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M33 Webinar: Preparing for the Upcoming Capacity Crisis

Industry experts are predicting carrier pricing will rebound this year across both the TL and LTL sectors. Companies that take a proactive approach to this dynamic market will best mitigate the pricing impacts on their supply chain. We held a webinar to educate our clients, prospects and business associates about what industry-leading companies are doing today to better position themselves for the coming crisis. You can watch it here:


If you have any questions or comments about the issues and recommendations in this presentation, please feel free to contact us.

Companies Turn to TMS to Cut Costs

Whenever companies project budget shortfalls, they are faced with the prospects of increasing sales or cutting costs. Most shippers are unlikely to significantly increase sales in a time of contracted consumer spending, so cost cutting is on everyone's mind. Unfortunately, there's an army of technology reps out there who think they can increase their own sales by promising that their products/services are the cure for whatever ails you. So what are executives to believe when it comes to cutting transportation costs?

Apparently, one technology is living up to the hype:

Times might be tight for shippers, but that hasn’t stopped many of them from investing in new or upgrading their existing Transportation Management Systems (TMS). And that trend makes perfect sense because the technology has long been known as a tool that can make companies work smarter, better, and faster in the best of times—and in the worst of times. Analysts agree that the TMS option fits well in that equation with its ability to eradicate repetition, increase supply chain visibility, and cut redundant costs.

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From MapQuest to M33

M33 Integrated Solutions has hired Kevin Survance to serve as the company's Chief Information Officer. Kevin is responsible for defining the company’s technology strategy, leading the development of M33’s business software systems, automating business processes, and managing overall IT infrastructure. Perhaps most importantly, Mr. Survance will spearhead the development of the next generations of M33's proprietary Transportation Management System (TMS).

Prior to joining M33, Mr. Survance was Chief Technology Officer of MapQuest in Denver, CO. At MapQuest, he led the web development for MapQuest.com, with 50MM monthly visitors, B2B API products, and mobile navigation products. During his tenure at MapQuest, Kevin migrated MapQuest.com from proprietary technology to a Java-based platform built on open source frameworks.

Prior to MapQuest, Kevin served American Express as Director of Technology Development, and Director of Strategic Architecture, in Englewood, CO. There he led the development of the company’s first instant credit application processing system, and the technical integration of two acquired companies into American Express Small Business Solutions.

Kevin Survance began his technology career as a software engineer developing financial software at Nexsoft, Inc., a Florida-based software technology start-up that was ultimately acquired by Sierra Cities Financial. He is passionate about using and promoting open source technology and agile software development practices. He enjoys programming in modern, dynamic languages, and is currently exploring Java's Groovy and Grails.

Kevin holds a B.A. in Mathematics from Palm Beach Atlantic College and a M.A. in Computer Science Education from Nova Southeastern University. He resides in Greenville, SC with his wife, Beth, and their four children.

New Freight Rater Released

We are proud to announce the release of the new M33 Global Freight Rating System.

With the release of this custom-designed rater, members of our collaborative client network will be able to ensure accuracy for rating even the most complex shipments based on carriers' published tariffs. The system is fully integrated, so users can count on correct miles calculation, automatic zip code verification, and accurate carrier transit times. It will also improve system speed from the time the load is tendered until the time the bill is audited.