| CURRENT SYSTEM |
COMMENT / REVIEW |
custom built
posted 12-Nov-08
15 drivers |
Our software is one that I wrote. It is Linux based. There are a couple of other companies using it, but I don't make it generally available. |
custom built
posted 14-Nov-08
20 drivers |
I believe just what I have seen that TMW is the best, but there are still some things they can improve on with the intermodal piece of their software. We are still using our own software program and it works fine, but we are looking at buying the TMW program. Some of the programs you mention are very expensive. |
custom built
posted 14-Nov-08
30 drivers |
We had a system installed a few years ago called Maddocks (was bought out by TMW, a couple of years ago, I think) The program was a horror story for Intermodal, and after 6 months I pulled the plug on it and went back to our old program that is no longer supported. Fortunately for me, the guy who developed it is also my IT guy now, so he keeps it running for us. I was approached by TMW after the takeover, had a few phone calls from them and promises to look into the problem, then nothing (just like Maddocks). So I don’t need to tell you what I think of their customer service I have looked at a couple of systems and Profit Tools looks to be the best for Intermodal. They have been chasing me for years and I know them quite well. When I bought our system it came down to a decision between Maddocks & Profit Tools, and I made the wrong one. Pricing wise, Profit Tools looks to be the best value for the money. |
custom built
posted 14-Nov-08
30 drivers |
I am still working with my custom made program. But realistically, am going to have to get a new system soon. It would facilitate a lot of POD requests, etc. I have seen Trinium. That system looks pretty good. And I just requested info on Profit Tools, I still need to look at that one. |
custom built
posted 14-Nov-08
11 drivers |
Honestly, I have never used any of the software you listed below. Our software was created in house. The person who created it is actually looking for other companies to sell it to. It is so easy and everyone here in my office loves it. It is very user friendly. |
custom built
posted 14-Nov-08
53 drivers |
We are still using our custom program. However, it is a little outdated and is currently being rewritten to reflect some of the changes that have occured in the industry and in our operations. We are very happy with what we have, and are excited about the new system once its finished. I can't really speak to the off the shelf products. I'm not familar with many of them. We feel like the price to have it redone is very fair for everything it will do including trailer tracking and storage/ per diem issues. Since we are so diverse handling intermodal domestic, international, and also OTR with our own equipment, the off the shelf programs we did look at all lacked something in one area or another. |
custom built
posted 14-Nov-08
55 drivers |
Hard to answer. We built our own systems (starting in 1981) which, in our opinion, remain the best for our purposes. We're always on the cutting edge on IT so using a canned system would be going backward for us. We are familiar with Trinium which seems to offer a good product and is well supported. |
custom built
posted 14-Nov-08
30 drivers |
We write our own software.I have seen Profit Tools and it seems like it does a good job. Not sure how pricey it is. |
custom built
posted 14-Nov-08
(no driver count) |
We have very little esteem for TMW. Trinium we have investigated. We have our own software that we have taken years to develop. It is Unix based. Last time we checked, TMW was AS-400 based. Our software is the most comprehensive enterprise system available, but because of that, it can be complicated for the user. As far as customer service, it has tools that allow for nearly unlimited automated communication of load status, electronic invoicing, etc., either by e-mail or edi. In time, this customer service advantage will allow us to grow without limits from the software. |
custom built
posted 14-Nov-08
85 drivers |
We use custom software. I can't comment on anyone
else's store bought stuff. |
custom built
posted 14-Nov-08
50 drivers |
We do not use any of those systems….we had a programmer develop our own program as trucking is just part of our business. We looked at several different ones years ago but none could do all that we wanted. So, we had one made that meets our own needs. |
custom built
posted 14-Nov-08
20 drivers |
Our dispatch software is specifically designed for our company and it works great. |
custom built
posted 14-Nov-08
60 drivers |
We built our own system and I’m not familiar with others. Our system is paid for and we continue to make it better and easier all the time. |
custom built
posted 14-Nov-08
60 drivers |
We currently have our own system that was designed for us. It does not have all the capability of the Profit Tools program but it also was 1/5th the cost. I looked at their software a few years ago and I felt it was too pricey. Our current dispatchers have 10-20 years experience in the industry and feel there is no need to have an expensive program to aid them in dispatch. Although those who use Profit Tools swear by it. |
custom built
posted 14-Nov-08
9 drivers |
We designed a system on our own that we are happy with. We have not purchased any of the below mentioned systems |
custom built
posted 14-Nov-08
15 drivers |
Our software was customized just for us. We did look into Profit Tolls but at the end it worked out to be too expensive. |
custom built
posted 14-Nov-08
30 drivers |
Not sure what you are looking for, but don’t have enough knowledge to speak of other dispatch software packages.I have heard the names, but don’t know anybody who has used them to be able to speak of them either.Our dispatch software is/was made specific for us. Works well for city & road intermodal dispatch. It works for rail & truck brokerage – but not as well as some may desire.Overall – accomplishes desired task.We were first customer of the company who wrote our program – I think does a fair job in responding to our needs – not always as quickly as desired, but fair. Any self-made software packages in today’s environment isn’t cheap, but is a far cry over the manual system(s) used prior to having package written. |
custom built
posted 24-Nov-08
10 drivers |
We use a modified version on Microsoft Access. We tried Profit Tools a while ago, but gave up on it. It required constant updating and seemed way too cumbersome.
Most companies use a T Card board, which also requires constant updating, as well as dispatchers wandering back in forth in front of a huge board. Our system allows us to do all our dispatching from our desks.
I have yet to see a true software application for dispatch. I know of several people who have invested in systems but eventually gave up on them. The two greatest needs are simplicity and effectiveness, and unfortunately they are always cumbersome in order to be effective. |
custom built
posted 3-Dec-08
6 drivers |
Yes, we still you computerized T-cards. www.teecards.com
Although it’s not like the other programs because it is not made specifically FOR intermodal drayage, we have learned to utilize it very well.
It’s about $200 a year, which is a lot cheaper than those other software programs.
Their advantage is they have a system to keep of dropped trailers, and such, as we have to do that manually.
For a small company like ours, it all came down to price. |
custom built
posted 3-Dec-08
39 drivers |
We have tried a few "canned systems" a few years back and were not happy so 12 years ago we hired an IS person to learn about us and build a system around what we want for our customer base.
We are very pleased with it. |
custom built
posted 5-Dec-08
15 drivers |
We have designed our own in-house system, as we couldn’t really find one out there that worked for us.
It has been an adventure – and an expensive one – but it is getting there.
We might even be able to see it one day. |
custom built
posted 5-Dec-08
16 drivers |
We are using a system we have had in place for over
20 years for both dispatching, billing, and accounting.
Haven't made a change to it because it is so simple and
easy to learn and I haven't wanted to spend the time and
money to convert to another system. We pay $60 a month
on support fees and the original program cost approx $6,000.
I don't know if it is still available for purchase and installation
as the original company was bought out and the new company wanted to sell a different system, much more expensive to purchase and maintain. |
the Intermodal Association of North America
the Transportation Intermediaries Association
