optimization opportunities, from raw transportation data.

FreightIntel AI behaves like a senior analyst who has already been trained to understand transportation nuances and can craft insights without direction or delay. Shippers simply plug in their data manually or via integration with their data source and get valuable insights immediately. It works by leveraging shippers’ logistics data and Loadsmart’s benchmarking data, together with AI technology, to generate observations and insights tailored to individual company needs.

This advanced tool leverages machine learning capabilities to comb through complex datasets, learn from patterns, and tailor recommendations before letting the user interact to discuss and refine insights using large language model technology.

Potential optimization opportunities include backhaul opportunities, unusual distribution of loads across carriers, mode optimization, full truckload consolidation opportunities, routing guide optimization and much more. Each insight can be drilled into for more information and recommendations with an easy conversational framework.

It is also natively embedded into ShipperGuide TMS for seamless freight planning, procurement, execution, settlement, reporting, and now analysis and recommended next steps. It is ready to be integrated with other platforms and transportation management systems.

02:01 Transportation management system provider TrueTMS recently completed its goal of creating an all-in-one order management system with the rollout of its latest additions and updates to its primary platform that caters to truckload fleets as well as its tanker fleet extension TrueLiquid.

The latest additions include breakthrough forecasting, sourcing, and optimization capabilities. The process starts with accurately forecasting demand and inventory levels for generating bulk liquid commodity orders. It then continues with optimized load planning and routing that minimize deadhead miles and maximize revenue per mile and hour.

With the updates, truckload and tanker fleets could experience time savings of 15% to 25% in the quote-to-cash order lifecycle.

These are the most recent updates for TrueTMS and TrueLiquid:

TrueCast, a fully integrated forecasting model for TrueLiquid, uses historical or live tank level readings and considers trailer compartments and capacities to determine optimal delivery times and quantities. By accurately forecasting customer demand, bulk liquid transporters and fuel haulers can consolidate order volumes to maximize delivery efficiencies.

TrueSource, a sourcing extension for TrueLiquid created especially for fuel haulers, automatically reviews daily pricing and total transportation costs associated with an order to find the lowest-cost commodity from suppliers to fulfill that order.

Dynamic Planning, a built-in feature that saves time and empowers users to focus on exceptions rather than mundane planning tasks, provides users with a "first pass" scheduling option and a queue of orders that don't fit the initial plan to review.

And finally, TrueTMS and TrueLiquid are now fully integrated with Geotab, a global leader in ELD, telematics, and connected transportation solutions. The integrated TrueTMS platform enables fleets to automate work and improve decision-making for all areas in the order-to-cash lifecycle.

03:57 Commercial payment solutions provider Comdata Inc. has launched a new analytical capability called Predictive Pricing. The tool, designed to provide near-term forecasts of fuel prices, empowers customers to make informed decisions on their fuel purchases.

These are some of the key features of Comdata Predictive Pricing:

Data Aggregation: Predictive Pricing’s information is based on the integration of Comdata’s proprietary data with data reported by the Oil Pricing Information Service at the Petroleum Administration for Defense Districts level.

Dynamic Price Forecasting: The tool calculates the difference between the current average wholesale cost of fuel versus the estimated average wholesale cost of fuel the next day. This information allows customers to quickly assess whether to fuel up today or wait until tomorrow.  

And Immediate Actionable Insights: By calculating the anticipated change in fuel costs, Predictive Pricing enables customers to act on this information instantly, optimizing their fuel expenditures and potentially saving on costs.

04:59 Advanced low-voltage battery solutions provider Clarios has expanded into software-based vehicle services with Clarios Connected Services, a new way for drivers, commercial fleets, OEMs and repair shops to monitor battery power and health in real time.

Clarios Connected Services combines artificial intelligence, machine learning and cloud computing for a new level of battery intelligence. The system uses proprietary algorithms to transform battery data into actionable insights, with the goal to help fleets and drivers reduce operating costs and carbon footprint.

Clarios' data platform leverages more than a century of battery development and manufacturing expertise across multiple battery chemistries with proprietary software and advanced trend analysis. It is secure and adaptable for all low-voltage battery chemistries and vehicle applications.

Clarios Connected Services is launching with a focus on heavy duty fleets. Its hardware, analytics and software aim to reduce unnecessary idling. By sending drivers real-time alerts on when the engine needs to be started and stopped to maintain the optimum battery state of charge, vehicle idling times can be significantly reduced while still maintaining heating and air conditioning systems for a comfortable cabin environment without the risk of being stranded with a dead battery. Reducing unnecessary idling will lower fuel costs and emissions for drivers and commercial fleets.

06:22 Uber Freight has unveiled an evolution to its end-to-end enterprise logistics platform.

These enhancements aim to deliver customers greater transparency, control, and intelligence across the entire supply chain via a strategic integration with Uber Direct, modular TMS functionality, advanced Insights AI features, and flexible procurement software.

Its integration with Uber Direct, Uber's on-demand delivery-as-a-service platform, brings together one of North America’s largest logistics networks with one of the largest same-day delivery courier networks. Central to the integration is Uber Freight’s Parcel Transportation Management System (PTMS), which is now integrated with the Uber Direct platform to power new and faster delivery options including same-day and scheduled deliveries.

Uber Freight unveiled significant enhancements to its TMS. Key new features include an intuitive tracking portal, a simplified dock scheduler, a streamlined load management experience with intelligent data handling, and upgraded financial management tools. Upcoming AI-powered search and shipment execution workflows promise even greater efficiency and intelligence in managing freight operations.

Uber Freight is also infusing new, advanced features into Insights AI, the company’s generative AI-powered insights tool, designed to revolutionize how shippers manage their networks, including enhanced chat functionality for more complex queries and a new KPI dashboard that delivers real-time, actionable insights. Looking ahead, Insights AI will leverage cutting-edge AI models to offer proactive recommendations, transforming how shippers make decisions and navigate logistics challenges.

And lastly, Uber Freight is expanding access to Uber Freight Exchange: Contract, making the procurement platform generally available to all shippers, as well as launching early access to Uber Freight Exchange: Spot exclusively for Uber Freight Managed Transportation customers, with full availability expected in 2025. Additionally, shippers can manage freight awarded through Exchange directly within the Uber Freight TMS, providing a single, transparent hub for all load procurement and management activities.