McLeod Software announced new software integrations with its PowerBroker and LoadMaster fleet management platforms at the company’s Software User Conference in McLeod's headquarters city of Birmingham, Alabama.

Rand McNally announced that its fleet management platform Rand McNally DriverConnect will be integrated with LoadMaster, allowing customers to use data from a DriverConnect-enabled device. This includes devices such as the ELD 50 and DC 200 devices, allowing users to manage their fleets' flow of activities and action needed to be taken easily through the LoadMaster platform. 

This new integration that is under-development is designed to drive efficiencies on the back-end as well as reduce communication during the day so that the driver can focus on the task at hand.

Customers will be able to integrate the following key features with McLeod’s LoadMaster platform:

• View vehicle positions so that fleet managers can better understand what’s happening out on the roads

• Capture HOS data to reduce the need for paper logs while helping fleets streamline operations and avoid costly CSA violations

• Send and receive text-based messages that help streamline fleet-to-driver communication

• Transmit forms and work flow through a cloud-based platform to simplify the interaction between a dispatcher and driver

• Review Login and Logout events to ensure drivers are completing loads in a timely manner, while not violating any federal hours of service laws

Also announced was an integration between the Samsara sensor data platform and LoadMaster. The partnership allows carriers to use Samsara’s fleet technology platform and McLeod LoadMaster to access critical information needed for dispatch operations.

Specifically, HOS records and real-time vehicle locations from Samsara’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration-certified ELD will be accessible within the McLeod dashboard. With centralized access to driver logs and real-time vehicle locations, carriers will be able to quickly match loads to available drivers, monitor dispatch progress in real time, and analyze historical data to improve route performance.

"Samsara’s integration with McLeod is part of our commitment to empowering fleets with more accessible and actionable insights,” said Rushil Goel, vice president of product at Samsara. “We are excited to continue working with our industry partners, including McLeod, to help fleets improve the safety, quality, and efficiency of their operations.”

Fleet management and compliance solutions company Coretex announced an update to existing integration between McLeod Software’s LoadMaster and its Coretex platform.

The FDA Food Safety Modernization Act is transforming the nation’s food safety system by shifting the focus from responding to foodborne illness to preventing it, according to McLeod. FMSA has a major influence on every aspect of the cold chain. A receiver must, by law, reject a load if they are not confident that the delivery has been kept within defined temperature parameters. 

“Refrigerated transportation is a big part of our customers’ business and being able to control the behavior of the reefer remotely and ensure their loads stay within defined temperature bands is very exciting, said Robert Brothers, manager of product development for McLeod Software. “With the cost of lost or rejected loads only to increase, having the ability to remotely intervene without leaving LoadMaster is critical.”

Lastly, Truckstop.com announced a direct integration of its LoadPay payment platform with McLeod PowerBroker.

The integration solves the payment portion of McLeod’s goal to deliver an end-to-end solution. LoadPay can increase back-office efficiencies and provide simplified payment reconciliation. The integration also allows for increased visibility and control on the broker’s side, and quick payment options for the carrier. This can improve carrier retention and capacity generation while creating a new source of revenue for brokers and shippers, according to Truckstop.com

“McLeod is pleased to deepen its partnership with Truckstop.com through integration with LoadPay,” says Robert Brothers, Manager of Product Development for McLeod. “Our goal is to provide our customers with everything they need to keep their business running in an efficient and profitable manner. LoadPay aligns with that goal with their ambition to wipe out payment inefficiencies in the transportation industry.”