Load Sheet v0.0.1 | A Google Sheet to Manage Available Loads

[_levi_]

We have our own TMS, yet it is inefficient to manage available loads because things are constantly changing. Creating a new load in our TMS for each available load doesn't make a lot of sense when there is so much detailed information that must be added that isn't relevant unless you are actually booking the load. Instead, I wanted a simple spreadsheet to manage available loads separate from our TMS.

Initially, I started by trying to manage available loads using DAT's example spreadsheet for bulk uploads. This worked ok, but you have to constantly delete entire rows when loads become unavailable, and re-enter it again when they become available. Beyond that, I wanted some additional niceties such as separating loads by customer, auto-calculating mileage for the lane and being able to share it with my team so we can all use/edit it simultaneously. So, I went ahead and built my own solution that works well -- in my opinion -- and decided to share it with any other brokers out there who might be interested..

I did base my solution on DAT's example spreadsheet for bulk uploads, so I can still upload a CSV or XLS with all available loads.to DAT. It takes a bit of using to become familiar, but I provided a README page within the spreadsheet to get you up to speed quickly.

Here is a link to the spreadsheet: Loads

You'll need a Google Drive account in order to use it. Just make a copy of it so you own it, and follow the instructions on the README sheet.

I would categorize the spreadsheet as a beta version. Everything should be working, but let me know if you run into any bugs.

I hope you find it as useful as I do. Any questions, comments and feedback are appreciated.

 

[mndriver]

Not even going to link to it for security reasons. Nice way to introduce a Trojan.


This is not something for a spreadsheet. It should be done in a SQL database

 

[_levi_]

@mndriver I appreciate your concern, but I think you are misunderstanding how this works. It is not something you download. It is a Google Sheet I've shared that sits in the cloud. Users can then -- if they have their own Google Drive account -- copy it and use it for themselves (all in the cloud). I'd suggest contacting Google if you are concerned their platform contains Trojans (it doesn't).

Regarding your suggestion for using a SQL database, I'm guessing you are not a programmer because that statement doesn't make sense without elaboration. An SQL database can't do all of the things Google Sheets does as they are two completely different technologies for different purposes. You typically want a front-end UI to interact with a database. I don't expect anyone using this to be familiar with how to write SQL queries, and it would be very inefficient to try to do it for the purpose of managing available loads throughout the day.

I'm not attempting to downplay your concern because it's valid to be concerned with clicking on random links, and opening things when you don't know what they are. You might be happy to know other people a lot smarter than me have developed ways to test URL links for a virus / malicious content. Check out something like VirusTotal -- or something like it -- if you want to check URL's for a virus / malware.

 

[mndriver]

Considering this is spent 6 years writings vba and SQL, I'd say I've got a slightly better than average grasp of what needs to be done.

Considering I also have my own DBL version of what you're talking about. Even with gui windows. And the intent is to have them either xml or HTML interface


What do I know though.

I'm just a dumb ass truck driver....

 

[_levi_]

I'm sharing something I find useful, and thought some other brokers might too. I'm glad you have a solution that works better for your needs. Not everyone has programming experience to roll their own solution.