News Release
McLeod Software Introduces PowerBroker™ II
Customer input leads to significant structural changes and workflow enhancements that enable brokers to make better minute-by-minute decisions
Washington, D.C. – April 9, 2008 –
McLeod Software announced the availability of PowerBroker™ II today at the Transportation Intermediaries Association Annual Convention. The next-generation release of this popular software solution for non-asset-based trucking brokerage and logistics providers has been redesigned with more than 100 new capability enhancements and significant structural changes. In addition, a comprehensive brokerage container module is now available for PowerBroker II users.
"We asked our customers what they needed to make PowerBroker a more powerful tool," stated Tom McLeod, president and founder of the leading provider of dispatch, accounting and enterprise management solutions for trucking and brokerage firms. "They asked for a variety of new capabilities and changes to existing functionalities that would ultimately provide them with a more streamlined process for gathering and using real-time information. PowerBroker II is the result of listening to, and acting upon, requests from our customers."
Designed to increase workflow speed and enable brokers to access the real-time data that is necessary to make informed decisions, key new benefits of PowerBroker II include:
Cover more loads more quickly – Using a new Carrier Search screen structure with multiple options that consolidates as many as seven search screens into one, brokers can execute searches and quickly determine the most probable candidates to handle an order. With PowerBroker II, the single search screen can show all carriers by lane, carrier movement history over a given lane, all carriers with available tractors in the area and carriers with the lowest rate for each lane, a new useful search option. Brokers can also use the new search screen to check profit on past loads with each carrier as well as a carrier's insurance, safety rating and equipment types.
Access more detailed information – A redesign of the Carrier Dispatch screen in PowerBroker II improves functionality and visibility of important information. Newly added are command functions that can be used during dispatch to access more detailed information, including directions and loading/unloading instructions by location, distance, load confirmation, carrier search, available tractors, rates, performance ratings, document images and container data.
Review safety reports faster – With a single button that links PowerBroker II to the FMCSA-sponsored SAFER website, brokers can quickly and automatically access safety reports from the SAFER (Safety and Fitness Electronic Record) System using MC or DOT numbers resident in the software to link to carrier data.
Handle container movements more efficiently – Using a new Brokerage Container Module, PowerBroker II expands the capabilities of brokers handling container movements. This new tool provides access to information required at the planning stage, such as container and chassis numbers, steamship location, load port and pickup ready/vessel/sail dates, and includes dispatch, order confirmation and tracking functionality.
PowerBroker II is an enterprise-wide, comprehensive software solution for non-asset-based trucking brokerage and third-party logistics providers. Operational capabilities of the system cover a wide range of brokerage functions such as: Load Planning; Carrier Dispatch, Lane Coverage, Lane History/Pricing and Profiles; Order Tracking; Service Failure and Revenue Analysis; Automated Rating; Load/Equipment Posting and Load Tracking; and Private Notification Network™ (an automated system for communicating available load information to selected carriers). A full array of accounting capabilities are included as well. Modules and interfaces offered with the system include Agent Access™, EDI, Internet, Partial Shipment Consolidation, Revenue/Expense Allocation and McLeod Document Imaging, among others.
About McLeod Software
McLeod Software is a leading provider of dispatch and accounting fleet management software in North America. Specifically developed for the trucking industry, McLeod's innovative management solutions and services enable transportation companies to increase their efficiencies while reducing costs and driver turnover. McLeod Software's integrated best-in-class software products include LoadMaster®, PowerBroker II and McLeod Document Imaging. Founded in 1985 and headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, the company serves more than 500 companies throughout North America. For more information, contact us toll free at 877-362-5363 or visit www.McLeodSoftware.com.
Media Contact:
Susan Fall
LaunchIt Public Relations
858-490-1050
susan@launchitpr.com