#AFN NETWORK

[cinematicnomad]

tagged by @phdmama to list seven comfort movies! a lot of my comfort movies are what i like to call competency porn. which is basically movies about professionals doing their jobs well, so! here's the list

APOLLO 13—is there anything better than the scene when one of the guys in houston walks into the room and is like "we gotta figure out how to make this fit into this using nothing but that"

SPOTLIGHT—peak competency porn, honest, hard working journalists using their skills to report on the story of sexual abuse in the catholic church and it actually making an impact. wild! i have rewatched this FAR too many times for it to be healthy probably lol

AIR FORCE ONE—ok this one is silly, but really is there anything better than watching hot president harrison ford beat up a bunch of terrorists on a plane and then face off against gary oldman using a russian accent? bc honestly, i can't think of any

A FEW GOOD MEN—i just love a good courtroom drama where people shout their confessions on the stand in front of everyone. also this has tom cruise at his peak, so really?? who can complain.

SHATTERED GLASS—this is a random deep cut that i first watched early in the pandemic? but it's just. it's got everything i love. based on a true story, young hayden christensen playing a con artist journalist, and then just...an even, steady story as other journalists pick apart his lies and his life falls apart. like?? i love it. i've rewatched it A LOT.

MONA LISA SMILE—a movie that is objectively not as good as the one it's trying to ape (dead poets society) and YET it's the one i get in the mood to rewatch all the time. like this is white feminism at its peak but it is, truly, a guilty pleasure.

ALMOST FAMOUS—if you'll notice from this list, another thing i clearly like is recent period dramas and this is a great one to just get into the early 70s music scene and have some fun. also philip seymour hoffman is PHENOMENAL in this.

THE TALENTED MR. RIPLEY—this is a bonus eighth film that i am adding to this list bc i only just watched it for the v first time in december and i've already rewatched it twice since. i can see it becoming a comfort move for me. in this case, the competency porn would be tom's competency at conning and murdering lol

tagging @crazyassmurdererwall, @tattooedsiren, @woodchoc-magnum, @valleydean, @machtaholic, @tripleaxeldiaz, @tawaifeddiediaz, @catdadeddie, @buttercupbuck, and anyone else who wants to do this

[vague-humanoid]

Unbeknownst to the AFN conference organizers and attendees, members of the nonprofit Task Force Butler Institute (TFBI) had infiltrated AFN’s digital spaces by passing the neo-Nazi’s vetting procedures and were sitting nearby in an RV. They’d come prepared with an aerial drone so they could identify attendees and map out the neo-Nazi network without putting any of their members at risk. 

@redstarovermoundcity @ubernegro @socialistexan

[ithinkineedamoment]

2. Paris, France

1 of 1,000

I feel like it’s way too early in this process to even fully begin to unpack this one, but here we go. 

Realistically, it makes sense. Barely a month ago, Sergio and I got off a plane from attending the 2024 Summer Olympics in France. It was a once in a lifetime event that I had been planning and replanning tediously since January 2023. There were tickets to be won, booked out hotels, over priced planes, and a whole lot of unknowns. 

Sergio had never been to Paris or France. I, on the other hand, grew up no less than 20 minutes from the French border, in Germany, for my teenage years. Birthdays, long weekends, grocery shopping, flea marketing - it’d all happen in France. So in planning this Tour de France, it was less about me, and more about what I thought was worth seeing in France for Mr. Man’s first time. I stressed over every detail - was it worth going out of our way to Mont Saint Michel? Will he like staying in this neighborhood in Marseille or should I pick somewhere closer to the water? I begged and pleaded for his engagement for over a year and piecemealed together a plan. So much needed to be figured out, but not for a single minute did I worry about our weeklong stay in Paris. 

It was September 25th, 2010 and our high speed train from Kaiserslautern had just arrived in Gare Montparnasse. My family had barely been in Europe for two months and there we were, dressed in our American best pretending we were citizens of the world. The photos of this trip are hilarious given that these were before years of military propaganda and attempts at assimilation (our military TV, AFN or Armed Forces Network, showed several commercials threatening terrorist attacks if you left your military base looking or acting like an American). 

Regardless, we were there for one day to celebrate Mom’s birthday. It had not been an easy move to Europe. Over the past few months, Dad returned home from a year long deployment and he and I quickly fell into a quasi-estranged relationship. Weeks later, we found ourselves in Germany living in a concrete box on a military base, ostensibly, in the middle of nowhere. Mom would lash out, leaving scuffs and indents in the walls of the staircase that would never be fixed. The four of us were each other’s only support system, changed by the reintroduction of Dad to the mix after his yearlong absence. Who we were to each other and how we operated as a family unit was actively being rewritten in a militaristic world we had always been a part of but never formalized. It’s been 14 years, but I don’t remember we were ever happy in those early months. So stepping off that train felt energizing. Here we were in Paris - Paris! We were finally fulfilling the promise we were told of travel and seeing the wonders of Europe. It felt like the pain of getting to this point was finally paying off. 

Truth be told, I barely remember anything from this specific trip to Paris. Scenes of this trip playback like the photographic screensaver that used to run on the family computer. But there would be more trips. A Memorial Day foray through the Louvre and the Gardens of Versailles with family friends, a spring break stay at EuroDisney, the three of us zipping through the Metro to catch sights of Mom running her first and only half marathon, a couple days here, an evening or two there - all these visits from our time in Europe exist in my mind as a living map of the city. “Remember when we were here last?” we would ask each other, only to respond “of course! New years 2011,” while standing under the Eiffel Tower. Each trip was significant enough to be noteworthy, but when played back over and over again, they lose their place in time.

