Without a doubt, technology is the easiest and fastest way to save time. The right fit will automate workflows, decrease manual processes, and eliminate the ongoing back-and-forth. And although it is easy to use, are you using it to its full potential?
Advanced load boards are critical to shippers and brokers who need to eliminate processes that drain the clock and waste time. However, for these advanced load boards to serve your business to the fullest, data is crucial.
Posting loads with the basic information may work, but there is a better way to get the job done. Frequently, drivers don’t get all the details they may need to make your life easier and help them work faster. Not sure what you may be overlooking? Use the following as your checklist to create the most informative load posting to get your loads moved faster.
✓ Easy Access to Contact Information
One of the easiest ways to save time and eliminate the back and forth is to clearly present all necessary contact information on the load posting. This includes the customer contact. Understandably, most brokers don’t want to advertise customer contact information to the public. However, the advanced load boards will have a feature that will provide viewable notes to a carrier only after the load has been accepted. This is where you can list the necessary contact information safely.
“By providing contact information details, you’re removing the stress of potential phone tag while helping drivers move quicker.”
In the event that the driver isn’t using an automated system like Touchless Delivery, the driver will need a way to contact the customer to alert them of their arrival and ready for the customer signature. By providing contact information details, you’re removing the stress of potential phone tag while helping drivers move quicker.
✓ Clearly Defined Load Category
Utilizing the option to mark the load category will not only help you find the right carrier fit faster, but also helps carriers understand your needs all in one place without the need for additional messaging.
“Considering the varying levels of inoperability, by being as detailed as possible you can drastically reduce calls from carriers.”
This also does the work of eliminating carriers that aren’t the right fit for you. For example, for inoperable vehicles, you’ll need a driver with the right equipment, like a winch. By marking “inoperable” in the load posting, you’ve automatically weeded out all prospects who aren’t able to transport inoperable vehicles. Considering the varying levels of inoperability, by being as detailed as possible you can drastically reduce calls from carriers.
✓ Set Inspection Expectations
The more specific and clear you are about the type of inspections you require, the better the results will be. Carriers are very capable of doing detailed inspections, but it’s not on them to assume.
“Specifying your inspection expectations saves your driver from a guessing game and gets you and your customer everything needed at once.”
For example, if you’re needing new or like-new cars to be transported, by specifying the need for “advanced inspections”, the driver will know that they need to provide 6 photos at pickup and 6 photos at delivery. Specifying your inspection expectations saves your driver from a guessing game and gets you and your customer everything needed at once.
✓ Customize Load Offer Audience
There are a lot of load boards in the auto transport industry, and with them come carriers and brokers varying on the spectrum of tenure. Whether you’re a shipper or a carrier, everyone wants to work with someone who is reliable and has the proof to back that up. Before jumping on a load board in search of transport, make sure the load board identifies carriers who meet industry standards.
“…utilize a load board that connects to your carrier compliance requirements through your transportation management system.”
For example, you need a carrier who has up-to-date cargo insurance. This can be easily seen through the load board so that you can become a certified holder for their insurance without making the unnecessary calls to the carrier. Or even better, utilize a load board that connects to your carrier compliance requirements through your transportation management system. This will help you automatically identify which carriers are good to accept a load.
And if you already have a network of carriers you prefer, then utilize a load board that will allow you to send your load posting directly to your preferred carriers instead of only posting to the mass audience.
The more you leverage technology with the right information, the faster your loads will get moved, the easier your load board workflow will become, and your headache-free experience will begin.
Want to learn more about the best load boards for you? Find the best load board for your business on our Auto Transport load board list.
