project44 rolls out upgrades to its Network Management Center offering

Chicago-based project44, a technology services provider offering standardized, secure Web service API (application programming interfaces) integrations enabling 3PLs and shippers to connect with carriers in real time, announced today it has rolled out various upgrades to its Network Management Center (NMC) offering.

The NMC, which project44 officials said is the sole application in the logistics sector that can fully automate the North American and European truckload carrier onboarding process, was initially launched in 2017 in Europe and has been available for U.S.-based customers since late 2019.

The company explained that, with this release, the NMC’s new capabilities “enable shippers, logistics service providers (LSPs), and carriers to increase their agility during periods of uncertainty when fast time to value is critical. In addition to increasing the ways shippers and LSPs can connect to carriers, the application provides carriers with instant access to project44’s global customer base. As a result, all participants in the transportation ecosystem can operate more efficiently and streamline the data sharing.”

Tommy Barnes, Head of Global Network Partnerships at project44, said a main driver for the new NMC upgrades stem from the company’s longstanding focus on the foundation of advanced visibility, which is the network, and includes connections to more than 760 ELD (Electronic Logging Devices)/telematics providers in more than 48 countries, and connections to 4.33 million drivers, 3.55 million trucks, and 800,000 fleets. And he added that approximately 18,000 North American truckload carriers are consistently tracking over 90% compliance.

“Frictionless collaboration, network breadth and depth along with actionable insights have become even more critical during this time of uncertainty,” said Barnes. “With rapid and automated carrier onboarding, we are able to provide shippers and LSPs with a global and multimodal network, while also helping carriers find new business and gain efficiencies as they interact with their customers.  As a result, all participants in the transportation ecosystem demonstrate increased productivity and resilience – even in the face of disruptions.”

Barnes explained that a large and extensive carrier network and global multimodal optionality are critical in times of uncertainty, pointing to how the NMC enables rapid carrier onboarding, resulting in improved visibility coverage and greater operational efficiency.

“One of the reasons is that we recently introduced the industry’s only service level agreement for carrier onboarding, which guarantees that 90% of a shipper’s contracted truckload carriers in North America and Europe will be live within 30 days of starting implementation. By eliminating cumbersome manual processes, the NMC allows to onboard carrier networks quickly and efficiently, as well as sourcing new carriers to replace those who are not being in compliance.  The new enhancements allow customers to view all of their carriers in the NMC regardless of how they connect to project44’s network. As a result, shippers are well equipped to remain agile and counteract unfavorable operating conditions. LSPs are able to continue delivering higher service levels while controlling costs.”