It’s scarcely been a better time to be in the automobile business. Thanks to a worldwide computer chip shortage resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, demand for new and used vehicles is widely outpacing the available supply of motor vehicles.
From flashy dealerships to used car lots, vehicles are moving fast — and auto transport shippers must be ready to keep pace. Top auto shippers recognize this circumstance as a prime opportunity to build long-term customer relationships that will far outlast today’s production bottlenecks.
Although radically improving your auto transport shipping business overnight might sound easier said than done, identifying common industry pain points can help steer you in a positive direction. Because many auto shippers often fall victim to similar problems, finding ways to overcome the same issues as your competitors can help give your company a serious edge.
Here are several common problems that hold auto transport shippers back:
Using outdated technology
It might sound like a cliché, but in the third decade of the 21st century, auto transport companies shouldn’t be relying on 20th century (or earlier) solutions. Phone calls, paper invoices, and disconnected spreadsheets may have sufficed in the days before smartphones could stream feature-length high-definition films, but the world’s been different for quite some time.
Without updated technology, shippers are unable to match the pace, data insights, and productivity of their more advanced competitors.”
If there is one thing that leading auto shippers have in common, it’s that they have long embraced technology to help make their businesses more efficient. But shippers who haven’t taken even the smallest steps into the present — like building out a quality web presence or preferring to rely on disparate processes for everyday tasks — simply can’t compete in an industry that’s geared towards transportation management systems that are engineered to help top pros move cars faster. Without updated technology, shippers are unable to match the pace, data insights, and productivity of their more advanced competitors.
Ignoring automation and integrations
Even if your auto transport company has taken firm steps into the digital age, it’s no longer enough to simply maintain the status quo. Technology is constantly evolving, and for any shipper with goals around success will need to evolve just as quickly. For example, solutions that automatically carry out complex tasks, such as managing loads with detailed carrier specifications, are already helping auto transport shippers climb closer to peak efficiency.
…solutions that automatically carry out complex tasks, such as managing loads with detailed carrier specifications, are already helping auto transport shippers climb closer to peak efficiency.”
Super Dispatch fully integrates with Zapier, an online automation tool that allows shippers to connect directly to Quickbooks online, as well as other apps like a customer relationship management (CRM). For routine communication tasks, automation and software integrations enable shippers to spend far less time coordinating administrative work, keeping loads moving with speed and back-office efficiency. Leveraging a platform with an API also saves time and overhead costs as it automates many of your manual tasks like load posting and the communication or exchange of data.
A lack of investment in a quality carrier network
Acquiring new equipment or software to improve your business can be a straightforward process, but building up a reputation of trustworthiness and reliability can be an entirely different matter. And in an industry in which speed, timeliness, and trust are among the top concerns of brokers, shippers, and customers alike, ensuring that your auto transport shipping business has an established network of responsible, reliable carriers is critically important.
By utilizing a more advanced load board, shippers can more easily identify carriers with up-to-date compliancy documents and can avoid bad actor carriers.”
Not only must each carrier be fully compliant and insured, but they must also be demonstratively accountable for the quality of services they provide. Without taking steps to ensure that each of your carriers meets your high standard of business, customers may ultimately prefer to rely on competitors with better reputations that offer high levels of care. By utilizing a more advanced load board, shippers can more easily identify carriers with up-to-date compliancy documents and can avoid bad actor carriers.
Solving your pain points can feel like an intimidating venture, but with the right partner and technology, you can easily take your business to the next level without the headache.
Super Dispatch makes it easy for auto transport shippers to move cars with intelligence and efficiency. Schedule a free product demo today!