This timelessness, I feel, is the point. When you’re sneaking down the Cour du Commerce Saint-Andre, just off the Boulevard Saint-Germain on the Left Bank, it makes sense. The stories you hear of winding streets flush with candlelight, the chattering of wine glasses and the clinking of vape pens against the metal tables, and somewhere, a street performer playing an Edith Piaf song because beauty is innate in every Parisien (and not because they’re catering to a tourist economy) - all of this combines to reaffirm your preconceived notions. Some find it romantic, others, a caricature to be avoided at all costs. And yet, we visit - experiencing a city designed to be beautiful by people who inspired its destruction.  For every cathedral vault, there is a riot and barricade, for every newly built city wall, there was a force itching to invade. 

In the fall of 2019, in the “blissful” months of post-college “freedom” that usually consisted of downing a bottle of wine by myself in bed watching old seasons of “The Amazing Race”, I felt the need to leave. I had some extra cash, not because my job paid well, but because I was paying next to nothing to live in the converted living room of a shared apartment with two former classmates. It was lonely - feeling as if you were entering adulthood having spent the past four years destroying yourself for a chance at success. So I planned a trip that I knew would hopefully spark some joy into my life. I booked my first solo trip to Paris. 

Except it wasn’t solo. Within a few weeks of booking, I reconnected with Rick for the first time in months. I don’t remember who reached out first but after my fallout with Sergio, it felt harmless enough. While sipping a margarita at some restaurant in Midtown New York, long since closed, we caught up. He pummeled me with questions about what I was doing, where I was living, who I was fucking - convincing himself that the two classmates I was sharing an apartment with were my two boyfriends. I sipped on my drink and wondered what I was even doing there. It was just good to see him. 

Eventually, we parted ways, tearfully. Texts became more frequent and the fear of repercussions dwindled and I mentioned that I was going to France - had booked a whole trip to go to Paris and see other places in the country I had never been to as a treat for myself. I never asked him to or made any indication it was something I wanted, but the next thing I knew, I was planning a trip for two. It’s funny how organizing a trip with someone who has money makes the entire planning process significantly easier. I didn’t complain, but knew that it was most likely a disaster in the long run. 

A few days before the trip, Rick visited the doctor with a horrendous cough. He was told it was the flu and it’d pass, but it certainly wasn’t contagious anymore (Covid was knocking at the door). He could walk only steps at a time before needing a break and was constantly breaking out in a cold sweat. He was adamant that he’d still go on the trip. So there we went. 

The trip was emotionally brutal for the most part. Traveling to Paris with him felt like trying to recover from alcoholism in a winery. Insane on my part. But he was sick! He couldn’t do anything. I’d leave the hotel and roam for hours just to return back to sweaty and upset Rick. I didn’t blame him. He could barely talk yet wanted to know everything, he couldn’t walk, but wanted to experience the city. I felt bound by some duty to give up the things that I wanted to do to support a man who I had loved through the city of it. Suddenly, the sights and sounds of the city I had treasured as the escape from my life through my youth felt like a prison. I was there but I shouldn’t be, I wanted to grow but I couldn’t. I was reminded of all the ways I would minimize my existence growing up in my parents house and performed them with wine stained lips - filling the silence while refusing to acknowledge my part in it. I missed him and I missed his company. I still do now, at times. However, that shouldn’t have been the reason I let him come on this trip. A part of the depression and mess I had been recovering from in New York was now sitting across from me at the dinner table in a foreign country I wasn’t supposed to be in. He wanted so desperately for me to love him again, and I knew a part of me did, but to admit that would have destroyed what was left of me. 

So on the day before we were to leave Paris for our next city, I set off on the day’s journey. I remember the streets being quiet as I crossed the Île de la Cité. In December, the cold hangs over the city like a layer of frost no amount of warmth could penetrate. The buildings, the sky, everything seems a bit paler than it should be. I roamed and I roamed, climbing to Montmartre and realizing I had never been there. Ascending the winding streets and into Sacre Coeur, my mind flicked through the rolodex of bad ideas that could save me from my current situation. After cresting the hill, I found myself going west and eventually to Montmartre Cemetery. The sun was peeking through the grates of the Pont de Caulaincourt while the trees’ remaining leaves swirled down to their crunchy grave. It was cold, and it was quiet. 

I took to the uneven cobblestones that lined the cluttered pathways of the cemetery. The tombs and mausoleums crowded each other like the misshapen buildings of a neglected city. I was alone in this necropolis, the city of the dead.

At a certain point, surrounded by the silence, I found a bench under a Maple tree.  I don’t remember how long I sat there, sipping in the silence as one might a Vin Chaud, letting it numb me. Hector Berlioz, Edgar Degas, thousands of others all lay in their final resting place around me at peace and I was living. Why couldn’t I be at peace? Why did I have to be living? Living with the regret of not being strong enough to save myself, with the want of falling asleep there in the cold and praying I’d awaken to a different life. I had loved so hard and loved so deeply, but could never seem to love correctly. I gave everything I had to everyone else, and with everyone gone - I had nothing left. 

Almost in response to my isolation, a small black cat emerged quietly from the untrimmed brush that twisted between the two tombs in front of me. The only other sign of life in the cemetery curled their way to the top of the tomb and pawed gently at the leaves, clearing a place to rest. I don’t remember whose tomb it was but time seemed to collapse. It didn’t matter whether the interred died 100 years ago or 500 years ago. Side by side, they were all equal in death. And we, the cat and I, were there now.

