Texas firm PCS Software has released Prime Express, an AI-driven transportation management system (TMS) that matches loads, assets and drivers within networks across supply chains.

Prime Express represents a departure from the traditional TMS model. Numerous vendors already develop TMS for individual sectors of the transportation and logistics industry. PCS took a holistic approach and developed the single, unified web-based platform that automates load planning and dispatch for shippers and carriers.

The initial release is delivered as a web portal that is accessible within PCS users’ existing TMS platforms. The platform leverages the power of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to provide immediate and direct benefits not offered by traditional TMS.

Prime Express gives users instant and optimal driver-load matching decisions and delivers recommendations through a modern user interface. With one click, users can execute the recommendations through integration with their TMS dispatch functions.

“Change is the only constant in the fast-moving transportation and logistics industry,” said Paul Beavers, chief technology officer of PCS. “In the current inflationary environment, companies need higher levels of automation and visibility to succeed. The release of Prime Express comes at the perfect time. With access to powerful load and driver optimisation technology in a single, easy-to-use platform, shippers and carriers of all sizes will be able to increase efficiency and sharpen their competitive edge.”

The AI-driven functionality matches available loads, lorries and drivers based on user-defined parameters. The automation creates optimal routes that reduce deadhead mileage and increase network savings and profitability.

For daily operations, it reduces time-consuming tasks and increases the return on human capital for companies. With the workflow, users select the equipment, drivers and loads or shipments they want to optimise; reduce errors and rework by using AI to solve complex problems; and accept recommendations to automate the load planning and dispatch process.

Prime Express finds the optimal combination of drivers and loads by accounting for a range of variables that includes current locations of assets, drivers’ available hours-of-service, equipment types and more. The optimised results can be created for loads that need to move today, tomorrow or even weeks or months in advance.

Prime Express is available for PCS Shipper and Carrier TMS customers.

PCS is an AI-driven transportation management platform firm for mid-to-large sized enterprise shippers, carriers and brokers in the USA and Canada. Cloud-based, API-integrated, it automates the entire transportation logistics operation. Accessible via the web or the companion mobile app, the platform delivers functionality to manage rate and route optimisation, mode selection, dispatch and tendering, carrier and fleet management, safety and compliance, freight yard management, settlement and accounting, and more.