Challenge
An established mid-market logistics company with an existing off-the-shelf solution needed a technology partner to deliver custom software to support operational growth and dispatch operations across multiple locations.
In an industry frequently ravaged by fraud, crippling economic downturns, and sharp demand volatility, having the right technology not only differentiates businesses but is often necessary for survival.
Approaching a logistics engagement meant navigating a landscape populated by numerous highly disconnected, often chaotic systems and processes on which both smaller and larger ecosystems depend.
Result
With the release of the prototype, we laid the first tracks toward modernization. Throughout the project's lifespan, the brokerage system would continue to grow and increase in complexity, expanding to include connections with third-party systems.
The last tranche of functionality was tested and released, deployed to data centers deep within Azure's East US region. With the last stages of the engagement concluded, this snapshot would serve as one of many checkpoints on the system's evolution.
The result was a tour de force in enterprise integration. Newly designed interface components clearly placed interactivity in the driver's seat.
Support now existed for numerous enterprise-grade features:
- Airliner-cockpit-style interface giving dispatchers complete visibility into load tracking and operations
- Data entry for carrier lane rate tracking with import capabilities
- Entra ID for centralized identity management and federated authentication
- Custom reporting engine with specialized interfaces for rate cons, bills of lading (BOLs), invoices, and others
- Cargo receipts integrated with bills of lading for inventory tracking
- Command-line tool enabling data entry staff to correct out-of-order EDI 214s
- Carrier management tooling, customizable service codes, and more
Impact
Above and beyond any individual feature, the new brokerage system transformed how operations are managed. Cash flow management is now automatically at the heart of every dispatching decision.
Does the customer have an outstanding balance past due? Is it worth the risk to accept a load? No more "gut checks" are needed — just plain math driving decisions.
Moreover, every new carrier is systematically vetted during onboarding, undergoing stringent background checks. Once a carrier passes, they're subjected to continuous 24/7 monitoring.
Any lapse in compliance, loss of insurance coverage, or serious accident, especially one involving hazardous materials, gets the carrier blocked from dispatch.
There's more:
- Accounting integration enables smooth passage of AR and AP transactions
- DOT compliance and insurance coverage monitoring protect against fraud and gaps in insurance coverage
- EDI processing with multiple layers of interactivity prevents accidental tender acceptance
- Integration with DAT load board provides immediate capacity on demand
- Email integration, with direct tie-ins to Outlook, tightens dispatch communication loops
- Industry-standard PC*MILER enables consistent, defensible mileage calculation
- Extensive commission tracking with granular details ensuring every participant is accounted for