In the epilogue of Alistair Horne’s Seven Ages of Paris, which I only read this past year, he muses on the significance of the French words for love and death being so similar. Paris, to me, had always been a city of history, of art, of good food, and of love. It was an escape - a vision of a better world, a better life. It was never anything real. Love, as I knew it growing up, was using and being used - it wasn’t care. Paris was a city I used. Now death - death I could understand. Growing up in the military, it surrounded me. I begged for death several times before I should have. Death is inevitable and everyone will know it. All around Paris are markers of this knowledge - these memento mori. Cemeteries, catacombs, monuments, statues - all in remembrance of those who have come before us and had made this city beautiful. It is on the mounds of the dead that the sprouts of new love and life are able to be shared. It is in death that a tomb can become a bed to a sleepy cat. 

I can’t say I bounded from the cemetery, energized by the notion of life. I did not run back to Rick and take him in my arms and promise myself to him forever. I knew that France would be the last time I would ever see him and as of today I’ve yet to be proven wrong. For the rest of the trip, I treated the death of our connection with patience and care, lulling it to sleep as you would a child. I knew that I could not give more of myself to him and I had to stop pretending that I could. What mattered more now was remembering that I will, in fact, die having lived a life for myself. I knew what was left of me was worth saving. I might have felt there was nothing left for me to give, but I could always create more. I couldn’t die without ensuring I left even the smallest bit of beauty behind. 

Now, almost 5 years later, I’m freshly returned from another stint in France, this time with Sergio. We still have never discussed what happened between Rick and I or what happened in France, and I don’t know if we ever will. As I stated at the beginning, we were there for the Olympics and I cannot overemphasize how incredible it was. Yes, most of the city was empty save for the hordes of tourists, but who am I to complain? We were tourists too. It was exciting to return to a city I felt I had history with and not for the city’s sake. Seeing Sergio witness the city with fresh eyes and fresh criticism brought the city to life. In walking hand in hand down the banks of the Seine, it didn’t matter that we were passing the Musée d’Orsay. It mattered that we were there together. We had multiple, lengthy conversations about the struggles of our relationships and the ways we don’t show up for each other while also unpacking complicated feelings of family and home. It was hard, tiring, emotional - but the person I was 5 years ago could never have done so. My parents, who were also attending the games, made guest appearances a few times during our trip. It’s worth noting that shortly after that cemetery visit in 2019, my parents and I fell out of touch - no longer on speaking terms for years. Yet, here we were, back in the city that started it all in 2010, each willing to give Paris and each other another chance. 

On our final night in Paris, as the Olympics drew to a close, Sergio and I grabbed a bottle of wine and made our way to the Jardin du Carrousel. The Olympic cauldron, as made famous by the fact it wasn’t a fire, was a giant hot air balloon whose basket was a ring of lights and smoke that would lift into the air at sunset and shine over the city and all the various arenas. I posited that it was most likely because the first manned hot air balloon ride that brought man to the skies back in the 1800s had taken place in Paris. Either way, we stayed in the garden commenting on the past 16 days of travel and what it meant to each other. For him, an opportunity to discover and appreciate a history he had always known but had strong prejudice against due to France’s imperialism (fair, lol). And for me, an appreciation of feeling present in a place with a history that had not always been easy. Home is a concept that I struggle with, but sitting there with him, it felt like home. 

The sun set and the crowd around us leapt to their feet as the giant balloon in front of us unceremoniously slid into the sky. The empty wine bottle laid at our feet as the two of us stayed seated. The city had never felt so magical and this love had never felt so beautiful. 

[springtrapsspringlockedbussy]

A Pleasant Day in Jackson

FNaF Springtrap x OC

Word Count: 2,296

Summary:

The sun was shining, the grass was freshly cut. Just another fantastic day in the end of the free! However, Nolan seems to be wasting the day away, asleep in his office room while watching the television! Unbeknownst to him, he has very important business to attend to today! You're watching the critically acclaimed sit-com 'Leave It To The Saints': Episode 97: A Pleasant Day in Jackson! Airing only on AFN: America's Finest Network!

[babyawacs]

iam still u n s u r - no- e x t r a o r d i n a r i l y u n s u r e how hazardous toyour health that #gnu_license and #winrar @winrar #license is toyourhealth .@afnradioeurope .@cnet .@techpowerup @gnu @debian @linux @ubuntu @arc hlinux @gentoo  @afnstuttgart @afn @afnradioeurope #midlifecrisis #radiodj itisok thatyoufight your depression with physical activity but yo ushould overthink your priorities especially about the real realistic basis of your biology your health #reframed it matters more what you eat without bizzarre excesse s and what you do how harmful itis aswellas the network and role youre in

iam still u n s u r – no- e x t r a o r d i n a r i l y u n s u r e how hazardous toyour health that #gnu_license and #winrar @winrar #license is toyourhealth .@afnradioeurope .@cnet .@techpowerup @gnu @debian @linux @ubuntu @archlinux @gentoo @afnstuttgart @afn @afnradioeurope #midlifecrisis #radiodj itisok thatyoufight your depression with physical activity but youshould overthink your…

[newmusicweekly]

The American Forces Network (AFN) has announced it will reduce the number of radio programs available through its services beginning May 1, 2025, in an effort to streamline operations. Among the programs being cut are AFN Legacy, Freedom Rock, The Blend, and Joe Radio, along with the removal of commercially produced podcasts from its audio streaming platform, AFN Go. Despite the reductions, AFN will continue offering a lineup of music, entertainment, and news channels through AFN Go. The network's 24 Eagle radio stations located around the globe will remain on air, continuing to serve U.S. military communities overseas. AFN Go has experienced significant growth in the past year, with a reported 30-percent increase in audience size. In January alone, listeners streamed nearly 480,000 hours of radio content on the platform, according to the network. AFN Go and its television counterpart, AFN Now, are free to download and available to Department of Defense personnel overseas. Both apps can be found on Google Play, the Apple App Store, Amazon Fire, Roku, and on select smart TVs. Read the full article

