Critical Information Systems of Huffman Trucking

CRITICAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS OF HUFFMAN TRUCKING

Critical Information Systems of Huffman Trucking

Overview

The Huffman Trucking Company is a Cleveland based operation founded by K. Huffman in 1936. The company, which remains privately held, began with a single trailer and has experienced significant growth as a result of World War II and also through acquiring several Eastern regional carrier services. To date, the Huffman Company operates on a national scale with hub located in Ohio, California, Missouri and New Jersey. Additionally the company employs over 1300 personnel collectively, encompassing both drivers and support personnel. From the perspective of company assets, Huffman owns and operates 800 road tractors, 2100 trailers and 260 roll-on/roll-off units. Every 25,000 miles, the rolling equipment undergoes preventative maintenance; a process which is performed out of the Ohio maintenance facility (Huffman Trucking, 2007).

In order to maintain its competitive edge, the organization is in the process of implementing a freight management and dispatch management system. This software will integrate seamlessly into the company's existing architecture. Accordingly, it will identify and record previously stored dispatch information in addition to newly entered data and create the appropriate Freight Bill, Settlement and Payroll, and subsequently generate a General Ledger entry. Furthermore, due to the fact that an accounting module comes standard within all software packages, the organization no longer requires the use of a third party application. The product accounts for and interfaces with many after-market products and service providers, to includes modules for communication systems, fuel card services, mileage software, imaging, and bulk fuel format. These interface modules will either eliminate or at best reduce the historical cost associated with integrating the aforementioned systems. For example, the order processing module will place key shipping data at to the hands sales staff without forgoing the required verification procedures which are in place to protect the organization. The application supports both freight and dispatch quotes and orders. Upon implementation of this product the organization will notice an immediate impact in such areas as operations, resulting in improve efficiencies, and process streamlining? This software along with the available feature-set will provide many analytical tools vital in remaining competitive in the transportation market. Lastly, this product is highly robust, though customizable and easy to use, and offers flexible options to accommodate almost any requirement. These options include; defined menu options, single click on-line documentation, custom functions for the business and a seamless flow of information.

An added benefit provided by the freight management and dispatch system is that it establishes