The module for working with own carriers is becoming more and more popular among shippers and forwarders. This form of cooperation entails many benefits. In short, it allows you to reduce costs and save time thanks to the automated process of transport ordering.
Our expert, Marcin Haładuda, answers the most often asked questions from the Platform users and advises what to do to make this form of cooperation bring the best results.
1. Why is it wise to use groups?
The new form of communication with trusted subcontractors is much more effective and less time-consuming than email or telephone communication. It allows you to maintain good relations with subcontractors, and at the same time increases the security of transactions. Thanks to a systemic approach to the organisation of transport, it enables information management. The history of the negotiations is available at any time, including information on how many carriers were interested in a given load and the prices that were proposed for a given freight in a specific direction.
2. Which companies can benefit from this form of cooperation?
This form of publication can be used by all companies that have freight to be transported.
3.Who can I add to the group?
Include in the group such carriers with whom you already work regularly. Working in groups is to enhance communication with trusted carriers who will not be surprised that your company sends cargo to them.
4. What if I do not have trusted carriers or do not have enough of them?
In my opinion, there is no such thing as “not enough.” You can work in this formula with several companies that carry out orders for us. Of course, you can use the carriers available on the Trans.eu Platform and select companies that provide transport services in the direction of interest and the type of vehicle. It is important that these are not random companies, but those potentially interested in the transport of our cargo and those whose integrity is confirmed by reviews, safety rankings or certificates.
5. How many carriers should I add to the group?
It’s hard to say whether it should be 5 or 25 carriers. It is worth to add companies with which you already have some experience. In my opinion, it is better to make a smaller group, e.g. 3-10 companies that will surely be interested in the posted load.
It is worth mentioning that you can add one carrier to several different groups at your discretion.
6. Is it a good idea to create different groups?
Here, too, you are free to do what you want. Our users most often form groups whose key is either the direction (route) or the type of car.
It will be helpful to choose the right name for a given group and add a description that suggests what type of carriers is in it. For example, if you regularly add freights on domestic routes for coolers, it would be a good idea to create a group called, for example, “PL Coolers,” and include in it carriers that you know have a fleet with this type of vehicles and conduct transport in Poland.
You can also catalogue your customers in terms of quality. You can name such a group “Preferred” and add the most trusted subcontractors to it.
7. I have created the groups. What’s next?
Currently, the carrier is not informed that they have been added to your group, and therefore they do not know how many other companies are in the group. They will only receive a notification that a freight offer for them has been added. If you do not inform them about the new form of cooperation, they may be surprised. Therefore, it is very important to ensure proper communication after defining the groups.
8. How to inform the carrier about the changed form of cooperation?
There are many possibilities—it all depends on your preferences. Our users most often choose the email form, but you can also use a telephone or messenger. It is worth remembering that working in groups is to help you systematise cooperation with carriers and increase the security of the supply chain, so it is worth obliging the carrier to enter price proposals in the freight window. Thanks to this, you can view all carrier offers in one place, choosing the best offer.
What should be included in the communication to the carrier about the changed form of cooperation:
- include a few words about your company and the needs that a particular carrier can answer
- explain why you want to make this carrier stand out by adding him to your trusted group
- clearly indicate your expectations – describe how you want your cooperation to look like
- indicate that you prefer system responses, i.e. entering a price proposal in the freight window
9. Stick to the rules set out with the carrier
To make the implementation of the new working method effective and to bring benefits to both parties, combine proper communication with carriers with a declaration that the freight offered using the groups module is freight that is priority-sent exclusively to them and will not be visible on the exchange for a specified period of time. Follow this principle, and you will soon see the effects of such cooperation.
10. Don’t be afraid to try it!
Finally, the most important thing: do not hesitate, just try this new convenient posting form. It does not involve any costs for you. The only small fee (a few PLN) is charged to the carrier and only if you actually cooperate. The transport commissioning system described here is a real revolution in the field of contact with trusted subcontractors. You can enhance your carrier selection process and organise your transport digitally, saving both time and money.