[siluscrow]

See, here’s the weird thing for me: I was…13 (?) when 9/11 happened, living overseas (military parents), and I remember it and the aftermath pretty clearly, and from a different position as the people Stateside. It…horrifies me when I hear or see people joking about 9/11. I think about it and I remember damn near everything about when we turned on the TV and watched the planes hit. I remember how our TV was set up, how we had our living room arranged, how my mom had rushed me and my brother off base before the locked it down and my dad not being home for like a week because the base got locked down before he could leave. I remember my dad being home less and less as he had to fly out more and more to pick up wounded to be brought back for treatment (he was a flight nurse). I remember watching the war progress because the only English station on TV was AFN (Armed Forces Network) and if they decided to show you the news well damnit you were watching the news. I remember watching footage of Hiraldo Rivera in a flak vest with soldiers, describing for people what the plan was. I remember watching footage of Patriot missiles being launched from ships in the gulf and tanks rolling into Baghdad.

I remember so, so much of that time. More than I remember my 20’s. And I hear people make light of the event that led to all that and more, like it’s some sort of joke? Nah fuck that. And fuck terrorist sympathizers while we’re at it.

Why do we even have to explain to AMERICANS that terrorism is bad. Don’t you have like umm,, an experience?? A memory??

[husbandof]

Understanding UnknownCurrencyException: Unknown Currency Code: XXX

In today's interconnected global economy, the smooth exchange of currencies is a critical component of international trade, investment, and travel. Financial systems, whether they be simple e-commerce platforms or complex banking networks, rely heavily on accurate currency recognition and conversion. However, errors in currency handling can lead to significant disruptions. One such error that often perplexes developers and users alike is the UnknownCurrencyException, specifically with the message "Unknown currency code: XXX".

What is UnknownCurrencyException?

UnknownCurrencyException is a type of runtime exception that occurs in financial and e-commerce applications when an unrecognized or unsupported currency code is encountered. This exception indicates that the system has attempted to process a currency code that is either invalid, not registered in the system, or mistyped. The "XXX" in the exception message is typically a placeholder representing the problematic currency code.

Common Scenarios for the Exception

Invalid Currency Codes: Using codes that do not conform to the ISO 4217 standard, which defines internationally recognized codes for currencies and funds.

Typographical Errors: Mistyped currency codes, such as "USX" instead of "USD" for the United States Dollar.

System Limitations: Systems that do not support certain currency codes, especially newly introduced or less common ones.

Outdated Data: Using outdated currency data that does not include recent changes or additions to the list of recognized currencies.

The ISO 4217 Standard

To understand why UnknownCurrencyException occurs, it's essential to delve into the ISO 4217 standard. This international standard delineates three-letter codes for defining currencies and funds. For instance, the United States Dollar is represented by USD, the Euro by EUR, and the Japanese Yen by JPY. These codes are used globally in banking, finance, and commerce to avoid confusion and ensure consistency.

Structure of ISO 4217 Codes

First Two Letters: Represent the country code (derived from the ISO 3166 country codes).

Third Letter: Typically represents the initial letter of the currency's name.

For example:

USD: United States Dollar

EUR: Euro (used by European Union countries)

JPY: Japanese Yen

Any deviation from these standardized codes can trigger the UnknownCurrencyException.

Common Causes of the Exception

1. Typographical Errors

One of the most frequent causes is simple human error. A minor typographical mistake can result in an unrecognized currency code, leading to the exception.

Example:

java

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String currencyCode = "USX"; // Incorrect Currency currency = Currency.getInstance(currencyCode); // Throws UnknownCurrencyException

2. Non-Standard Codes

Some systems might use proprietary or non-standard codes for internal purposes. If these codes are used outside their intended context, they can cause exceptions.

Example:

java

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String currencyCode = "XBT"; // Some systems use XBT for Bitcoin, which is not an ISO 4217 standard code Currency currency = Currency.getInstance(currencyCode); // Throws UnknownCurrencyException

3. Outdated Currency Data

Currency codes can change due to geopolitical shifts or economic reforms. Systems using outdated currency data may not recognize newer codes.

Example:

java

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String currencyCode = "SSP"; // South Sudanese Pound Currency currency = Currency.getInstance(currencyCode); // Throws UnknownCurrencyException if data is outdated

4. Unsupported Currencies

Some applications are designed to handle only a subset of currencies. Using a code outside this subset will result in an exception.

Example:

java

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String currencyCode = "AFN"; // Afghan Afghani Currency currency = Currency.getInstance(currencyCode); // Throws UnknownCurrencyException if AFN is unsupported

Handling UnknownCurrencyException

Properly handling UnknownCurrencyException is crucial to maintaining a seamless user experience and preventing disruptions in financial operations.

1. Input Validation

Validate user inputs to ensure they conform to recognized currency codes before processing.

Example:

java

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Set<String> validCurrencies = Set.of("USD", "EUR", "JPY", "GBP", "AUD"); if (!validCurrencies.contains(currencyCode)) { throw new IllegalArgumentException("Unsupported currency code: " + currencyCode); } Currency currency = Currency.getInstance(currencyCode);

2. Updating Currency Data

Regularly update the currency data in your system to include new or changed codes.

