#United States #Houston #Cortex AI #PCS Software #Freight Operations

PCS Software Launches Cortex AI

In a groundbreaking announcement made on July 30, 2025, PCS Software, an industry leader in Transportation Management Systems (TMS), revealed its latest innovation: Cortex, an AI engine designed to significantly enhance freight operations for carriers, brokers, and shippers. This AI-driven tool is expected to streamline workflows, boost efficiency, and automate previously manual processes.

What is Cortex?

Cortex is not just another standalone AI solution; it is natively integrated into PCS TMS, which is currently trusted by over 1,000 entities across the transportation sector. This means that companies utilizing PCS can leverage Cortex’s capabilities without needing to adopt an external software tool. The new system is set to debut at the Houston PCS Customer Summit on September 25, where participants will gain firsthand insight into its functionalities.

Key Features of Cortex

According to PCS Software’s CEO Mark Hill, Cortex is grounded in over 25 years of industry expertise, enabling the system to transform raw data into actionable decisions. Here are some key features that set Cortex apart:

• - Optimization: Cortex employs machine learning (ML) to enhance various decision-making areas within the TMS, including dispatch and scheduling. This optimization promises to improve operational efficiency by delivering best-case scenario analyses.

• - Workflow Efficiency: Cortex dramatically shortens the workflow processes within the TMS framework. Whether managing freight, interacting with drivers, or overseeing financial aspects, the AI integration allows teams to accomplish more tasks in less time, thus maximizing productivity.

• - Enhanced Communication: With AI-powered tools, all aspects of communication—whether through email, text, voice, or electronic interfaces like EDI—can be managed efficiently, ensuring that every stakeholder is kept in the loop without unnecessary delays.

• - Data-Driven Insights: Leveraging 25 years of customer data, Cortex can surface pertinent insights at critical junctures, allowing transportation operators to make informed and profitable decisions quickly.

The implementation of these features is poised to reduce manual intervention in freight operations, offering companies a more seamless approach to logistics management.

PCS’s Commitment to Practical AI

Danielle Villegas, the Chief Product Officer at PCS, emphasized that the motivation behind developing Cortex was not merely to follow a trend but to deliver tangible results. Unlike other companies that may use AI as a marketing gimmick, PCS Software aims to provide a competitive advantage where it truly matters, enhancing margins and automating routine tasks.

What’s Next?

Cortex will initially launch with several intelligent features focused on enhancing dispatch, routing, and scheduling workflows. This is particularly vital in today's volatile freight environment, where quick adaptation can mean increased profitability. Tim Reilly, Vice President at Voyager Express—a beta customer of PCS—noted that Cortex brings enterprise-level technology typically reserved for larger firms to fleets of all sizes, democratizing access to advanced operational tools.

As the full suite of Cortex capabilities becomes available in the coming months, PCS Software continues to demonstrate its commitment to innovation and excellence within the transportation and logistics sectors. With features centered around efficiency and insight, Cortex is set to become an essential tool in the freight landscape.

To learn more about the upcoming features of Cortex and how it can benefit your operations, visit PCS Software.