EFFICIENCY through technology to improve trucking operations was the message from David Mook of TMW Systems at the National Tank Truck Carriers annual conference in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Mook said that in today's tank truck industry there are computer programs to operate each part of the business — all tailored for individual operations. Applications are available to enhance communication between carriers, drivers, shippers, and other essential aspects of transportation operations.
He pointed out that fewer in-house programs are being developed, and companies are more likely to acquire commercial programs. Managers must have vision to know which programs best fit their operations and to take advantage of all the services software programs can provide. Another important aspect for managers is to understand the personnel training that is required for new programs.
With those elements in place, benefits can be realized from better driver relations resulting from more miles available for them, better communications between drivers and dispatchers, fuel optimization, efficient routing, and idling reduction. Systems such as on-board recorders can provide proactive planning and tracking for hours-of-service (HOS) requirements.
He pointed out that software can provide total supply chain visibility, which is required by many shippers today, and is likely to be required by all of them in the future.
Other projected software improvements include the ability to gather data that will predict outcomes in various areas of an operation, such as expected employee behavior for various situations.