AFN Logistics launches tech tools for freight quoting, tracking

The third-party logistics company is utilizing in-house technology in the recent launch of its ‘Suggested Booking Price’ and ‘AFNgine’ tools.    Third-party logistics provider AFN Logistics has announced the launch of two new technology tools for freight quoting, tracking and servicing: “Suggested Booking Price” (SBP) and “AFNgine.”
   AFN’s SBP tool automates the freight quoting process using a predictive cost model, while the AFNgine allows coordinators and managers to analyze shipment data by customer, carrier, and team member, the company said in a statement.
   The SBP tool determines suggested load booking prices based on shipment specific factors and market conditions like trade lane, commodity, fuel price, and distance, among others, combined with AFN historical and external market data. The tool was beta-tested over the past several months, and predicts AFN’s actual costs per shipment with 30 to 40 percent greater accuracy than commonly-used industry tools, according to AFN.
   “The SBP tool allows our team to quote freight rates instantly and more precisely. This saves time, increases booking velocity, and gives our customers a greater degree of confidence that they’re paying the right price in a dynamic marketplace,” said AFN CIO and CFO Rob Levy.
   When developing the AFNgine tool, both client service and IT teams collaborated to create a web-based platform which provides visibility and task prioritization to coordinators and managers. Since launching, AFN’s logistics coordinators have been able to service an average of 21 percent more unique shipments per day, the company said.
   “These new tools illustrate AFN’s strategy to build our own IT solutions when the tools we need are not readily available in the marketplace,” said Levy. “In the hands of AFN’s highly-trained team members, the SBP and AFNgine tools will enhance the service and value that we provide to our customers and carriers alike.”

Correction: A previous version of this story misspelled AFN as ANF.