McLeod Software has introduced new versions of its LoadMaster IX and PowerBroker II tools. These V9.2 offerings incorporate more than 100 new features and enhancements.

This biannual release focuses on making information more visible and useful to customers, says McLeod, via the addition of informative screen options, enhanced reporting and greater vendor connectivity. Three additional new offerings will soon be announced in conjunction with the V9.2 release.

Among more than a dozen new LoadMaster reports available with this latest release are four based on the American Trucking Associations (ATA) ‘Establishing Benchmarks’ standards that allow customers to analyze their operations by comparing them in a meaningful and accurate way to carriers that contribute to the ATA standards.

These reports include: tractor miles per day; freight claim ratio; driver turnover rates; and fuel cost per mile.

Another useful new feature for LoadMaster users is a timeline view of the order planning screen that shows current and historical tractor assignments, along with events, messages and PTA (planned time of availability) for each driver. Users can control the time period and amount of data presented and can toggle to the original planning view without leaving the screen. Timeline dispatch can be especially valuable, the maker says, in improving utilization for operations having multiple preassignments for a single tractor.

The new release comprises other enhancements in such areas as EDI, mileage options, mobile communications, fuel surcharge, telemarketing and vendor interfaces.