Linda Garner-Bunch

SPONSORED BY OTR LEASING For many truck drivers, the dream of owning their own truck and running an independent trucking business is both exciting and intimidating. The road to becoming an owner-operator or expanding an existing fleet is filled with challenges, from securing stable financing to navigating the complexities of ownership. That’s where OTR Leasing comes in — a trusted partner dedicated to helping CDL-A drivers affordably realize their dream of truck ownership and achieve business success. Who is OTR Leasing? Founded in 2013 and based in the Kansas City, Missouri, area, OTR Leasing is a leading technology-enabled specialty finance company that leases Class 8 trucks. As a leader in the commercial truck leasing industry, they are able to offer CDL-A truck drivers a streamlined path to truck ownership without being tied to a trucking company. With a focus on flexibility, affordability and ongoing support, OTR Leasing provides a unique opportunity for drivers to break free from carrier restrictions and truly take control of their careers, their futures and their success. The company’s extensive inventory includes a wide selection of reliable, well-maintained trucks from top brands like Freightliner, Kenworth, Peterbilt, International, Volvo and Mack. Whether you’re just starting out as an owner-operator or looking to expand your fleet, OTR Leasing offers the tools and resources you need to get your business rolling. How OTR Leasing helps drivers become owner-operators The journey to becoming an owner-operator begins with choosing the right truck and securing a lease that fits your financial situation and professional goals. OTR Leasing’s has designed its lease program to make this process as smooth and straightforward as possible. Here’s how it works: Affordable Lease Terms: Understanding that the upfront cost is one of the biggest barriers to truck ownership, OTR Leasing offers affordable lease terms with lower upfront costs, allowing drivers to get their businesses up and running without breaking the bank. Average weekly payments range from $400 to $550, making it easier to manage cash flow while working towards full ownership. Fast-Track Approval Process: Time is money, especially in the trucking industry. OTR Leasing’s approval process is designed to get CDL-A drivers on the road quickly, with minimal delays. Their fast-track approach means you can start your journey to truck ownership sooner, with fewer obstacles in your way. Ongoing Support: Owning and operating your own truck is a big responsibility, but OTR Leasing doesn’t leave you to figure it out on your own. The company offers ongoing support through membership advantages, which include maintenance escrow, tax preparation, repair shop support and more. This support network is crucial for new business owners who may be navigating the complexities of ownership for the first time. Extensive Inventory of Reliable Trucks: Choosing the right truck is critical to the success of your business. OTR Leasing’s inventory includes a variety of well-maintained, DOT-ready trucks that are just three to five years old. With a range of models and specs available, you can find the ideal truck that fits your business needs and preferences. Expanding your fleet with OTR Leasing For existing fleet owners, OTR Leasing offers a valuable opportunity to expand your business without the constraints of traditional financing. Their lease program is flexible and designed to accommodate the needs of growing businesses. With no carrier restrictions, you have the freedom to manage your fleet your way, deciding the terms that work best for your business model. The extensive inventory at OTR Leasing ensures that you have access to a variety of trucks that can complement your current fleet, allowing you to take on new contracts and expand your business operations. Plus, the company’s full-term service contract provides cost-effective coverage with unlimited mileage, ensuring that your trucks stay on the road and generate revenue. Why choose OTR Leasing? OTR Leasing isn’t just about leasing trucks — it’s about empowering drivers to take control of their careers and achieve their business goals. With an extensive network of resources, the company is committed to helping new and experienced business owners alike navigate the challenges of truck and business ownership. From compliance and permits to financing and ongoing support, OTR Leasing is a partner you can trust. Visit the company website or call 888-338-9948 to learn more about how OTR Leasing can help you own your or and grow your trucking business.