Example:

java

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// Use a library or API to fetch the latest currency data CurrencyDataUpdater.update();

3. Fallback Mechanism

Implement a fallback mechanism to handle cases where a currency code is not recognized.

Example:

java

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try { Currency currency = Currency.getInstance(currencyCode); } catch (UnknownCurrencyException e) { // Log the error and use a default currency or prompt the user log.error("Unknown currency code: " + currencyCode, e); Currency currency = Currency.getInstance("USD"); // Default to USD }

4. User Feedback

Provide clear feedback to users when they enter an unrecognized currency code, guiding them to correct the input.

Example:

java

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if (!validCurrencies.contains(currencyCode)) { System.out.println("The currency code " + currencyCode + " is not recognized. Please check and try again."); }

Conclusion

UnknownCurrencyException: Unknown currency code: XXX is a common yet preventable issue in financial and e-commerce applications. By understanding the ISO 4217 standard, validating inputs, keeping currency data up to date, and implementing robust error handling mechanisms, developers can mitigate the occurrence of this exception. Ensuring accurate and reliable currency processing is essential for maintaining trust and efficiency in global financial operations.

[athbharat]

In today’s accelerating transportation and logistics sector, operational efficiency and streamlined processes are paramount. Avaal Technology rises to the occasion by offering comprehensive truck dispatch software solutions and more, cementing its position as a valuable ally for the transport industry. With over 20 years of experience, Avaal provides an all-in-one platform encompassing trucking dispatch, fleet management, safety and compliance, and accounting aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and real-time tracking for carriers, freight brokers, and freight forwarders.

Avaal’s truck dispatcher software not only facilitates efficient route planning and live tracking but also integrates vital features such as driver settlements, invoicing, and freight tracking, making it a contender for the best trucking dispatch software solution in the market. Its commitment to innovation is further highlighted by its cloud based TMS software options and mobile app support, ensuring accessibility and seamless management for users on the go. With Avaal’s solutions, businesses are equipped to achieve peak performance, propelled by Avaal’s expertise in training, consulting, and cutting-edge software tailored to the modern demands of the transportation industry.

Key Features of Avaal’s Truck Management Software

Comprehensive Software Suites

Avaal offers a robust array of software solutions tailored for the transportation industry. The AFM Suite, designed to meet for automating critical business processes, includes features for ACE/ACI e-Manifest submissions essential for efficient cross-border transportation. Additionally, the AEM Suite enhances operational efficiency by streamlining order and customer management system. AFN Connect links freight carriers, brokers, and shippers for networking and collaboration to optimize load matches and reduce empty miles. One of the most time taking operational work is of manual data entry into their Tms which is automatically extracting the data from documents etc.

Mobile Application Integration

To ensure accessibility and convenience, Avaal provides mobile applications like AFM Driver and AEM Driver Apps. These apps extend the capabilities of Avaal’s software suites to mobile platforms, allowing users to manage transportation workflows effectively from anywhere.

Diverse Software Offerings

Avaal’s product lineup includes the AFM Suite, AED Suite, and Avaal Freight Network (AFN) Connect. These products offer seamless integration, user-friendly interfaces, and 24/7 support, making them highly effective for modern transportation.

Advanced Truck Management System (TMS)

Avaal Technology’s TMS integrates tools and features that facilitate the planning, execution, and optimization of trucking business operations. This system provides:

A unified interface for managing all aspects of the transportation workflow.

Enhancing visibility into the supply chain.

Improving delivery timelines.

Customization and Automation

The AVAAL Freight Management Suite offers features like automation, customization, and integration with major third-party providers. It supports multi-company management and provides a multi-version platform suitable for various transportation needs such as dispatch, brokerage, and auto hauler.

Desktop and Cloud-Based Solutions

Avaal provides both desktop-based and cloud-based TMS solutions. AVAAL Express Dispatch, a desktop-based TMS option, along with the cloud-based AFM Suite, offers robust automation and customization capabilities. These platforms are designed to cater to asset based carriers, freight brokers, and freight forwarders, enhancing freight accounting, auditing, and tracking.

Enhanced Security and Efficiency

Avaal’s truck dispatch software simplifies compliance with local regulations and offers real-time tracking of trucks and freight. It also streamlines accounting processes and improves order management, saves time and money while enhancing security and accuracy compared to traditional methods.

Integrated Accounting Features

The software includes a seamlessly integrated accounting system developed specifically for trucking & freight forwarding companies. This system facilitates time savings, improves customer relationship management and customer service, and addresses the specific financial management needs of the trucking industry. Additionally, it integrates with QuickBooks for efficient synchronization of financial transactions.

Paperless Operations and Real-Time Tracking

Avaal’s trucking software supports paperless operations and provides features for real-time tracking, simplified invoicing, and payroll management. This leads to streamlined order management and dispatch process & operations, ensuring compliance with regulations, and enhancing overall operational efficiency.

The Role of Avaal Technology in Enhancing Logistics and Transportation

Avaal Technology Solutions stands out as a pivotal force in revolutionizing logistics and transportation management. Known for its innovative logistics solutions, Avaal optimizes operations and significantly boosts profitability for businesses involved in freight management. The company’s approach not only enhances operational efficiency but also appeals to a broad spectrum of logistics stakeholders, from managers to truck drivers, by increasing profit margins and streamlining processes.

Sustainability and Innovation

A crucial aspect of Avaal’s innovation is its dedication to sustainability, mainly through initiatives to reduce empty miles, thereby contributing to environmental conservation. This commitment positions Avaal as a forward-thinking leader in the logistics sector, ready to meet future challenges and opportunities.

