Understanding Tailgate Loads and How ACCUR8 TMS Simplifies Mileage and Permit Calculations

In the world of freight and logistics, efficiency and accuracy are paramount. One key concept that helps companies manage partial loads effectively is the use of tailgate loads.

But what exactly are tailgate loads, and how can logistics technology like ACCUR8 TMS streamline this process for fleet operators?

A tailgate load refers to a secondary load that is added to an existing primary load along the same route, without impacting the primary load’s mileage. Essentially, it allows drivers to take on additional cargo that’s along their way without incurring additional costs for permits or mileage that would normally be applied to a separate load.

For example, imagine a truck is hauling a load from Chicago, IL to Miami, FL, but there’s an opportunity to pick up an additional partial load from Chicago,IL in Atlanta,GA. Since Atlanta is en route to Miami, the secondary load can be “tailgated” onto the primary load.

By doing this, the mileage and associated costs for permits and fuel are only calculated for the main load (Chicago to Miami), and the tailgate load (Chicago via Atlanta to Miami) doesn’t add extra miles to the total trip.

This approach saves money, ensures accurate billing, and prevents unnecessary permit fees, especially in states with specific regulations, such as Oregon and Kentucky. However, to make this process work effectively, it’s essential that the logistics system in use can properly handle these scenarios.

While the concept of tailgating a load makes perfect sense for reducing operational costs, managing it manually can be prone to errors. Incorrectly calculating mileage can lead to double-charging for permits and inaccurate reporting of miles traveled. In a typical Transportation Management System (TMS), adding multiple loads can result in inflated mileage calculations, causing confusion and potentially expensive mistakes.

Additionally, the accounting for tailgate loads often involves separating invoices for the primary and secondary loads, which can add complexity to financial reporting and create opportunities for mistakes if the system doesn’t properly handle these distinctions.

ACCUR8 TMS is designed to simplify the complexities associated with tailgate loads. By automating the process and ensuring accurate mileage and permit calculations, it ensures that fleet managers, dispatchers, as well as accounting teams can easily manage these types of loads without errors or confusion.

1. Mileage Accuracy: ACCUR8 TMS ensures that only the miles for the primary load are calculated, excluding the additional mileage added by tailgate loads. For instance, when a load is added between Chicago and Atlanta (on the way from Chicago to Miami), the system automatically excludes the extra miles for accurate mileage calculations and permit costs.
2. Permit Management: Since many states require specific permits for trucking, ACCUR8 TMS takes the guesswork out of managing these permits. By calculating only the relevant mileage, it ensures that fleet operators aren’t double-charged for permits.
3. Invoice Separation: ACCUR8 TMS separates the billing for the primary load and tailgate load. This means that both loads will have their own distinct invoices for accounting purposes, keeping financials organized and transparent.
4. Simplified Reporting: Tailgate loads can be easily tracked and reported within ACCUR8 TMS. The system clearly distinguishes between main loads and tailgate loads, making it easier for fleet managers to review operations and ensure everything is accurate.
5. User-Friendly Interface: ACCUR8 TMS’s intuitive design ensures that dispatchers and fleet managers can quickly learn how to handle tailgate loads without the need for much training. The system automatically handles the calculations, reducing manual errors and saving time.
6. Seamless Integration: ACCUR8 TMS works efficiently as part of a unified platform, ensuring that no matter the size or complexity of your fleet operations, all of your needs—from dispatching to invoicing—are covered under one roof.
7. IFTA, HUT, and Weight/Mile Reporting: ACCUR8 TMS streamlines complex reporting needs by automatically calculating Highway Use Tax (HUT) and weight/mile taxes, ensuring compliance without the hassle. With integrated IFTA (International Fuel Tax Agreement) calculations, the system accurately tracks mileage and fuel purchases across jurisdictions, ensuring minimal risk of errors.

By using ACCUR8 TMS, logistics companies can:

• Save on fuel and permit costs by preventing double mileage charges.
• Avoid administrative overhead by automating the separation of loads and their invoices.
• Improve operational accuracy and reporting, reducing the risk of financial discrepancies.
• Increase efficiency by simplifying the process of adding partial loads and minimizing the need for manual calculations.

Tailgate loads offer a valuable opportunity to enhance efficiency and save costs, but managing them effectively requires the right tools. ACCUR8 TMS is built to handle these scenarios with ease, offering a comprehensive solution that simplifies mileage tracking, permit management, invoicing, and reporting. By integrating ACCUR8 TMS into your logistics operations, you ensure that tailgate loads are managed accurately, reducing costs and improving overall operational efficiency.

For fleets looking to optimize their load management processes, ACCUR8 TMS is the smart choice—ensuring every mile is counted correctly and no dollar is wasted.