SPONSORED BY TRANSPORT ENTERPRISE LEASING Gearing up for the new emission standards is proving to be no easy haul for fleet owners. The Environmental Protection Agency’s requirements for heavy-duty trucks apply to original equipment manufacturers, not to owners and operators, but they are already influencing the planning and purchasing decisions of commercial truck fleets. “Many trucking companies are considering the way forward and figuring out their fleet plans today. They’re expanding their annual decision making to cover the next three years,” said Jacob Brazier, senior vice president of sales for Transport Enterprise Leasing (TEL). One major concern is the hefty price increase anticipated with the new models. Another is reliability. While manufacturers undoubtedly will step up to the challenge of meeting the stricter standards, history tells us that new models incorporating new technologies can have reliability issues. This was the case with some models meeting exhaust gas recirculation requirements in 2008 and selective catalytic reduction requirements in 2010 — resulting in vehicle breakdowns, costly repairs and downtime for fleets. Adding to these concerns is confusion over exactly which model years are affected by the new requirements, known collectively as Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles — Phase 3. The new standards, which target reductions in nitrogen oxide as well as greenhouse gas, parallel efforts by California and other states to restrict emissions. Fortunately TEL, one of the premier truck leasing providers, has put together a report — Fleet Planning for Stricter Emission Standards — with information and actionable advice that fleet owners and owner operators need now to prepare for the changes. The report clearly explains what the standards are and which model years they target. It provides cost estimates on price increases expected with the new models and discusses the higher maintenance expenses anticipated for electric fleets. Highlights of the report include a handy chart summarizing nine action steps for today’s fleet managers. This includes advice on planning and timing vehicle acquisitions for unit replacement and fleet expansion given how the emission standards could affect new models. It also outlines strategies that, historically, have proven helpful in times of transition for the trucking industry: pre-buying, and leasing. “Pre-buying presents the opportunity to secure a better price point on trucks with proven technology and reliable results while new, unproven technology is tested on the road,” explains John Barber, regional director of business development for TEL. Leasing is another attractive option because it helps owners and operators mitigate risks, given the uncertainties over future models. In fact, many commercial fleets already use leasing — in times of stability as well as uncertainty — to expand their operations without taking on additional capital. Get your free copy of Fleet Planning for Stricter Emission Standards.

SPONSORED BY TRANSPORT ENTERPRISE LEASING (TEL) There’s no question that times are tough right now. While income per load has dropped for many small fleets, the cost of equipment and maintenance continues to rise. On top of that, impending mandates by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regarding emissions standards for new equipment promise higher expenditures than ever before. To help offset these costs, many companies look to equipment lease options — only to discover that rates often fluctuate unexpectedly. Who needs the headache of deciding what to trim out of the company budget when lease rates unexpectedly jump? That’s where the folks at Transport Enterprise Leasing, better known as simply TEL, come in. About 20 years ago TEL set out to find a better way to help smaller private fleets gain access to top quality new equipment. Today, through extensive efforts and leveraging an immense inventory of new equipment, TEL has been able to provide companies access to new equipment and specialized lease financing to leverage their shorter lease terms. Over the years TEL has attracted top talent in the lease and finance industry and implemented a fixed-cost strategy. “Keeping our customers in new equipment helps to significantly cut down on their maintenance and fuel costs,” said Jacob Brazier, Vice President of Fleet Leasing at TEL. TEL also boasts a “No Surprises” lease program for their fleet customers featuring: No Mileage Charges; No Rate Adjustments; No CPI Clauses; and No Variable Charges for the life of the lease. This fixed-price leasing model provides business owners the ability to plan ahead with fixed costs while budgeting for continued growth. Adding their nationwide priority-service maintenance network and discounts on truck parts and labor caps-off what TEL has termed the TEL360 Advantage. For more information on TEL’s Fleet Leasing program call (423)214-3910 or visit TEL360.com.

