What is the best Software for Freight Brokers?

I have been shopping around for freight broker software, and im curious as to what people in the business recommend or think is the best software.

Dark Horse in Kansas City, Missouri said: I have been shopping around for freight broker software, and im curious as to what people in the business recommend or think is the best software.

For a small broker starting out check out load pilot, it will do all you need and works with quick books, I personally do not use it as we do 20 mil a year and are domestic and international freight forwards who handles mostly ltl and have larger needs however for someone starting out I do not think I have ever seen a broker program more user friendly.

You can also check out ITS-dispatch at its-dispatch.com. We use it for our business and it's great. It's web based so we can access it from anywhere and they just added a new component for multiple offices. It's pretty cost effective as well at around $65.00 a month with nothing needed up front other than the first paymnet. We were set up and using it within an hour and we move over 250 loads a week with it.

We use ALJEX software and although you never own the software they make constant upgrades providing you top of the line sftware at all times.

You have to take a look at the software package being offered by Solvere Logistics (www.solverelogistics.com). I've been in this industry for 17 years and it's the most comprehensive Logistics Software package that I have ever seen.

I really would not recommend solvere logistics. Be forewarned.

Ben Ward in Houston, Texas said: We use ALJEX software and although you never own the software they make constant upgrades providing you top of the line sftware at all times.

It is not very economically feasible to pay for something forever. I would purchase a client/server model. Although cheap, web-based solutions are only temporary.

I like prophecy. It cost money but it rocks.

js9033 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania said: I really would not recommend solvere logistics. Be forewarned.

Always look for a red flag. Can you be more specific?

We train our students at the American Broker Academy using LoadPilot software. Take it from me, we have done an enormous amount of research and testing and it is hands-down, the easiest to learn and the best for brokerages running small to mid-sized operations. It also offers capabilities the others just don't have and the price is unbeatable.

I just finished Load Pilot's free test drive. Granted there are a few things I wish where a little different, but over all I was really impressed. It even let me send my loads out to a bunch of different load boards with just a click. I also liked that it faxes out all your invoices and rate quotes. Think I might join....

are there any non web-based softwares for freight brokers. I was going to build my own Access application with an excel interface, but if something is already out there for a good price, I would rather use that.
Thanx

Opps....

try this link www.tailwindsys.com

what is the consequences for a broker illegally brokering loads when the license has been revoked by FMSCA

Hey Scott, what is the main difference between the LITE and the regular one. I can't see any info online for the Lite.. so just curious before i call them and they start "hounding" me lol..

Thanks

Scott in Kewanee in Wadsworth, Ohio said: Dr.Dispatch Lite - Cost like $300. It is not offered on the website, you have to contact them to get it. Good program.

Hey Scott, what is the main difference between the LITE and the regular one. I can't see any info online for the Lite.. so just curious before i call them and they start "hounding" me lol..

Thanks

recruiting@gmail.com in Ridgewood, New Jersey said: For a small broker starting out check out load pilot, it will do all you need and works with quick books, I personally do not use it as we do 20 mil a year and are domestic and international freight forwards who handles mostly ltl and have larger needs however for someone starting out I do not think I have ever seen a broker program more user friendly.

Don't waste e penny on load pilot. I use it before , now I end up using excel sheets for now and I am better of load pilot is a joke is not a software. I can't believe somebody can write this . You suppose to help the people with your postings.

and yes, tailwinds is good too...

good information

Gentlemen, I am thinking about starting brokerage operations because I got a few own trucks, where am I supposed to look for loads? Can anyone give me an advise where to look for them? What boards are popular, which of them are most effective (and probably cost efficient)? Please, advise.

Steve in Aurora, Illinois said: Don't waste e penny on load pilot. I use it before , now I end up using excel sheets for now and I am better of load pilot is a joke is not a software. I can't believe somebody can write this . You suppose to help the people with your postings.

Hello All!
This is a transition for me from Finance to Logistics and looks like every company out there are looking for experienced candidates. Any suggestions, How I can get started in logistics as a freight broker? anyone??

Thank you in advance

At Diamond, we have used both Load Pilot and ITS; in the end, the theory I found that works well is that your system should serve your business versus your business serving the system. What I mean by this is that often we tailor our practices to the capabilities, strengths, and weaknesses of the software. Which is a sure way to make sure you operate like every other company out there, with nothing to distinguish yourself from the crowd. The greatest shortcoming of any logistics software is the lack of an emphasis on freight sales. Most focus exclusively on the actual transaction and nothing for the harder part, which is the contact management, notes, follow-ups, etc - getting the business. In the end we just paid a web-based software wiz to develop a custom platform for us that matches the way we do business with an elaborate customer service management component. Honestly, it cost us less than a couple of years' subscription to these others.

I've seen virtually all the TMS systems today. Each application has their pros and cons. As with factoring, smoke and mirrors are abundant. Make sure you don't end up with a legacy development platform or you will certainly run into speed, data integrity, and expandability issues. Flat file databases are vastly underpowered as your data piles up. A word of advice is demand to see a demo set with a few million dispatch and billing transactions with at least ten workstations sending and retrieving data. This is the best way to find out if you are purchasing underpowerd technology. If you start getting dodgy answers you can be sure you've stepped right in the middle of of smoke and mirrors. There is no middle ground here. Request to see the features you need during your demos and have a list at the ready before getting on the telecon. If the rep cannot produce answers on the spot, nine times out of ten there is a gap in the feature set. Remember that sales reps are ready to spin, spin, spin the facts. A common tactic is to overwhelm the prospect with a very large feature set that couldn't possibly be covered in a two or three short demos. Don't be wowed by this - it generally means the software and personality is lacking.

