Elevating Carrier Efficiency: Axle's Telematics Revolution in the TMS Space

Introduction

The world of carriers is a whirlwind of challenges and constant change. In this dynamic landscape, a Transportation Management System (TMS) is a carrier's trusty companion, providing the software tools they need to operate efficiently and profitably. However, as technology evolves, so do the opportunities for improvement. Enter Axle, a revolutionary force that harnesses real-time, granular vehicle data to supercharge TMS capabilities.

Axle allows a TMS to build better products with nuanced data to inform decisions.

In this blog post, we'll explore the current challenges faced by TMS solutions and how Axle can elevate these offerings.

The TMS of Today

For carriers, a TMS is the backbone of their operations. It plays a pivotal role in forecasting network needs, optimizing routes, automating processes (such as load booking), and handling payments and settlements. Surveys, like the one conducted by InMotion Global in 2018, reveal that larger trucking companies, with 20+ trucks, boast over 90% TMS adoption.

However, an outdated TMS can shackle carriers with limited flexibility and soaring costs, leading to frustration and financial strain.

To unlock the full potential of a TMS, we must delve into the following areas:

• 🔐 Carrier Onboarding and Authentication: Gaining access to telematics data from carrier vehicles is a goldmine of information. Yet, the process can be convoluted, posing a potential bottleneck for carriers.
• 🗺️ Route Optimization: The heart of many TMS solutions, route optimization relies on real-time and historical location data, complemented by Hours of Service (HOS) data, for effective route planning.
• ⚙️ Process Automation: Administrative tasks like proof-of-delivery verification, International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) compliance, and more, can be cumbersome and costly when reliant on paper-based and manual processes.

Let’s Bring the TMS from Good to Great

Axle emerges as the trusty friend in this narrative, equipped with access to over 40 telematics and ELD providers. This wealth of data includes historical and real-time fleet visibility, HOS events, safety events, IFTA compliance data, and workflow automations. Accessible through APIs with granular updates, let's unravel how Axle addresses these challenges:

• 🔐 Carrier Onboarding and Authentication: Axle's streamlined workflow ensures seamless onboarding. A mere two screens, embedded directly into the TMS, make the process effortless. Behind the scenes, multi-step authentications are automated (like Verizon Connect), eliminating the need for carriers to navigate external systems.

• 🗺️ Route Optimization: With data collected at ~4-30 second granularity, Axle provides both live location information and a comprehensive historical travel dataset. Coupling this data with HOS information empowers data-driven route planning decisions.

• ⚙️ Process Automation: Axle's webhook functionality acts as a trigger for automatic notifications when critical events, such as proof-of-delivery, occur. Leveraging real-time vehicle location, a cascade of automated workflows can be initiated as soon as a vehicle reaches its destination.

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Conclusion

Axle is a critical pillar in the ever-evolving world of TMS solutions, offering carriers the tools they need to overcome challenges and seize opportunities for optimization. By unlocking the potential of telematics data, Axle transforms carrier onboarding, route planning, and manual processes into seamless, efficient operations. As the TMS landscape continues to evolve, Axle stands as the compass guiding carriers toward a future brimming with efficiency and profitability.

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Sources:

• https://www.freightwaves.com/news/carrier-focused-tms-improves-efficiency-for-fleets-of-all-sizes
• https://alvys.com/blog/7-common-problems-solved-with-tms/
• https://www.inboundlogistics.com/articles/transportation-management-system

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