Connected logistics startup LoadDocs is tackling one of the most vexing daily challenges for food haulers, logistics providers and beverage distributors: completing paperwork on the road.
By combining its proprietary system for capturing and transmitting images with smartphone connectivity, LoadDocs enables drivers to send proof of delivery and other essential documents directly from the cab of their trucks back to the home office as an alternative to faxing in their paperwork.
With the LoadDocs app, all a driver needs to do is take a picture of a document, assisted by guides on the camera screen to help with framing. LoadDocs’ technology takes care of the rest by automatically cropping, rotating and adjusting image colors to produce an as-good-as-original electronic copy.
“Customers are not going to pay unless the document is legible,” said Brian Belcher, LoadDocs chief operating officer.
In addition to digitally sending documents, drivers can attach photos, retrieve date and time details, and add location information. Distributors and trucking companies hauling perishable food and beverage products are able to capture additional information to meet the new regulations put in place by the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).
In addition to common industry paperwork, LoadDocs is configured to handle food-specific documents that FSMA requires such as wash tickets and three-prior documents.
“Having such records available online and on-demand will be increasingly important as fleets are required to provide supporting documents to back up now-mandatory electronic logging devices, and to meet other food safety supply chain rules,” said Belcher. Expediting invoices is another key function.
Drivers often make deliveries to places with limited or no cell coverage. LoadDocs is designed to capture and store images the driver takes; when it detects a stronger signal, it automatically transmits the documents to the home office.
At the fleet office, managers can use the system’s optical-character-recognition technology to capture data from the electronic documents for reports. They no longer have to type information on a piece of paper into a computer system, and they no longer have to handle or store massive amounts of paper.
“Through artificial intelligence, LoadDocs can learn about the documents and data that the back office is expecting to further automate the process over time,” said Belcher.
LoadDocs is compatible across any Android and iOS device. It also recently launched a partnership with Trimble Company’s PeopleNet, a provider of fleet mobility hardware. Fleets using PeopleNet’s in-cab Electronic Logging Device can install the LoadDocs app on the hardware.
Find more information at www.loaddocs.co.
