Trucking Software Key Terms

Use trucking software key terms to identify areas of management for optimal performance
By Christine Pollock Knowing trucking software key terms gives you insight to use programs to their best advantage. Understanding these terms also helps you manipulate data and achieve results that benefit your company. Trucking software addresses different areas and needs from tracking shipments to monitoring payments. When you know trucking software key terms, you can look for software that specifically addresses your areas of interest. If you plan to hire a programmer for unique programming specifications, understanding the key terms helps you communicate the areas you wish to target for record keeping.
 

Bill of lading

This is the term for any paperwork that a shipper gives to a driver detailing information about a product such as what it is, where the product came from and the product's destination. It also offers information on the trucking company, or carrier, to indicate how much the product weighs, and it contains an authorization signature for freight movement.
Try: Inphinet Interactive Communications offers software options that include areas such as bill of lading. It describes the term and how to work with it in software.

Fleet tracking

Fleet tracking, also called truck tracking, is a team-up of software and hardware using technology installed on vehicles to pinpoint location within a distance of a few meters. The systems generally incorporate alerts and reports for unusual activity.
Try: Go to TrackWhatMatters to discover the benefits of fleet tracking. It offers a paragraph on its website dedicated to extolling the benefits of fleet tracking via GPS.

Dispatch

Software programs monitor each dispatch, which means it tracks each transportation of a product towards a designated end destination.
Try: BOLT addresses the changes in dispatch software usage and offers the latest technology in the business. You can view the features of its dispatch program at its website.

Accounts receivable

The term accounts receivable, also known in trucking software as A/R, refers to records of money owed to a company for products or services rendered.
Try: Computac offers accounts receivables functions as part of its basic package. It provides an example of it A/R module on its website.

Accounts payable

Trucking software also keeps track of accounts payable, also known as A/P. This refers to debts for purchases or services in an open account.
Try: The Great Information Factory offers information on its accounts payable program, which handles activities such as invoicing and reporting and automatic check writing. The site details other tasks its A/P program handles in addition to these basic activities.

Routing

One critical component of trucking software is its ability to track routing, which is a specific path from starting point to a destination.
Try: PSDC demonstrates ways it maximizes costs in routing with its software, which also monitors fuel purchase and mileage tracking.