SPONSORED BY TRANSPORT ENTERPRISE LEASING (TEL) The earth is hotter now than at any other time in recorded history. In fact, average global temperatures reached record levels two days earlier this month — first on July 21 and then again the very next day. What does that mean for the U.S. Cold Chain industry? Experts predict that the industry will grow exponentially over the next eight years. As the world grows warmer, it’s important for cold chain carriers to look at both long-term and short-term goals. In the short term, most companies can’t really afford to have sudden malfunctions of equipment when the goods are in transit. These costs can impact your business with driver down time and equipment repair expense — as well as goods spoilage and missing shipment deliverables. Keeping reefer trailers in top condition and having the latest temperature monitoring systems is crucial to keeping your company out of the hot box. What about the longer-term goals of company growth to match the impending future demand growth? That answer is short and easy: You have to grow your equipment fleet and keep your costs low and structured. How you accomplish both goals at the same time depends in part on what equipment partner you choose. There are a lot of equipment suppliers out there, and they offer buying and leasing solutions with different cost structures. Some go so far as to offer very low upfront cost, but stick you with excessive variable charges, such as reefer hours usage (which will go up in the summer). Most companies are tired of the endless cycle of trying to estimate what those hidden costs will be each month. One company has turned the trailer leasing model on its head by entirely eliminating the hours charges for reefer units and providing units that are CARB Compliant for life as part of the lease. Transport Enterprise Leasing, based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, provides a “No Variable Charges” platform for leasing their trailers. Whether dry vans, reefers or flatbeds, TEL boasts NO Milage Charges as well as NO Tire or Brake Wear Charges. For reefer units they don’t have variable hourly charges either — and they offer remote temperature tracking. Topping it off with a seamless trailer pick-up and return process provides companies with added savings to avoid those petty repair charges. By providing an included Physical Damage Waiver with every trailer leased, TEL goes even further to save their customers money on the Physical Damage portion of their insurance each month. To learn more about TEL Trailer Leasing call 423-214-3910 or visit Tel360.com.

SPONSORED BY TRUCKBASE In today’s highly competitive freight market, asset-based carriers with 10 or more trucks face a multitude of challenges. From managing complex logistics to maintaining strong customer relationships, success hinges on the ability to optimize operations and stay ahead of the competition. As profit margins become increasingly slim, embracing cutting-edge software and technology is no longer a luxury but a necessity for carriers looking to thrive. Enter Truckbase, a pioneering force among trucking management software providers. Designed specifically for carriers with 10 to 100 trucks, Truckbase offers a comprehensive suite of tools that empowers fleet owners to streamline their dispatch processes, enhance efficiency, and unlock new levels of growth. In this in-depth article, we’ll take a closer look at what sets Truckbase apart from the competition and explore its key features and benefits. Additionally, we’ll introduce four alternative trucking dispatch software options, each with its own unique strengths and target market. By carefully considering your fleet’s specific needs, priorities and long-term goals, you’ll be well-equipped to make an informed decision and choose the software solution that best aligns with your business objectives. So, whether you’re a seasoned carrier looking to upgrade your existing system or a growing fleet eager to invest in your first comprehensive trucking management platform, read on to discover how Truckbase and its alternatives can help you navigate the complexities of the freight industry and pave the way for a more profitable, efficient, and successful future. Truckbase: Reimagining Truck Management Software for Growing Fleets Truckbase is a specialized software solution tailored exclusively for asset-based carriers with 10 to 100 trucks. By focusing on this specific segment, Truckbase delivers a feature-rich platform that is easy to learn, implement, and use, setting it apart from competitors that attempt to cater to carriers, shippers and brokers simultaneously. Launched in 2021, Truckbase is built on modern, cloud-based technology, offering a clean and intuitive user experience that streamlines the dispatch process. Its user-friendly design has made it a favorite among dispatchers and drivers, with drivers appreciating the convenience of text-message-based dispatch functionality that allows them to accept loads with a single click, eliminating the need for a separate app. In 2023, Truckbase was honored with Capterra’s coveted awards for Best Ease of Use, Most Recommended, Best Value and Best Customer Support, further solidifying its position as a top contender in the market. Designed to be the go-to software for daily business operations, Truckbase offers a comprehensive suite of tools, from executive-level profitability dashboards to driver settlements and truck tracking integrations with over 30 ELDs. Growing carriers can rely on Truckbase’s trucking dispatch suite as their core operational tool. One of the key factors contributing to Truckbase’s success is its robust EDI