New Intermodal Software On Market
Transportation software developer Profit Tools Inc. has released a new set of features for carriers who handle ocean containers and rail boxes.
The company says the features enable customers to increase overall efficiency, gain tighter control of operations, and coordinate pier and rail-yard traffic with trucks and loads to establish optimum revenue flow.
"Intermodal companies were telling us they needed better planning, tracking and cost-control tools," Profit Tools President Brian Widell says. "The overwhelming message was that they just weren't available, certainly not at an affordable price. We've worked closely with these companies to develop a highly flexible solution, with a price tag and ease-of-use that makes it accessible to even the smallest fleets."
The new features include automatic free-time/per-diem calculations, handling multiple rate schedules from multiple yards, piers or lines. A new equipment-summary screen allows users to decide how to view equipment status and run real-time reports. System-query tools allow users to extract specific information, such as lists of overdue equipment for particular shippers. Software wizards allow rapid setups of moves, from hooks and drops, mounts and dismounts, to stripping containers and crossdocking freight onto multiple outbound trucks.
Profit Tools user Charlie Itz, owner of Itz-Ohlson Transport of Everett, MA, says the new features are just what he needed for his business.
"We've grown since we first installed the software, and these capabilities will help us grow further," Itz says. "With 200 containers out at any given time, we need this to help us keep on top of everything."
Profit Tools automates trucking operations from order-entry through billing, including dispatch for TL, LTL, air freight, and brokerage, as well as for Intermodal.
Other modules include settlements, fuel tax, safety, and document imaging. Profit Tools interfaces with a range of off-the-shelf accounting packages, including QuickBooks Pro, Peachtree, Business Works, MAS90 and Dynamics.