The most successful auto transport shippers have one big thing in common – they leverage advanced technology. And while the auto transport industry is still catching up to more mainstream systems, the secret to their success is an API.
For many business owners, an API is a mysterious and complicated element. But it doesn’t have to be. As you consider ways to elevate, grow, and better your shipper business, the first step is to research auto transport platforms with advanced and custom offerings like an API.
Whether you are considering an auto transport platform or more updated ways to improve your auto transport operation, the first step is learning the basics of what an API is and the benefits it can offer to you.
What is an API?
API stands for Application Programming Interface, which is a very fancy way of saying a software that helps all your other applications share information with one another. By connecting your most important auto transport tools like a load board, transportation management system (TMS), or accounting software, you can have your tools send information back and forth to automate manual and redundant tasks.
There are many significant benefits of leveraging an API, but here are just a few of the ways an API can help you.
Benefit #1: Saves You Time
So much of a shipper’s day can be taken over with redundant manual processes like load posting, sending offers, or managing carrier payment. By leveraging an auto transport platform with an API you will be able automate many of your redundant tasks.
BackLotCars mentioned that, “on the accounting side, we went from 9 hours of paperwork to 15 minutes.”
To automate manual workflows like creating and managing loads, assigning them to carriers, process payments, get instant updates, and more – you can integrate or connect any existing systems to an API backed auto transport platform and start getting hours of your time back. Shippers who have continually grown their business have even attributed some of their success to saving time with an API. For example, Sean Hampton from BackLotCars mentioned that, “on the accounting side, we went from 9 hours of paperwork to 15 minutes.”
Benefit #2: Better Visibility
One of the biggest challenges auto transport shippers face is that when they are operating on multiple disconnected systems, there is no such thing as accurate data. By having all your systems communicate with each other through an API, you are able to identify a single source of truth.
By having all your systems communicate with each other through an API, you are able to identify a single source of truth.”
Connecting your accounting software, TMS, load board, and Customer Relationship Manager (CRM) will give you the most accurate view into your vehicles, how your business is performing, the cash flow of your business, and insights into your customers all in one digestible place.
Benefit #3: Improved Communication
Like many auctions or dealers, shippers must communicate frequently with customers or lot managers to ensure effective management of every vehicle. As these partners rely on email more and more, leveraging an email tool or CRM can be helpful.
connecting your CRM and TMS software can help you automate emails and communication efforts.”
To max out your email tools and communication efforts, connecting your CRM and TMS software can help you automate emails and communication efforts. Whether you are wanting to schedule check-ins post-transportation or provide instant status updates, the API connection can let your customers or partners know without the typical redundant manual processes used before. This can all be done quickly while improving the overall experience and presenting your business as much more advanced than your competitors.
Benefit #4: Increased Productivity
From organizing the vehicle transportation needs to landing reliable carriers, every single load takes time. Oftentimes, the complications of load posting and managing carrier information can take over your team’s time. But with automated processes thanks to an API, your team can not only move faster, but get more done in less time.
For time consuming tasks like managing carrier compliance, you can now leverage an API to get it done in a snap.”
For time consuming tasks like managing carrier compliance, you can now leverage an API to get it done in a snap. Operate with an auto transport platform equipped with a load board, TMS and API and your team will be able to automatically push updates to the carrier profile. All while automating load posting, load offers, and any necessary order attachments.
There are so many incredible benefits to leverage an auto transport platform backed by API technology, all of which can be customized to your specific shipper needs. First, every shipper should evaluate their business needs, their goals, and discuss with an auto transport partner if API technology is a great fit for you.
To learn more about how Super Dispatch’s API platform can help your business, sign up today to speak to a specialist.
