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PCS extends AI for fleetwide dispatch optimization
Cortex optimizes loads, drivers, routes and backhaul opportunities across entire fleets
The system enables motor carriers to plan as far as 30 days in advance and continuously recalculates when operating conditions change. (PCS Software)
Key Takeaways:
- PCS Software expanded its Cortex platform Sept. 22 to continuously optimize fleetwide dispatching for truckload and less-than-truckload operations.
- Cortex plans up to 30 days ahead, matching loads and drivers while accounting for schedules, equipment, hours-of-service limits and home time.
- PCS also launched Advantage, offering active customers discounts on fuel, lodging and driver recruiting services through aggregated purchasing power.
Trucking technology supplier PCS Software has broadened its artificial intelligence capabilities to continuously optimize dispatching decisions across an entire fleet operation.
The transportation management system provider said its AI-enabled Cortex platform can now cover the full scope of freight planning, from selecting the best loads to building and updating driver assignments, multistop routes and backhaul opportunities for both truckload and less-than-truckload operations.
Rather than optimizing on a load-by-load basis, the platform simultaneously evaluates open loads against available drivers across the whole fleet while considering factors such as driver hours-of-service limitations, home-time commitments, schedules and equipment availability.
The system enables motor carriers to plan as far as 30 days in advance and continuously recalculates when operating conditions change, the company said in a Sept. 22 announcement.
“The best dispatchers have always thought about the whole picture — not just the next load, but the best chain of loads with the best driver on the best route. Cortex makes that kind of strategic planning available to every dispatcher on the team, in real time, and with the multitude of considerations that can only be handled with the help of AI,” said Mark Hill, CEO of PCS Software.
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Hill
In a separate announcement, the software provider launched PCS Advantage, a benefits program that aggregates the purchasing power of its customer base to secure discounted services for carriers.
The program debuts with fuel savings, reduced hotel lodging rates and discounts on driver recruiting services available to active PCS customers.
PCS said the program gives small and mid-sized carriers access to discounts that typically are only available to larger enterprises with greater buying power.
“Fuel, lodging, driver recruiting — these are costs that hit every fleet, every month, regardless of size. We’ve negotiated better rates on all three and we’re passing every dollar of that back to our customers,” said Jason Douglass, vice president of community and engagement at PCS.
