Logistical Labs Introduces Big Data Social Pricing Tool for Transportation and Logistics Industry

CHICAGO, Oct. 2, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Logistical Labs, a cloud-based software provider, today announced the launch of LoadDex, a freight pricing and modal selection tool. LoadDex harnesses the power of big data and social collaboration in order to help shippers and third-party logistics providers (3PLs) achieve faster, more accurate freight pricing.

LoadDex aggregates pricing information for a given route, empowering users to make data-driven decisions about pricing and mode selection. As an example, Cal Freight uses LoadDex to analyze four years of data – thousands of data points – in less than two seconds to find the most efficient and cost-effective option. Developed in partnership with a leading Chicago-based economist, LoadDex utilizes an algorithm that collects relevant historical, social, and external pricing data through interactive tools so that rates can be quickly compared and accurately tracked.

"LoadDex helps us address the challenge of consistently providing real-time freight quotes to customers and allows us to track this information in a single platform, integrated with our transportation management system," said Steven Lawson, president of Overland Park, KS based Rail Logistics - Cold Train. "We now can analyze our data in a new way, comparing each leg of a shipping route and allowing us to predict and control costs."

One distinguishing component is LoadDex's ability to provide intermodal options for freight pricing. The intermodal feature offers multiple rail options for shipping goods which allows users to choose the most optimal carrier – resulting in a reduced cost and carbon footprint. LoadDex is one of the first technology platforms that helps users capitalize on the expanding and cost-effective North American railroad system by connecting them directly with rail provider's rates. For participating rail providers, LoadDex offers more exposure to customers in the transportation and logistics industry, helping to increase sales.

"Logistical Labs is helping to advance technology within the transportation industry," said Dwight Weber, general manager of highway and truckload services and APL Logistics. "Through our partnership with Logistical Labs, our containers gain more visibility to more shippers, resulting in increased asset utilization."

Additionally, LoadDex aggregates cross-departmental data and provides a unique social feature that allows team members to collaborate. The platform has a chat function that lets users to exchange information in an easy-to-use, gamified format, which in turn increases productivity. Because this social interaction stems from a single platform, companies can better understand and communicate rates accurately and efficiently while capturing information exchanged by team members to inform future pricing.

"By bridging big data and social collaboration, our customers can look at their data differently," said Chris Ricciardi, Logistical Labs' chief product officer. "The platform helps customers improve operations by better managing pricing and procurement complexities. It increases effective decision-making by incorporating social collaboration with historical data, and improves productivity by simplifying complex pricing data."

The tool is available on a monthly user-based pricing model and can be accessed via desktop or mobile devices. For more information on Logistical Labs and LoadDex, please visit www.logisticallabs.com.   

About Logistical Labs
Logistical Labs, LLC is a cloud-based software provider that enables customers to effectively and efficiently address shipping needs, helping to increase productivity and improve cost-savings. Using Logistical Labs' software-as-a-service tool, customers have access to better informed pricing and quotes through data-driven insights and social collaboration. For more information, visit www.logisticallabs.com.

CONTACT: Chris Ricciardi, 1-312-662-4773

SOURCE Logistical Labs