Also, do NOT fall for the "we are planning on building this feature pitch". This is vapor-ware plain and simple. Your company wants to grow and there are many litmus tests available during the demo phase before a $10,000, 20,000, 50,000, 100,000+ dollar outlay while throwing your company into implementation chaos.

If you need help evaluating a TMS, shoot me an email or post a reply on this board. I'd be happy to discuss ways you can avoid wasting valuable company time, money, and most importantly profits. Having personally implemented several hundred small to multi-site fully integrated TMS systems it would be my pleasure to help you avoid these unfortunately all to often pit falls.

Ben Ward in Houston, Texas said: We use ALJEX software and although you never own the software they make constant upgrades providing you top of the line sftware at all times.

How is the Ajax software working out for you guys? I am curently using ITS dispatch software and it seems to be a pretty good deal. I have used it to keep track of my cargo van drivers and some of the loads that theu have done for various other trucking companies. However I have not used it for my brokering operation (as my brokering operation has had zero customers in the past 2 months). I did recently receive an invitation to become a broker/agent for a larger outfit and they are using the Ajax system and i'm just wondering if it is better than the ITS software that I am currently using. Any advice on this matter would be greatly appreciated.

Ron Smith in Midland, Ontario said: You can also check out ITS-dispatch at its-dispatch.com . We use it for our business and it's great. It's web based so we can access it from anywhere and they just added a new component for multiple offices. It's pretty cost effective as well at around $65.00 a month with nothing needed up front other than the first paymnet. We were set up and using it within an hour and we move over 250 loads a week with it.

This is a good deal man, but there is only onw drawback that i've found with the ITS dispatch software. It can only be used to automatically post loads to the ITS truck stop load board. I don't know how to make it post to 123 load board or Getloaded.com simeltaneously. I might be mistaken but it seems like you cannot use this software to post on multiple load boards. Other then that I see no problem with the board, and for the price it's simply unbeatable.

Transcore has the best system. Run far away from Infinity Software's Broker Plus/Pro. A great many have made the mistake of purchasing it while referring to this homegrown program as "Broken Plus." You can even drop 10K to add-on "Broken Fax!!!" Do yourself a favor and buy a real TMS like McLeod Software or Transcore.

Also, watch out for programs with a QuickBooks interface. Just because many people use QuickBooks doesn't mean it's the best solution for a growing freight broker. Ask yourself, "Are you buying a serious TMS or a homegrown dispatch interface that is basically worthless without Intuit's QuickBooks?"

G Blomgren in Fresno, California said: At Diamond, we have used both Load Pilot and ITS; in the end, the theory I found that works well is that your system should serve your business versus your business serving the system. What I mean by this is that often we tailor our practices to the capabilities, strengths, and weaknesses of the software. Which is a sure way to make sure you operate like every other company out there, with nothing to distinguish yourself from the crowd. The greatest shortcoming of any logistics software is the lack of an emphasis on freight sales. Most focus exclusively on the actual transaction and nothing for the harder part, which is the contact management, notes, follow-ups, etc - getting the business. In the end we just paid a web-based software wiz to develop a custom platform for us that matches the way we do business with an elaborate customer service management component. Honestly, it cost us less than a couple of years' subscription to these others.

How would I go about finding someone to custom build our company web based brokerage software? I would prefer a developer with experience in the industry.

I would look at ArcFreight from Arcline (2000) Inc. www.arcline2000.com designed specifically for freight brokers, posts accounting to Quickbooks, Peachtree, Simply, Accpac and multiple load boards.

garrettgm in New Orleans, Louisiana said: How would I go about finding someone to custom build our company web based brokerage software? I would prefer a developer with experience in the industry.

I do software consulting for the transportation industry. I might be able to help you to building your own software. Please e-mail me if you are need help on this. henry.sheldon@gmail.com

Garrett,

Is there a particular reason you're looking for web-based over a server/workstation install? There are numerous downfalls to web-based systems. If you'd like, feel free to contact us and I'd be happy to demo the software for you and answer any questions you might have.

Chris @ Arcline (2000) Inc.

Arcline in Innisfil, Ontario said: Garrett,

Is there a particular reason you're looking for web-based over a server/workstation install? There are numerous downfalls to web-based systems. If you'd like, feel free to contact us and I'd be happy to demo the software for you and answer any questions you might have.

Chris @ Arcline (2000) Inc.

Chris, email me at garrettgist@gmail.com...

Arcline in Innisfil, Ontario said: Garrett,

Is there a particular reason you're looking for web-based over a server/workstation install? There are numerous downfalls to web-based systems. If you'd like, feel free to contact us and I'd be happy to demo the software for you and answer any questions you might have.

Chris @ Arcline (2000) Inc.

Chris,

Email me at garrettgist@gmail.com when you can.

Thanks.