Navigating Load-to-Capacity Matching Challenges with AI

In the US, the cost of trucking per mile has jumped 34% since 2021, while in the EU, empty vehicles performed one-fifth of road freight journeys in 2022. This untapped revenue has led carriers to turn to load-matching methods to get the best value from their fleet and make their supply chains more productive.

Load matching in logistics is a strategic way to match carriers to loads, accounting for factors such as perishables, delicate items, heavy goods, and dangerous loads — you can’t send a standard trailer to load petrol, for example.

Aside from sourcing the right vehicle and trailer type for the load, logistics professionals must also bear in mind the route. Considering vehicle height, tires, load packaging, and CO2 emissions when it comes to long detours, low tunnels, and rough terrain. What’s more, there are all types of constraints like driver’s license for transporting dangerous goods, the working time the driver still has, and working hours of the loading/unloading locations.

Along with the headache of filtering these parameters, manual bookings can sometimes get lost in the chaos of day-to-day operations. In addition, if loads aren’t organized effectively, this could result in unloading taking longer, increasing labor and equipment costs. 

This is where automating bookings based on each parameter with AI-powered load and capacity matching in logistics comes into play. 

How Load-to-Capacity Matching Works

Load matching software uses algorithms that allow carriers to plan capacity for future potential loads based on the historical data and data from freight exchange platforms. It allows trucking companies to manage uncovered loads in real-time with aggregated carrier capacity based on factors such as lane, type of load, weight, etc. 

It uses real-world data, including customer load transactions and truck GPS data, to automate matches instantaneously as bookings come through. 

With route, destination, and capacity information at their fingertips, carriers can use load matching in logistics to help with route planning, load planning, and loading and unloading. The AI tool also helps carriers find information, such as available vehicles and average route lengths. 

Key Capabilities:

• Grouping loads – Reviewing destinations that are on the way or in the same areas.
• Assessing vehicle-route alignment – Accounting for vehicle height for low bridges or tunneled routes.
• Alerting special load requirements – Considering vehicle type and packaging for delicate loads on bumpy roads, temperature-sensitive loads and vehicle weight limits.

The Benefits of Load-to-Capacity Matching in Logistics 

The logistics industry depends on responsiveness, and Transmetrics’ load-to-capacity matching functionality caters not only to customers but also to carriers. Matches can occur automatically and instantaneously, seamlessly securing load bookings with the most suitable trucks and enabling a continuous flow of movement and income. 

Moreover, its predictive matching feature estimates future availability so customers can secure carriers for their upcoming loads. Trucking companies and carriers can operate efficiently by booking loads well in advance and optimizing capacity, reducing operating costs. 

Customers can also use Transmetrics’ white-labeled online platforms to see products on the route, giving clients a sense of trust in their carrier service.