The expansion of an in-cab safety alert system, a new AI platform for logistics companies and more

00:00 This week’s CCJ Tech Shorts highlights a new AI platform for logistics companies, BeyondTrucks’ new integration and the expansion of an in-cab safety alert system.

00:23 Vooma, an AI platform designed for freight brokers and carriers of all sizes, will soon launch a new platform and a new product following a recent funding round.

Vooma Agents is the company’s new multi-channel AI platform that helps logistics companies build autonomous agents with freight expertise that can execute complex workflows across email, voice and text. Vooma Agents are built in natural language, can capture the nuance of the tribal knowledge needed in freight, can communicate across all channels, including email, text or calls, and can be dispatched to execute tasks like scheduling, track n’ trace, covering loads and POD retrieval.

In a blog post, Vooma’s founders said they believe, in the future, logistics professionals will be responsible for building and managing swarms of agents that execute tasks on their behalf, synthesise data from all sources in real time, and help them improve their decision making.

With Vooma Agents, logistics companies will be able to scale faster and operate at dramatically higher loads-per-person, and their teams will have more headspace to think strategically, build deep relationships and proactively problem solve.

Vooma Voice is the newest capability on the Vooma Agents platform, enabling Vooma Agents to make and receive calls as a standalone voice agent or as part of a multi-channel workflow. Brokers and carriers can offload workflows like inbound load bookings, appointment scheduling and check calls with Vooma Voice.

01:50 BeyondTrucks has embedded electronic data interchange platform Orderful in its multi-tenant software-as-a-service transportation management system.

In the BeyondTrucks TMS, Orderful builds EDI connections between shippers and carriers by converting EDI data via an API, providing users with real-time data synchronization, instant visibility, automated compliance checks and intuitive error handling. BeyondTrucks can use the Orderful platform to manage EDI transactions, eliminating the need for custom integration into BeyondTrucks with every partner.

BeyondTrucks is also offering its fleet customers access to the Orderful portal for visibility into EDI data from shippers. The optional capability provides an interface where fleets can see when shippers make changes to load information but don’t communicate them or they are not passed through to the TMS. The carrier can then respond manually to avoid loads being missed or the shipper being poorly serviced.

02:47 Drivewyze has expanded its Smart Roadways service with in-cab virtual alerts for those driving through California, Michigan and Nevada. With this expansion, 20 states now use the service, which provides state safety and enforcement messaging directly to commercial truck drivers.

Virtual messaging and traffic slowdown alerts are offered to the entire trucking industry free of charge through Drivewyze Free. This allows fleets and drivers – using telematics devices, smartphones or tablets – to receive an essential set of in-cab safety alerts and advisories in advance of potentially risky areas on the roadway.

Nevada, for example, will use this service to provide targeted notifications for snowstorms, chain controls and high wind advisories, particularly in areas like Reno, Carson City, and Tahoe, to keep drivers informed during harsh conditions.

Nevada Highway Patrol Lieutenant Tappan Cornmesser said, “Virtual alerts will help drivers navigate diverse terrain and challenging driving conditions. Coupled with our position as a major transportation corridor, initiatives like this are essential. With increased truck traffic and vital interstates running coast-to-coast, these real-time in-cab messages will help prevent crashes and improve safety for all drivers.”