Transport Management Platforms Giving Auto Shippers, Brokers Increased Control

To better serve the evolving North American used-car market, auto shippers and brokers must leverage digital load-matching and transport management technologies to meet delivery goals economically.

From the used car department at your local franchised dealership to Larry’s Melody Motors on Main Street, auto dealers rarely purchase semi-truck loads of cars from a single source these days. Rather, they are sourcing inventory from multiple sources, including other dealers, private sellers and auctions, so it best fits its marketplace and price point. As such, shippers need access to multiple one-to-five-car carriers to move assets to meet their inventory challenge.

Forty percent of the participants in a recent transportation webinar cited pickup and delivery as a major pain point, while 33% cited the need to call in for shipment updates.  

Simplifying Workflow for Shippers and Brokers

For these shippers and the brokers who support them, this load-matching to carrier-supply matrix can be daunting. Managing the process and the number of players involved adds to the burden. Keeping players, their movements, the schedules and the various paperwork organized, compliant, and moving forward grown to be more than what a shipper can reasonably feel confident managing by spreadsheets, white boards or good memory. 

Enter digital transportation management systems (TMS), which do most of this heavy lifting for them.

TMS use reduces freight costs by 8%, reports the research firm ARC Advisory Group.

From an app on a cell phone or desktop computer browser window, a TMS is designed specifically for auto transport; these systems automate and simplify sourcing, rate negotiation, transport tracking, payables, document management between sellers, carrier and buyer – and systems having built-in load boards dispatch as well.

Typical TMS functionality includes:

• A pricing engine
• A load board
• E-Proof of Delivery
• E-Billing

Reducing Freight Costs

Auto carriers too are increasingly using this technology to improve their operational outcomes, with TMS use reducing freight costs by 8%, according to the research firm ARC Advisory Group. Shippers using a TMS from our company report having reduced average transport times from nine days down to three – and brokers say its use increases their transaction volume without having to add staff to achieve that gain.

ResearchandMarkets.com indicates global TMS growth through 2024 at 13.4%. One factor driving the growth, the report noted, is growing awareness of the technology and how it improves customer service.

Forty percent of the participants in a recent transportation webinar cited pickup and delivery as a major pain point, while 33% cited the need to call in for shipment updates.  

TMS use put that information at hand in real time, resolving those concerns too.

TMS use helps small businesses operate with greater sophistication, with dispatch, back-end functions and more in their pocket.

Load Matching and Price Negotiation

In addition, a TMS enables digital load match and price negotiation, eliminating the frustration of telephone calls and the need to upkeep paper documents and records or to access customer lists and files. With instant updates, shippers know where their load is throughout the day, and because of digital record-keeping all documents are always accessible.

With this technology, users can find the right matches, much like travels who use lodging apps like Hotel.com or Travego.com. 

For a margin-thin business as small-hauling auto transport is, TMS use helps small businesses operate with greater sophistication, with dispatch, back-end functions and more in their pocket.

By enabling shippers and brokers to target load needs to smaller and independent car haulers, haulers move more cars more affordably as shippers save on time, frustration and cost to get their inventories moved. 

Invest in a TMS Today

Ultimately, the right technology platform for your needs must enable a simple, fast, and positive experience for all parties involved in the car shipping and hauling ecosystem. TMS innovators who continue to focus on solving auto transport pain points will continue to do well. 

Want to learn more about a TMS, but not sure where to start? Check out Super Dispatch’s article on which factors to consider when choosing the right TMS partner.

Published on May 13, 2020