A picture is worth a thousand words. Perhaps someone didn’t get this memo. Static, grid-style load planning screens are still the standard in traditional client-server transportation management systems (TMS). 

Experienced users don’t mind. They’re accustomed to using what many today consider outdated technology for matching orders with drivers and equipment. It’s second nature. However, people who are relatively new to the industry or have changed jobs face a steep learning curve.

Text-heavy screens don’t give sufficient context for making impactful decisions quickly and intuitively. For example, a data field containing the mileage of a shipment from Dallas to Chicago has little meaning when presented alongside many other details in monotonous rows and columns.

Compare this to the user experience of a modern, SaaS-based TMS with interactive maps and data visualizations. They make it easy for users to assess time, distance, and other essential planning variables. People with less industry experience and tenure can immediately grasp the meaning and context of data with visual load planning screens that deliver game-changing advantages.

Five Ways Visual Load Planning Changes the Game

Modern TMS solutions, like the Magnus Platform, have advanced visual features that provide a comprehensive, intuitive planning experience. Rather than develop visual features from scratch, software vendors can leverage map-centric development platforms and APIs to do many things well all at once.

Accounting for various events associated with a freight transaction is one of many advantages of visual load planning. For example, traditional platforms are designed to plan simple A-to-B freight movements. Still, this approach does not account for non-freight-related (NFR) events, which include planned and unplanned stops between pickup and delivery locations that add time, cost, and sometimes revenue to a load.

Examples of NFR events that significantly impact fleet efficiency and profitability include:

• Vehicle maintenance
• Fueling
• Driver home time
• Trailer pickups and drops
• Hours-of-service rest breaks
• Detention

Unfortunately, many legacy TMS platforms cannot plan and track these events effectively, leading to potential revenue leakage and inefficiencies.

Below are five ways visual load planning technology changes the industry’s frontlines.

1. Working From a Single Pane of Glass

Visual load planning transforms complex data into easily digestible visual representations. As the human brain processes visuals 60,000 times faster than text, this approach allows planners to quickly grasp and respond to information. Key features include:

• Live maps divided into regions showing truck and freight positions
• Color-coding to highlight imbalances by region
• Visual cues for equipment types, low driver hours, or waiting drivers

Unlike traditional systems that scatter vital information across multiple screens, visual load planning platforms present all essential data within a single interface. This "single pane of glass" approach enriches decision-making while simplifying the planning process. 

Planners no longer need to hunt for essential details by switching between screens and systems, reducing the likelihood of errors and saving valuable time. These visual elements enable planners to make more informed decisions and plan more profitable loads. After all, seeing 100 miles of deadhead on a map is far more impactful than simply reading a number.

2. NFR Event Integration

One of the most significant advantages of visual load planning is its ability to incorporate NFR events seamlessly. Advanced platforms like Magnus allow users to add planned NFRs to driver routes using intuitive drag-and-drop features. This capability enables:

• Automated recording, monitoring, and analysis of NFRs
• Uncovering hidden costs and inefficiencies
• Improved route optimization that accounts for necessary stops and breaks

By considering these events in planning, fleets can reduce fuel consumption, increase productive drive time, and consistently meet customer delivery deadlines.

Additionally, visual load planning simplifies the complex process of trailer management, especially for drop-and-hook operations. Interactive maps help users find the best trailers and plan stops to minimize deadhead miles, reduce fuel costs, and optimize driver schedules.

Consider this: According to a study by trailer telematics provider SkyBitz, fleets waste an average of 30 miles each time they send drivers to a location to pick up an unavailable trailer. Visual planning tools can reduce this waste by providing real-time visibility into trailer locations and statuses.

3. Proactive Management

Modern systems like Magnus offer AI-powered demand and capacity forecasting that allows planners to identify exceptions and proactively resolve issues such as:

• Identifying imbalances in orders, trucks, and trailers
• Shifting equipment strategically
• Brokering loads or soliciting additional freight as needed

By addressing potential problems 3-5 days in advance, fleets can reduce the need for costly reactive measures. This proactive approach helps change future outcomes rather than simply reacting to current conditions.

4. Driver-Centric Planning

Visual load planning platforms take a more holistic approach by considering the person behind the wheel. These systems can factor in:

• Driver routing requests
• Past service performance
• Pay goals to boost retention

This driver-focused approach allows planners to build a series of assignments rather than planning one load at a time, helping drivers plan their week more effectively. By considering driver pay goals as a data point for load planning, companies can prioritize drivers below certain thresholds for longer hauls or higher-paying loads, potentially reducing turnover and improving driver satisfaction.

5. Cross-Departmental Collaboration

Every trucking operation is unique, and visual load planning systems recognize this. Platforms like Magnus offer extensive customization options, allowing carriers to tailor their planning screens to display the data most relevant to their operations.

Visual load planning benefits extend beyond the planning and operations teams. The Magnus Platform also provides valuable NFR event information for billing, payroll, and other departments to improve communications and decision-making.

See the Future of Load Planning

Visual load planning represents a significant leap forward in TMS technology, offering a more intuitive, comprehensive, and seamless user experience.

By clearly visualizing all aspects of trucking routes, including NFR events, advanced TMS platforms empower users to make better decisions that improve bottom-line results. Visual load planning has become essential for success in the trucking industry.

Trucking companies of all sizes recognize the inevitability of migrating to SaaS-based TMS solutions with advanced visual planning capabilities. The compelling value and ROI make them an attractive option for fleets looking to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving industry.

Contact Magnus Technologies today to experience the ultimate load planning flexibility, visibility, and control.