With the start of a new year, haulage companies should be re-evaluating the efficiency and effectiveness of their operations system. Your secret helper? Technology! By streamlining your operations through software, you can keep a better handling over documentation and shipment. Online platforms can also improve your clients’ experience, while apps make your drivers’ road life safer and easier.
Advantages of Streamlining Operations
Putting the Client First: Using an online platform will improve your clients’ experience. Instead of wasting time trying to get hold of you by phone or email, they can use your freight forwarding platform to get a quote for a shipment, track a delivery or order goods. It’s a real time-saver!
Opening Communication: Let’s face it, shipments and deliveries often get delayed. While unpredictable external factors often contribute to this, you should still inform your client of the delay. It’s also worth explaining why the shipment is late. By communicating with your client, you’ll build a trusting relationship and they’ll be more likely to favour your services over those of other haulage companies in the future.
Minimising Paperwork: Haulage companies hate administrational paperwork, but thankfully technology can make the process easier. By using a portal or cloud, clients can submit their transport contracts online. Rather than having to print out a new document every time an edit needs doing, you can collaborate and agree on the definitive version before signing the shipping order.
Using an Online Exchange Platform
To make the most of technology, try using a freight exchange platform like Haulage Exchange. Thanks to this real-time hub, haulage companies can better manage their operations. You can see when shipments arrive in port and get a nearby driver to pick up the goods. The freight will then be collected as soon as it’s unloaded, avoiding further delays.
Haulage Exchange Mobile App
Better yet, Haulage Exchange has a handy app, allowing you to view nearby jobs and use the ‘live availability map’, all of which will help you get more work, cut back on dead mileage and increase profits.
Other Apps
FleetSafer Mobile: To ensure that your drivers aren’t tempted to use their phone while on the road, this app blocks access to texts, emails and the web. Any incoming message will receive an automated response that reads: “I’m drivingâ€.
Trucker Timer: This free app lets you track how long a haulier has been driving for. Using a log to calculate total driving hours, it helps ensure that freight forwarders follow the law and don’t tire themselves out on the road.
Truckstop: This app helps hauliers plan their journey by displaying places where they can stop en route. Listing the opening times, facilities and parking availability, drivers can pick a lay-over that best suit their needs.
Technology is a friend to all haulage companies, and you should ensure that you’re making the most of it. Join an online exchange platform and download some helpful apps to stay at the top of your game.
Norman Dulwich is a Correspondent for Haulage Exchange, the leading online trade network for the road transport industry. Connecting professionals across the UK and Europe through their website, Haulage Exchange provides services for matching haulage companies or self-employed drivers with jobs in road transport and haulage work. Over 4,800 transport exchange businesses are networked together through their website, trading jobs and capacity in a safe 'wholesale' environment.
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