For businesses struggling with cumbersome less-than-truckload (LTL) freight quoting and tracking processes, a new technological partnership promises to bring unprecedented connectivity and efficiency. project44 and McLeod Software have joined forces to create an API-driven solution that could fundamentally reshape LTL freight operations.
Breaking Down Information Barriers in LTL Shipping
Chicago-based project44 specializes in providing standardized, secure web service API integrations, essentially serving as a universal translator that enables third-party logistics providers (3PLs) and shippers to connect with multiple carriers in real time. Alabama-based McLeod Software provides trucking, dispatch, and logistics software solutions. Their collaboration directly addresses the longstanding problem of information asymmetry in LTL freight.
The companies have introduced a "modern connection integration solution" that gives users of McLeod's PowerBroker system—an integrated freight brokerage operations management platform—access to project44's API-based LTL products. This integration allows strategic and tactical 3PLs using PowerBroker to obtain instant, standardized carrier data from both asset-based and non-asset-based companies connected to project44's network.
Three Core Features Enhancing PowerBroker Efficiency
The enhanced PowerBroker interface now includes several critical API functions:
- Automated carrier rate quoting: The system provides accurate quotes including base rates and accessorial charges with minimal manual intervention, even accounting for customer-specific pricing agreements.
- Real-time transit time calculations: The platform offers lane-by-lane transit time estimates that factor in weekends and holidays, enabling better carrier selection and more reliable customer commitments.
- Real-time shipment tracking: Users can tender shipments to connected LTL carriers and receive continuous status updates, improving visibility throughout the shipping process while increasing internal efficiency.
The API-Driven Future of Logistics
project44 President Tommy Barnes described the partnership as a significant industry milestone. "We're witnessing a shift where companies are adopting proper communication technologies to drive industry workflows," Barnes noted. "McLeod recognized that APIs represent the future and needed a mechanism to implement this transition—exactly what project44 delivers."
Customer demand served as another key driver for the collaboration, with many logistics providers actively seeking this type of technological solution to support their operational models. While the current focus remains on LTL shipping, Barnes anticipates expansion into intermodal and global logistics applications.
"These new capabilities will provide logistics companies managing LTL shipments with significant competitive advantages," said McLeod Software founder and CEO Tom McLeod. "We're particularly pleased with how quickly we brought this integration to market for our PowerBroker users."
Challenges to Traditional Business Models
The API approach presents challenges to established industry players. Barnes observed that some traditional rate organizations have developed what he calls "defensive APIs" designed to protect their proprietary rate data revenue streams.
"When we deploy rating APIs, it disrupts existing revenue models," Barnes explained. "Some competitors deploy limited tracking APIs specifically to discourage adoption of comprehensive rating APIs. They maintain restrictive licensing fees that ultimately hinder business progress."
The Road Ahead: Intermodal and Global Expansion
The project44-McLeod partnership represents just the beginning of broader industry transformation. Future developments will likely include:
- Intermodal integration: APIs connecting various transportation modes including truck, rail, ocean, and air
- Global supply chain optimization: Real-time visibility across international logistics networks
- Data-driven decision making: Advanced analytics leveraging API-collected transportation data
For small and mid-sized logistics providers, adopting API technology through third-party platforms like project44 offers a path to compete with larger enterprises by accessing similar technological capabilities.
This API revolution in LTL freight promises to eliminate information silos, improve efficiency, reduce costs, and ultimately deliver better customer service—fundamentally reshaping the logistics landscape.