Boyd Bros. to install decision support systems optimizing driver and load assignments.

CLAYTON, Ala.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 21, 1994--Boyd Bros. Transportation Inc. (Nasdaq/ NM:BOYD), today announced that it will implement two optimization software systems designed to enhance dispatching operations and improve operational efficiencies.

The two decision support systems, MICROMAP and DROP & SWAP, were developed by PTCG, Inc., a privately held software company based in Burlington, Massachusetts.

"These new systems will add significant impetus to our efforts to increase productivity of our revenue equipment and serve our customers better," commented Donald G. Johnston, President and Chief Executive Officer. "Operational management is becoming increasingly important in today's competitive environment, with its just-in-time delivery demands, so it is no longer sufficient to think merely in terms of routes or loads. Instead, we want flexible, dynamic control over every revenue mile generated by our fleet. These systems will integrate tightly with our existing information systems and Qualcomm OmniTRACS satellite system to offer that precise supervision and help us make better decisions." Johnston pointed out that while traditional information systems organize and report raw data, the new software converts data into optimal solutions and recommends concrete actions.

The first system to be installed, DROP & SWAP, finds opportunities for drivers to swap their loads while en route. "Every time two of our trucks pass nearby, there might be a good opportunity for those drivers to switch loads," Johnston continued. "For example, we might replace a single driver who is running late with a fresh team. Throughout the day, our satellite system reports the precise location of each truck. Now, by feeding that raw location data into DROP & SWAP, we can capitalize on swap opportunities to get our drivers home or to meet the increasingly rigorous delivery schedules of our customers."

PTCG's MICROMAP optimization system will be installed next. Two separate, but integrated, modules will be installed: strategic profitability analysis and driver-to-load assignment. MICROMAP suggests which driver should haul each load, how to route drivers home regularly, and even where to perform maintenance on their tractors. Meanwhile, the profitability analysis module will point out Boyd Bros.' best regions and lanes for growth.

"These optimization systems account for everything, all of the time, constantly considering all the possible match-ups of drivers to loads," Johnston added. "MICROMAP and DROP & SWAP will help our load planners by sifting through tremendous quantities of data. The needs of every customer and every driver are monitored minute- by-minute, all while helping to eliminate expensive, unnecessary miles."

Boyd Bros. Transportation Inc., one of the largest flatbed trucking companies in the United States, provides transportation services to high-volume, time-sensitive customers, primarily in the steel and building materials industries, and operates primarily in the eastern two-thirds of the United States.

CONTACT: Boyd Bros., Clayton

Richard C. Bailey, 205/775-3261