Enhancing User Experience

Avaal’s technology blends advanced technical sophistication with a user-centric design. This combination ensures that all users, regardless of their tech expertise, find the software intuitive and capable of meeting the rigorous demands of the logistics industry. Testimonials from industry users’ further evidence the positive user experience. Essi Torabi from Silver Start Transportation remarks on the efficiency improvements seen with Avaal Express software, noting significant operational enhancements. Similarly, Binny from Speed X Logistics highlights the exceptional support provided by Avaal’s dedicated team.

Operational Improvements and Professional Branding

Avaal not only assists in streamlining operations but also aids businesses in expanding through the acquisition of necessary permits and certifications. Additionally, it offers customized corporate branding solutions that enhance businesses’ professional image. Satwant Singh of Silver Start Transportation praises the software for its performance and its comfort to their accounting department.

By integrating these elements, Avaal Technology Solutions redefines the standards of efficiency and profitability in the logistics and transportation industry, ensuring businesses are well-equipped to thrive in a competitive market.

Integration Capabilities with Third-Party Providers

Avaal’s truck dispatch software stands out for its robust integration capabilities with various third-party providers, ensuring a seamless and efficient operational experience. Here are some key integration features:

Core System Integration: Avaal’s CORE system allows integration with API-enabled third-party providers, enhancing flexibility and connectivity across various platforms.

Electronic Logging Device Compatibility: The software supports integration with popular ELDs like Samsara, which are crucial for compliance and fleet performance and management.

Comprehensive Mobile App Integration: Avaal integrates with its own mobile applications and major third-party providers, offering a complete real time solution that caters to diverse transportation and logistics needs.

Creating API Tokens for Integration: Specific API tokens are required for integration with Samsara, and detailed instructions are available in the Samsara API documentation. This process involves creating a token with granular scopes and sending it to an Avaal representative to enable the integration.

Support and Configuration Assistance: Once the API token is created and submitted, Avaal’s support team assists with the configuration and guides users through the necessary steps to activate the integration, ensuring a smooth setup process.

Extended Integration with Avaal Express: Avaal Express supports third-party integrations with various applications, including PC Miler, Avaal eManifest, EDI, Loadboard, Customer Portal/App, and QuickBooks, enhancing the software’s utility and adaptability.

Customization for Various Business Sizes: Avaal’s eManifest software, which facilitates compliance for U.S.-Canada border crossings, is customizable to meet the needs of different trucking companies, from single operators to multinational corporations.

Through these integrations, Avaal not only simplifies the management of transportation and logistics operations but also ensures that businesses can leverage the best tools in the industry to enhance their operational efficiency and compliance.

User Experience and Support

Avaal’s dedication to providing a seamless user experience is evident through its comprehensive support system and user-friendly software design. Customers satisfaction & benefit from 24/7 access to support via phone and chat, ensuring that help is always just a call or click away. The software’s intuitive interface is complemented by various support options tailored to enhance user interaction and satisfaction.

Comprehensive Support Options

Avaal offers a robust support system that includes:

24/7 Phone and Chat Support: Users can contact the support team at any time for assistance with software integration, troubleshooting, or general queries.

Email and Help Desk: For less immediate concerns, users can email Avaal at admin@avaal.com or utilize the help desk for detailed support.

Knowledge Base and FAQs: A well-organized knowledge base and frequently asked questions (FAQs) section provides users with quick answers to common issues and guidance on using the software effectively.

Training and Educational Resources

Avaal is committed to enhancing the industry knowledge of its users through:

Specialized Training Courses: Offering courses in Trucking Dispatch, Safety & Compliance, and Transportation of Dangerous Goods, available in multiple locations and online.

Customizable Learning Options: Courses are scheduled for weekdays and weekends, accommodating the diverse availability of participants.

Consulting and Additional Services

In addition to software solutions, Avaal provides valuable consulting services:

Trucking Authorities and Certification: Assistance with obtaining necessary certifications and authorities for trucking operations.

Corporate Branding and Customs Bonds: Services include help with corporate branding and securing customs bonds, which are essential for cross-border operations.

By integrating these elements, Avaal ensures that every user has access to top-tier software solutions and receives the support and resources needed to optimize their operational efficiency and compliance.

Pricing and Subscription Models

Avaal Truck Dispatch Software offers flexible subscription models tailored to meet the needs of businesses of various sizes, from freelancers to mid-size and small businesses. Here are the detailed pricing and subscription options:

Subscription Flexibility

Avaal provides options for both monthly and annual subscriptions, catering to different business requirements and budget constraints.

Pricing Details

Avaal Express Trucking Management Software:

Monthly Subscription: Starts at USD 99 (CAD 150).

Annual Subscription: Contact Avaal directly for yearly pricing options.

Free Trial: Available to help businesses evaluate the software before committing long-term.

Business Size Suitability

Freelancers: Avaal Express is designed to accommodate the operational needs of independent truckers and small operators.

Mid-Size Business: Offers features that help manage more complex logistics and dispatch operations.

Small Business: Tailored features that simplify small-scale businesses’ dispatch, expenses, and communication operations.

Contact for Custom Quotes

For businesses interested in custom solutions or those needing more specific information on pricing, Avaal encourages direct contact to discuss tailored subscription plans and pricing.

Desktop and Cloud-Based Options

Avaal Desktop Based Freight Management Software (AED): Available with options for both monthly and annual subscriptions, providing flexibility in software deployment based on business needs.

