Truckstop.com releases load-tracking solution

Trucking load board platform Truckstop.com has released an integrated load-tracking solution within its freight-matching marketplace, the company said Thursday.

New Plymouth, Idaho-based Truckstop.com also announced a new mobile application for carriers called Truckstop Mobile. The release provides a simplified user experience with enhanced functionality and will replace the existing ITS Trucker mobile application.

With Truckstop Mobile, carriers can view load details and pickup and drop-off information and submit check calls directly through the app, the company said. Carriers will also be able to reduce interruptive phone calls, as Load Tracking is built into the Truckstop Mobile app, giving carriers the ability to offer load tracking from pickup to delivery. Carriers do not need a Truckstop.com freight-matching subscription to use the load-tracking service within the mobile app.

Brokers will also get new benefits, since they are now are able to receive updates on a load throughout the process; and see when the load was picked up, where it is, what route the carrier is taking, and when the load is delivered. Brokers will get enhanced visualization of the load en route, will receive electronic documentation, and can share that information with shippers and other transportation partners.

Technology offerings like this can help truck drivers do business in a more sustainable, smarter way, offering them more choice in choosing the loads they want and ignoring those they don't. Truckstop.com has been growing fast in that area, announcing last month that it had integrated its LoadPay secure payment platform with McLeod Software Corp.'s transportation management software (TMS).

"This is a big step in automating existing processes while enhancing the user experience," said Thayne Boren, general manager of Truckstop.com's Mobile Solutions, in a statement. "It's a product our members have been asking for and something that will improve visibility on their freight movement. Brokers are more likely to select carriers who participate in load tracking to move their freight. Carriers who use this service will have greater opportunities for success."