capabilities, enabling fleets to connect directly with their most important customers. As many customers increasingly require EDI integration, this feature has become essential for carriers looking to secure and maintain profitable dedicated lanes. With its unwavering commitment to simplifying the dispatch process, user-friendly interface, and seamless integrations, Truckbase has positioned itself as the premier choice for carriers seeking to optimize efficiency and achieve substantial growth in 2024 and beyond. Four Trucking Management Software Alternatives to Consider AscendTMS: An Affordable Entry-Level Solution for Small Fleets AscendTMS, often referred to as “The Free TMS,” presents itself as a budget-friendly option for emerging carriers looking to minimize expenses. While it offers basic functionality to get started with a TMS, AscendTMS may have limited capabilities for growing fleets that require more advanced features. Due to its focus on affordability, the product design may lack the intentionality and user-friendliness found in solutions like Truckbase, which can make it somewhat cumbersome despite being a basic option. TMW Suite: A Comprehensive Solution for Mega Carriers TMW Suite by Trimble, a well-established player in the transportation management sector, is particularly favored by large carriers with fleets ranging from several hundred to thousands of trucks. While TMW Suite offers a comprehensive set of features, its traditional framework may not provide the same level of intuitive navigation as more modern solutions. Additionally, the cost and learning curve associated with TMW Suite are significantly higher compared to newer market entries, making it a more suitable choice for larger enterprises with complex needs and substantial resources. Axon Software: An All-in-One Solution for Carriers Seeking Integrated Accounting For carriers looking for a TMS with a built-in accounting suite, Axon Software offers a compelling solution. Unlike the majority of carriers that rely on QuickBooks Online or QuickBooks Desktop, Axon provides a fully integrated accounting package within its TMS. This can be an attractive option for finance and accounting teams willing to adapt to a new system. However, it’s crucial to weigh the benefits against the potential drawbacks. QuickBooks is the industry standard, with most accounting professionals being well-versed in its use. It’s cost-effective, feature-rich and seamlessly integrates with top-tier modern TMS solutions. Growing fleets must carefully consider whether investing time and resources into training their team on a new accounting system is a worthwhile endeavor, particularly when Axon’s core TMS features (dispatch, driver pay, EDI integrations, truck tracking) may not be as sophisticated as those offered by its competitors. Google Sheets & Excel: Accessible Tools for Launching Your Dispatch Operation For carriers with a small fleet of just a few trucks, looking to get their dispatch operation up and running quickly, Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel can be a surprisingly effective starting point. These ubiquitous, free tools offer a low barrier to entry and can even support fleets of up to 20 trucks before their limitations begin to cause significant issues for customers. While Google Sheets and Excel lack advanced features like text message alerts for drivers, AI-powered load importers, truck tracking capabilities, and integrated financial tools, they provide a simple and accessible foundation for new carriers. These tools allow you to create basic dispatch templates, track loads, and manage essential data without the need for a more complex TMS. As your fleet grows and your needs evolve, you may eventually outgrow these basic tools and require a more robust solution. However, for carriers just starting out, Google Sheets and Excel can be a practical way to get your dispatch operation off the ground and gain valuable experience before investing in a more sophisticated TMS. Conclusion For carriers, the right trucking management software is a critical decision that can significantly impact your fleet’s efficiency, profitability, and growth potential. With a wide array of options available, it’s essential to consider your unique fleet profile, specific needs and long-term goals when making your choice. For mega carriers with 500 or more trucks, comprehensive solutions like TMW or McLeod may be the best fit, offering robust features designed for large-scale operations. If your priority is a fully integrated accounting suite, Axon Software could be a strong contender, provided your team is willing to learn a new system. On the other end of the spectrum, if you’re just starting out with a handful of trucks, Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel can serve as a simple, accessible, and cost-effective way to manage your dispatch operations. These tools can help you lay the groundwork for your business and gain valuable experience before investing in a more advanced TMS. However, as your fleet grows beyond 10 trucks and you begin to attract more sophisticated customers with dedicated lanes and higher expectations, a modern, carrier-focused solution like Truckbase can be a game-changer. With its intuitive interface, powerful features, and seamless integrations, Truckbase empowers growing fleets to scale efficiently, streamline operations, and provide exceptional service to their customers. Ultimately, the right trucking management software for your business will depend on your unique circumstances and aspirations. By carefully evaluating your current needs and future goals, you can make an informed decision that positions your fleet for success.

