project44 and 10-4 systems announce strategic partnership to take effect in late 2016

A strategic partnership between Chicago-based project44, a technology services provider offering standardized, secure Web service API (application programming interfaces) integrations enabling 3PLs and shippers to connect with carriers in real time, and Boulder, Co.-based 10-4 Systems, a logistics technology services provider of real-time visibility into supply chains was announced by the companies today.

At the core of this partnership is the integration of project44’s one-to-many network of less-than-truckload (LTL) APIs into 10-4’s Freight Portal, which 10-4 describes as an integrated, automated transportation ecosystem connecting carriers, brokers, and shippers to move and track freight in real-time, that provides its customers with access to synchronous and real-time LTL shipment data directly with their current user interface, the companies said.

The integration of project44’s LTL API network into 10-4 Systems is set to take effect later this year, they companies said.

Tommy Barnes, project44 president, told LM that the concept of project-44’s “one-to-many” network of LTL APIs refers to the company’s network in that customers write one connection to project-44 and get access to the company’s entire network of transportation API’s. And he added that customers would have to write one EDI to one carrier and continue that process for every carrier they want to work with, whereas with the one-to-many architecture, customers are able to go to market faster for a low cost.

“We started planning this integration earlier this year,” Barnes said. “10-4 has amazing truckload visibility, but their clients were continuing to request LTL visibility as well. 10-4 searched the market for options––based on speed, quality, the number of APIs, reliability, security and management, project44 was the clear winner. Once an agreement was made, we were able to move quickly because of how easily our API connections can be built and implemented.”

From project44’s perspective Barnes said that partnering with 10-4 systems increases the reach and depth of the project44 network, providing more shippers, 3pls, brokers and carriers access to the benefits of its APIs.  

“More specifically, this partnership enables 10-4 customers to function within their interface in a multimodal way,” he said. “Up until now, their platform has been solely truckload-based. Because of the integration of project44, the 10-4 customers can also execute LTL transactions via our APIs – providing their customers the most comprehensive domestics visibility tool. That means they can not only dispatch and track an LTL shipment, but also completely manage their base rates and access transit times within one seamless and cost effective network.”

And with project44 rapidly growing the size of its API network, while also maturing it into a multi-modal and global platform, Barnes explained that this integration is just the first step in a long-term partnership.

“As 10-4 continues to develop amazing technology, project44 will support them and their customer’s goals,” he said.

10-4 CEO Travis Rhyan said in a statement that his company’s mission since its inception has been to leverage an easy-to-use interface to connect carriers, shippers, and brokers in real-time, with up-to-date, dynamic data.

“project44’s network is the most comprehensive API platform in the industry, and will enable us to deliver unprecedented levels of end-to-end visibility and flexibility to our fast-growing customer base.”

Last June, project44 announced it had integrated more than 1,000 transportation APIs into its platformed network. The company has established itself as a major player in the less-than-truckload (LTL) sector. Going back to 2014, it has “maintained critical mass” in the $37 billion LTL market, with 99.9 percent of LTL carriers connected into their platform, which it said provides a level of real-time connectivity and proactive transportation management that in turn reduces the need for manual back and forth communications while saving time and money for all parties involved.

What’s more, project44 said its API-based Software-as-as-Service integration platform currently facilitates around 2.1 million instant API transactions per day, with plans to expand into the truckload and intermodal sectors, as well as what it called other data “black holes” in the supply chain.