LTL fleet management software provider Carrier Logistics recently added automated departure reports that notify shippers and consignees about freight status to its solutions. One of the first customers to use the new functionality was Dohrn Transfer of Rock Island, Illinois.
“We obviously saw the benefit of carriers being able to let customers know shipment ETAs in real-time,” said Ben Wiesen, president of CLI. “But Dohrn Transfer had a vision in the way they understood the power of the information and now use this reporting capability as a marketing tool to attract shippers. The value of knowing when your delivery is going to arrive makes a huge difference—and smart carriers like Dohrn get that.”
See also: How small carriers can future-proof their fleets with trailer tracking
Departure reports are automatically generated and transmitted when a delivery driver leaves the terminal to notify the customer that their freight is on the truck and provide an accurate delivery time estimate. This opt-in visibility feature helps stakeholders prepare more effectively, simplifies workloads, and saves time and resources.
The CLI departure reports can be delivered via email or text and include a live link for continued, real-time tracking. Key information in the notifications includes:
- Departure time leaving the terminal
- Trailer number
- Shipper’s name
- Pallet count and weight
- Bill of lading and purchase order numbers
- Delivery ETA
With the accompanying Excel file, users can click on a PRO number to view revised ETAs and a live map showing the driver’s current location.
Dohrn Transfer has enabled the private-label function of the new CLI capability. The results have been a reduced workload for customer service and higher customer adoption of information published on their website. Dohrn departure reports have made the last mile the most visible mile for their customers.