SPONSORED BY TRANSPORT ENTERPRISE LEASING (TEL) As a business owner, you know the importance of managing costs. Maintenance on your fleet equipment is one the largest expenses your company will incur, but it also directly impacts operations. Many companies opt for a full-service lease option to ensure maintenance is accounted for and to help provide a fixed cost for this planned expense. The problem that many companies quickly realize is that these “full-service” lease options are extremely limiting and have hidden or unrealized added costs. So, what options do you have? First, it is critical to understand the “full” cost of your lease agreement. Second, do your research. There are companies like TEL that are changing the traditional lease model to help companies save money. TEL provides a customizable fair market value lease coupled with their nationwide fleet maintenance service included in the lease. With TEL you don’t pay a monthly “full-service” fee. Instead, you get TEL’s included priority service, a team of maintenance advisors that advocate to get your equipment in and out of the shop at reduced pricing. Also, all of TEL’s leased trucks are new equipment that is covered by the factory warranty. Their priority service gives you access to most all OEM service centers and other national service groups throughout the country. This also gives you the control of when and where you schedule your maintenance. Conversely, when managing a fleet of trucks on a “full-service” lease, you are most often required to service your equipment through a limited network of service centers. Depending on where you operate, this can be a real challenge, so always check to make sure the network aligns with your trucking routes. If you find yourself needing routine service and you only have one service center in a 50- or 100-mile radius, you may experience excessive downtime waiting for your truck(s) to be serviced. Because your truck and everyone else’s trucks are reduced to using this one limited network, then wait times can be excessive — but that is not the end of the woes. Another chief complaint about full-services leases comes when, as an example, you take your unit in for service … and you are suddenly required to replace and pay for a new front bumper due to a crack. Because the service is being performed by the mandated “in-network” service center, that shop is required to fix any and all repairs that might affect the value of the leased asset, regardless of functionality and in excess of DOT minimums. Often, this can result in being required to replace an entire bumper for a simple crack, because most repair facilities don’t have their own body shop. Needless to say, such repairs add to the downtime of the vehicle, and the added expense for parts and labor is not included in your “full-service” lease fee. Going back to companies like TEL, which provides a vast maintenance network and discounts on truck parts and labor costs, you only pay for what is needed to get your equipment back on the road. TEL’s “No Surprises” lease program consists of: No Mileage Charges; No Rate Adjustments; No CPI Clauses; and No Variable Charges for the life of the lease. This fixed-price leasing model provides business owners the ability to plan ahead with fixed costs while budgeting for continued growth. Adding their nationwide priority-service maintenance network and discounts on truck parts and labor caps-off what TEL has termed the TEL360 Advantage. For more information about TEL’s Fleet Leasing program call 423-214-3910 or visit TEL360.com.

