KINGSTON, Ont. — SLH Transport is upgrading the way it tracks costs by doing away with spreadsheets and incorporating Transportation Costing Group’s (TCG) profitability management tools.

The trucking firm is using TCG’s Truckload Cost Information System, which: identifies billing and location codes; provides cost analysis capabilities for intercity, over-the-road and logistics services; analyzes costs for multiple-dispatch, specialized over-length and triple trailer service; analyzes costs of operating in specific regions; and tracks wages.

“In the past, we used spreadsheets to track and analyze cost data,” said Brent Fowler, controller at SLH. “When we began looking for a better solution we found it in the TL/CIS software from TCG. For an operation as unique as ours we needed a supplier that was willing and able to provide extreme levels of data vetting support. TCG has done that for us without fail and continues to provide the superb support that we need.”

SLH relies on Innovative Computing Corporation’s (ICC) Innovative Enterprise Software to handle dispatch, operations, accounting, finance, billing and other administrative functions, so TCG worked alongside ICC to integrate the two programs.

“The excellent support we receive from TCG has included the IES interface, the development of a series of unique and important solutions, and a willingness and ability to address any integration, implementation and operational issues that have arisen quickly and effectively,” Fowler said. “The fact that everyone at TCG is involved and engaged in the process on our behalf is very impressive.”

He added: “Our focus is really not any different than that of any other carrier. This is a low margin business in a tight market so we need to be able to fully understand and analyze our costs. Our old analysis tools won’t work in this environment. Without a solution like TL/CIS it would be much more difficult to identify opportunities for improvement.”