Conclusion

Throughout this exploration of Avaal’s truck dispatch software, we’ve witnessed an extensive showcase of how such technology can revolutionize efficiency, compliance, and overall operational effectiveness within the transportation and logistics sector. By integrating crucial features like efficient route planning, real-time tracking, mobile app integration, and comprehensive support for third-party integration, Avaal positions itself as an indispensable tool for businesses aiming to navigate the complexities of modern-day logistics. Its relentless focus on customization, automation, and user experience enhancement further underscores its commitment to meeting the diverse needs of its clientele, from independent operators to multinational enterprises.

Moving forward, the role of Avaal Technology in simplifying logistics operations, reducing operational costs, and driving sustainability initiatives cannot be overstated. The broad implications of these advancements promise not only to elevate the standards of logistical operations but also to pave the way for more sustainable and efficient practices in the industry. As businesses seek solutions that provide a competitive edge, Avaal’s continuous innovation and dedication to user support offer a clear pathway to achieving operational excellence. For stakeholders in the transportation industry, Avaal’s logistics software is not just a tool but a strategic partner in the pursuit of optimization and growth.

FAQs

Q: What is the most recommended course for truck dispatch training?

A: Avaal Technology Solutions is recognized as the premier provider of Truck Dispatcher Training Courses in North America.

Q: Can you describe Avaal Express?

A: Avaal Express is an all-encompassing trucking management software that integrates features such as dispatching, fleet management (mid-size, small-size, large size) driver management, safety and compliance (Bill of lading, shipping documents), and accounting into a single, user-friendly platform. Avaal Express offers various versions to fit the diverse needs and requirements of its users precisely.

Checkout Our Courses:

Truck Dispatch Training In California

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[indoorverticalfarmingnews]

American Farmers Network Leads the Charge in Regenerative Grass-Fed Beef Certification

Key Takeaways: American Farmers Network (AFN) is at the forefront of establishing regenerative agriculture certification for grass-fed beef in the U.S. With USDA approval for its Regenerative Agriculture claim, AFN is ready to develop comprehensive certification criteria for the beef industry. CEO Sanin Mirvic emphasizes collaboration with regenerative alliances to refine and strengthen…

[thxnews]

Super Bowl LVIII Live for Troops Overseas

American Forces Network Brings Super Bowl Excitement to U.S. Military Worldwide The excitement of Super Bowl LVIII is set to reach American troops around the globe, thanks to the American Forces Network (AFN). Authorized overseas audiences, including U.S. service members and their families, can look forward to live coverage of the much-anticipated event across AFN's extensive broadcasting platforms, including television, radio, and streaming services on Sunday, February 11.  

A Touch of Home Far From Home

Hal Pittman, Director of the Defense Media Activity (DMA), expressed gratitude towards the National Football League (NFL) for their ongoing support, emphasizing the importance of the Super Bowl broadcast in boosting troop morale. "This partnership with the NFL allows us to deliver a slice of home to our troops serving overseas, enhancing their morale and providing a much-needed respite," Pittman stated.   Comprehensive Coverage Across Platforms In a bid to accommodate the diverse schedules of service members across different time zones, AFN will not only offer live coverage but also video-on-demand through its streaming app, AFN Now. Additionally, the Super Bowl festivities will kick off at 11 a.m. Eastern Standard Time with pre-game highlights including "The NFL Honors Red Carpet Show," "Road to the Super Bowl," and the "Kickoff Show."   Engaging the Military Community AFN encourages viewers to engage with the broadcast through social media using #SB58AFN and #SuperBowlAFN. Jim Alexander, director of the AFN Broadcast Center, highlighted the significance of the Super Bowl broadcast for the AFN team and its audience. "Broadcasting the Super Bowl is a highlight of our year, knowing it connects American service members worldwide with one of the biggest sporting events back home," Alexander remarked.  

Easy Access to Broadcasts

For those looking to catch the game on AFN, the complete broadcast schedule is available at www.afn.mil. The AFN Now and AFN Go apps offer free access to AFN's content, including the Super Bowl, to service members, their families, and retirees living overseas, with registration required through the app.   A Legacy of Service and Entertainment AFN continues its 82-year tradition of serving American forces overseas, providing a mix of top-rated American television and radio programming. From news and sports to entertainment, AFN delivers quality content to American troops, ensuring they stay connected with home, no matter where they are stationed globally.   Sources: THX News & US Department of Defense. Read the full article

[georgemcginn]

AFN Broadcasts Super Bowl LVIII

View Online IMMEDIATE RELEASE AFN Broadcasts Super Bowl LVIII Feb. 6, 2024 The Defense Media Activity (DMA) and the American Forces Network (AFN) invite authorized overseas audiences to enjoy live coverage of Super Bowl LVIII on AFN global television, radio and streaming services beginning Sunday, February 11. “We are deeply grateful to the National Football League for their continuing,…

[tvguidancecounselor]

TV Guidance Counselor Episode 615: Mike Doughty

February 16-22, 1980

This week Ken welcomes musician, author and man behind the new lp "Ghosts of Vroom III", Mike Doughty.

