FourKites partners with 3GTMS on freight tracking

Logistics software provider FourKites Inc. has partnered with transportation management solution (TMS) vendor 3GTMS Inc. in a move the firms say could provide real-time visibility for third-party logistics providers (3PLs) and shippers.

Chicago-based FourKites says its technology gathers shipment status information and location from global positioning system (GPS) beacons, electronic logging device (ELD) units, and driver cell phones. Aligning that data with 3GTMS' software platform will provide users with precision tracking capabilities that could allow them to manage or prevent freight shipping exceptions, according to 3GTMS.

"In the past, freight could be delayed by traffic, weather and other factors and would send updates that were hours late," J.P. Wiggins, vice president of logistics at 3GTMS, said in a statement. "Now, shippers expect to know where their freight is in real time."

FourKites has been integrating its real-time tracking and shipping visibility tools with a growing roster of TMSes, including deals this year with BluJay Solutions and with JDA Software Group.