SPONSORED BY TRUCKBASE Compressed freight rates, coupled with a surge of owner-operators entering the market during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, carriers face an increasingly tight market. Every edge matters when it comes to winning the highest-paying loads — and then maintaining those customer relationships. As a carrier, the TMS you choose can make or break your business. It can be a force multiplier for growth, or it can create massive disruption and set you back. We have discussed with countless carriers who made fateful decisions that locked them into suites that didn’t fit their needs and created more pain than gain. Inversely, there are countless success stories where the carrier TMS selected made for a stair-step function in the carrier’s operational efficiency, ability to “wow” customers and support growth without requiring commensurate headcount additions. This article is geared toward growing fleet owners who face the critical decision of which software is best for their business, based on their unique business profile, needs, and priorities. Here are several options to consider. Truckbase: #1 Recommended Carrier TMS for 10- to 100-Truck Fleets Truckbase emerged in 2021 as a modern provider looking to offer carriers a more focused alternative to bloated legacy TMS offerings. By solely focusing on small and medium fleets that tend to have dedicated lanes — which often require EDI connections for seamless data flow — Truckbase has been able to deliver an easy-to-use yet robust system that is reasonably priced and well suited for the growing, modern carrier. Most other TMSs serve shippers and brokers as well. By lasering in on one core user group, asset-based carriers, Truckbase’s software suite is far more streamlined and tailored for that audience. As Coleman Broman, vice president at PackageRunner, put it, “Truckbase was the best out of the four options we were considering. They also struck the right mix of feature volume, feature quality, and price for our company. I would pick Truckbase 10/10 times over a system like McLeod.” Package Runner is an OTR fleet based out of Salt Lake City and operates roughly 100 trucks. Truckbase TMS Reviews On the subject of reviews, Truckbase has earned the highest overall rating (4.9 out of 5) among trucking dispatch software and carrier TMS providers on Capterra, the leading software reviews site in the US. Last year, Truckbase also won Capterra’s coveted awards for Best Ease of Use, Most Recommended, Best Value, and Best Customer Support. Truckbase’s TMS serves carriers as its daily system or record and is the software hub through which everything else flows. This includes CEO-level dashboards and reporting, driver settlements and ELD integrations for live fleet tracking — all integrated seamlessly into its core truck dispatch suite. Carriers that tend to reap the most rewards from Truckbase are those that also require EDI connections into their largest customers, which many larger more sophisticated brokers and shippers are increasingly requiring. This provides for seamless data flows, automating billing and invoicing, and the elimination of check calls, so it tends to be advantageous to the carrier in addition to their customers. Truckbase’s focus on simplifying dispatch, combined with an easy-to-use interface and seamless integrations, makes it the top choice for carriers looking to boost efficiency and grow in 2024 and beyond. Carrier TMS Providers: Four Alternatives to Consider 1. McLeod: A feature-rich solution for the largest fleets McLeod offers one of the oldest and largest carrier TMSs in trucking and is particularly favored by large-scale fleets. It’s best if you have several hundred to thousands of trucks — along with a dedicated IT team that can implement, train and teach the system to your organization. Even though it’s a comprehensive offering, it comes with a hefty price tag, has an overwhelming number of modules to choose from and learn, and the usability may leave your team wanting a more modern and clean solution. 2. ITS Dispatch: A cost-effective option for the smallest fleets ITS Dispatch, now a part of the Truckstop family of companies, is designed for fleets with one to five trucks. It tends to have sufficient functionality to grow up to 10 or so trucks, but it starts to break down when you need multiple dispatchers in the system and require more advanced capabilities such as EDI. Like McLeod, ITS is built on a more dated technology stack, which means updates come less frequently and the user experience is dated and cumbersome. 3. Axon Software: For integrated accounting needs For carriers not using QuickBooks and in need of built-in accounting, Axon Software stands out. If your finance team is ready to adapt to a new system, Axon offers a comprehensive solution. However, QuickBooks remains a popular choice among accounting professionals due to its affordability, robust features and compatibility with leading TMS solutions. As your fleet grows, consider whether the transition to a new accounting system is worthwhile, especially if Axon’s core TMS features (dispatch, driver pay, EDI integrations, truck tracking) don’t measure up to competitors. 