Ken and Mike discuss how 1980 was a good poignant television year in Mike's life, being a military kid, how a year of no Mork & Mindy leads to a year of no TV at all, The American Forces Network, the outro credit song on WKRP in Cincinnati, finding out what music you like from Sitcoms, Angel Witch, the consistency of television, moving a lot, how we'd all be better off as accountants, the exciting and elusive world of commercials, Zapping your Zinger, living in Germany, specific PSAs made for AFN by the original cast of SNL, how TV reporters made the world worse by trying to sign off impressively, The Superbowl, learning about American culture via Commercials, Norman Fell, six ways to cry, dramas spun off from comedies, Lou Grant, Cop Rock, Quincy M.E., Skag with Karl Malden, Last Resort, CHiPs, dripping in Orchestral disco, how analog synth lasers make everything better, theme songs that chart, Starsky and Hutch, Mr. Smith, the prevalence of Orangutans and apes in television and movies, CB Radios, BJ and the Bear, Citizen's Band, pretending to be a doctor, how comedy never works on live music shows, how music often DOES work on comedy shows, avoiding OJ Simpson's acting work, Alice, Linda Lavin, the 70s shows that went well into the 80s, the horror of the word "booger", being Dr. Johnny Fever, Barney Miller, seeing TV sitcom actors on Broadway, coded gay characters, The White Shadow, Goldie and Liza Together, Bob Newhart's sketch comedy special, Real People, how the death of disco lead to mud wrestling and wet t-shirt contents, being confused for a real people person when you're a Real People person, when political debates became roast battles, Dragnet, The Rockford Files, young Powers Booth, old fashioned typewriters, Wonder Woman, The Incredible Hulk, The Hulk Out List, doing Bill Moyers, dueling Merv Griffins, the made for-TV movie Detour to Terror, buses, photos of Lorenzo Lamas, and recommending Blacke's Magic.

[babyawacs]

@afnstuttgart @afn @afnradioeurope #midlifecrisis #radiodj itisok thatyoufight your depression with physical activity but yo ushould overthink your priorities especially about the real realistic basis of your biology your health #reframed it matters more what you eat without bizzarre excesse s and what you do how harmful itis aswellas the network and role youre in than a n y of the bullshit cliche s nottomention the starve fools  youare victims ofthe system overstuffed with i s o g l u c o s e  and templated arbitrarily in the realdeal whileyoure a zombi milked leechlooted itis criminal iso glucose is more ofyourproblem and industrial meat productions and still itis only one two three things which things matter more #keypoint whatyoushould n o t do is ruin your health with excesses ‎ dont be an idiot 

@afnstuttgart @afn @afnradioeurope #midlifecrisis #radiodj itisok thatyoufight your depression with physical activity but youshould overthink your priorities especially about the real realistic basis of your biology your health #reframed it matters more what you eat without bizzarre excesses and what you do how harmful itis aswellas the network and role youre in than a n y of the bullshit cliche…

[nextwavefutures]

Imagining the future of food in a net zero world

Imagining the future of food in a net zero world. A set of scenarios. New post on The Next Wave.

Earlier this year I worked with the UK Agri-foods for Net Zero Network (AFN for short) to help them develop a set of scenarios about the future of food production and consumption. The group includes academics, practitioners, and policy-makers. The purpose of the scenarios was to stretch their thinking around the types of research that could help to accelerate the transition of the sector to Net…

[bacchicly]

September 30th was the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada and today is the public service stat.

It is a time to listen, learn, reflect, and make concrete commitments on how we can and will, as individuals and organizations, support and advance truth and reconciliation throughout the next year and beyond.

As with all my encounters with calls to action or fights for justice, I feel often stymied by where to start - let alone do enough - to help and properly give the time, attention, and consideration I believe is appropriate. Everything feels both inadequate and somehow inappropriately too much , especially when I have benefitted and continue to benefit from privilege that stems from the oppression which needs to be dismantled and for which restitution needs to be made.

However as I believe something is better than nothing...and in the tradition of me using this platform as a home for "lists for healing" here are my personal commitments for this year:

I will learn more about the local indigenous communities and attend at least of one event or space where a local indigenous community is inviting the public to attend with the hope that those outside their community may listen, bear witness, or financially support a cause in their community

I will write an email to the heads of my Specialist Discipline inquiring as to how we are as a community of practice will be concretely supporting T&R this year; I will include the list of suggestions I have gathered from managers and colleagues in the last few years as to how our discipline could concretely and positively contribute to advancing recognition of T&R for their formal consideration

I will be proactive in findings for ways to support T&R in my day to day work

I will be mindful to not put T&R related actions/considerations last in lists and be vigilant that they not be included simply as a checkmark for myself or the organization

I will strive use my privilege to lift up the voices of those who have personal experience and calls to action that need to be heard.

I will work to get more comfortable at knowing what words I may and should use and what questions to ask when speaking or writing about indigenous cultures, stories, rights, and calls to action. But rather than cede to the easier but harmful silence and my fear of saying the wrong thing, I will try my best and be open to suggestions and take it upon myself to research or ask someone when I feel unsure.

I commit to speaking up and challenging all instances of racism, classism, sexism and all other forms of hate, fear, and intolerance I encounter day to day and I will continue to strive to recognize, interrogate and challenge my own biases, assumptions, and preconceived notions.

I will read at least three books/plays by indigenous authors

I will print a more specific version of this list and post it in my office at work, along with items related to my work place's current efforts to support the advancement of Truth and Reconciliation in my office and home both as a personal reminder of my own commitments and as a way to raise awareness of the need for individual, community and organizational action among colleagues and my family.

For more learning about Truth and Reconciliation in Canada:

Sept 30, 2023 Statement by Assembly of First Nations: AFN Acknowledges National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Calls for Accelerated Action Towards Reconciliation

CBC's tracking of the action and inaction in response to the 94 Calls to Action: https://www.cbc.ca/newsinteractives/beyond-94?&cta=1

Aboriginal Peoples Television Network's NDTR programming: https://www.aptntv.ca/ndtr/

Information about NDTR provided on the Government of Canada's Public Website: https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/national-day-truth-reconciliation.html