The Many Benefits of Using Descartes Aljex Automatic Rate Confirmation Tool
One of the most practical ways to streamline operations today is by investing in quality software. Freight brokers spend a lot of time communicating with carriers in order to move loads. Whether it’s confirming rates, calling carriers, obtaining signatures, or updating critical information, these time consuming communications cost money because they require human intervention. TMS has been evolving for years and choosing the right one can be something that saves brokers a lot of time.
Tom Heine, VP of Descartes Aljex™ TMS, says that “Choosing the right TMS for your brokerage is critical for saving time, reducing hassle, and providing critical documentation of the entire process. For example, our platform contains a module which streamlines the whole dispatch process, starting with an email from the broker to the carrier. A carrier clicks a link and they are brought to a page which includes just enough information to accept the shipment, but none of the broker’s competitive information. The ARC email shows cities and states, but no details such as shipper name and street address. The broker can require specific information from the carrier prior to signing, such as driver cell, ETA, truck and trailer number. Once the required info is submitted and e-signed, the carrier is presented with the full rate confirmation including, pickup and delivery addresses, reference numbers, and contacts. At the same time, the dispatching broker receives an email verifying that the carrier has signed the rate confirmation, which is automatically uploaded into the TMS.”
Although there are many TMS packages on the market, a good TMS contains features that will allow the carrier to update brokers about arrivals, departures, check calls, and status updates on the shipment. Information submitted by the carrier should be transferred into the dispatch screen in real time. Rather than worrying about getting out-automated, today’s TMS packages are worth their weight in gold and brokers should explore their options proactively.
ARC is now available to all users of Descartes Aljex software.
