The Truckstop.com Load Board is software designed to simplify how users find and post loads. With its load board, users get access to vetted users and unlimited truck/lane searching. It also includes that decision tools that gauge negotiation strength with truck-to-load ratio and activity by origin and destination so they can negotiate better rates. The Book It Now–instant load booking with preferred partners is free to carriers who use the Truckstop.com Load Board and available…
It is VERY adept at creating solutions for single or multiple point collection or distribution scenarios. We have multiple customers with large, central DCs that utilize Appian for their regular route rationalization processes. We have had less success when analyzing "touring" fleets where only historical data was available. Without the flexibility to change/select new combinations, the solution quality is diminished.
When I am looking to find a load for our trucks, I would use DAT load board first. I go on Truckstop.com to find loads, just in case there might be a load posted that doesn't appear on the DAT. In my opinion, Truckstop.com has too many windows open when I'm looking for more details on a particular load.
Appian is excellent for use in both the analysis arena and ongoing operations support. The speed to solution and quality of solution is at the top of the market.
The configurability of the system gives the user the flexibility to address almost any route problem imaginable. Analysts have the ability to recreate the "world" to fit their customer's needs rather than forcing the customer into a predetermined framework.
The installation of the software is flexible and can be structured to fit any work group's format, from a centralized core to a distributed mobile analysis team.
Appian products have become an instrumental tool within the company, from a daily tactical standpoint building route plans, to a strategic standpoint in assisting with project analysis. Since the tool is able to interface with many different on-board computer vendors, it is something that could be used by the company long term.
We used to use TruckStops until we switched to Appian Direct Route. I was very happy with TruckStops mainly because it was a simple system that got the job done. There were no integration issues, no errors left and right, no hassle. Appian on the other hand, while it is a nice system, it needs a lot of work. During optimization, mileage is critical and I am afraid Appian fails in this aspect with the lack of proper integration with PC Miler which is industry standard.