4. Google Sheets: A ubiquitous free tool to help you get started Google Sheets — or even Excel — is where fleets tend to start out. When your operation is just you and one or two other people, and you want to keep costs at a minimum, this can be a fine place to start. Google Sheets begins to break down when check calls from customers and driver messaging become overwhelming. You begin to require a carrier TMS with built-in dispatching capabilities, driver settlements, live vehicle tracking and a direct tie-in to your accounting system. While we have seen fleets grow to 50 or more trucks on Google Sheet or Excel, that often comes with considerable pain and makes switching to a genuine carrier TMS a more onerous process than doing so early in a carrier’s journey. Conclusion: The right Carrier TMS for you The right carrier TMS comes down to your unique business profile and what you’re solving for. If you are not on QuickBooks and want built-in accounting, Axon may be the ideal solution, even if it’s lacking some of the core dispatching user-friendliness. If you are among the largest fleets, McLeod might be a better choice. If you have 10-100 trucks and want a user-friendly solution that can accommodate your team’s unique requirements from dispatch to KPI dashboards to driver settlements, Truckbase’s TMS is the answer in 2024. Carrier TMS FAQs Question: How do I determine the best carrier TMS for my business? Answer: To find the best carrier TMS, consider your unique business needs, fleet size and budget. Evaluate different options based on their features, ease of use, integration capabilities and customer support. Truckbase is a top choice for fleets with 10-100 trucks seeking a user-friendly and efficient solution. Question: Can Truckbase integrate with my existing systems? Answer: Yes, Truckbase offers seamless integrations with various systems, including ELDs for live fleet tracking and EDI connections for automated billing and invoicing, ensuring smooth data flow and improved operational efficiency. Question: How does Truckbase compare to other carrier TMS providers? Answer: Truckbase is designed for small- to medium-sized fleets (10-100 trucks) and focuses on asset-based carriers. It offers a streamlined, user-friendly interface and robust features at a reasonable price. Truckbase is known for its excellent customer support and high user satisfaction ratings. Question: What are the main features of Truckbase? Answer: Truckbase offers a range of features, including: Simplified Dispatching: User-friendly dispatching tools to improve operational efficiency. CEO-Level Dashboards and Reporting: Comprehensive reporting tools for better decision-making. Driver Settlements: Efficient management of driver payments. ELD Integrations: Live fleet tracking through ELD integrations. EDI Connections: Seamless data flow with automated billing and invoicing. Question: Who is the ideal customer for Truckbase? Answer: Truckbase is ideal for small to medium-sized fleets (10-100 trucks) that need a focused, easy-to-use TMS with robust features and seamless integrations. It’s particularly beneficial for carriers that require EDI connections and aim to enhance their operational efficiency and customer service.

SPONSORED BY TRANSPORT ENTERPRISE LEASING (TEL) It is widely projected that the U.S. Cold Chain industry will grow exponentially over the next eight years. As the summer temperatures heat up across the country, it is important to look at both long-term and short-term goals. In the short term, most companies can’t really afford to have sudden malfunctions of equipment when the goods are in transit. These costs can impact your business with driver down time and equipment repair expense — as well as goods spoilage and missing shipment deliverables. Keeping reefer trailers in top condition and having the latest temperature monitoring systems is crucial to keeping your company out of the hot box. What about the longer-term goals of company growth to match the impending future demand growth? That answer is short and easy: You have to grow your equipment fleet and keep your costs low and structured. How you accomplish both goals at the same time depends in part on what equipment partner you choose. There are a lot of equipment suppliers out there, and they offer buying and leasing solutions with different cost structures. Some go so far as to offer very low upfront cost, but stick you with excessive variable charges, such as reefer hours usage (which will go up in the summer). Most companies are tired of the endless cycle of trying to estimate what those hidden costs will be each month. One company has turned the trailer leasing model on its head by entirely eliminating the hours charges for reefer units and providing units that are CARB Compliant for life as part of the lease. Transport Enterprise Leasing, based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, provides a “No Variable Charges” platform for leasing their trailers. Whether dry vans, reefers or flatbeds, TEL boasts NO Milage Charges as well as NO Tire or Brake Wear Charges. For reefer units they don’t have variable hourly charges either — and they offer remote temperature tracking. Topping it off with a seamless trailer pick-up and return process provides companies with added savings to avoid those petty repair charges. By providing an included Physical Damage Waiver with every trailer leased, TEL goes even further to save their customers money on the Physical Damage portion of their insurance each month. To learn more about TEL Trailer Leasing call 423-214-3910 or visit Tel360.com.