Empty runs are not just an unnecessary strain on the environment, they are also bad for business. They are particularly unnecessary because, thanks to modern online platforms for vehicle and freight capacities, they can be avoided easily and cheaply. Road hauliers can use these platforms to find profitable return loads at short notice, and monthly fees can be covered with just one contract. In the case of TimoCom, Europe’s largest transport platform, which features up to half a million freight and vehicle offers daily, the chances of finding a transport assignment are excellent. But a good platform does not only stand out due to a high number of offers. It is both secure and user friendly. If you want to stay competitive as a road haulier, you will need to recognise potential and make use of it.
What makes a freight exchange a transport platform
There are hundreds of freight exchanges in Europe, but only a few online platforms are really worth it. TimoCom, Europe’s largest transport platform, has for example over 110,000 users who enter up to half a million offers in the platform – daily! In comparison, there are so many smaller transport exchanges with only a few hundred loads available. It’s a simple conclusion: the more freight offers on an exchange, the easier it is for road hauliers to find a suitable load at short notice. In order to work really efficiently and securely with freight exchanges, transport companies should focus on a few important points. Those who conduct business and share sensitive data online should make sure they are “working on safe grounds”. They need to ensure that the transport platform they decide to use only allows trustworthy users to access the exchange. TimoCom only allows new customers access to the freight exchange once they have passed an extensive check, at which point they receive an access key that cannot be stolen. Not only that, from 2003 onwards the German IT company has run an in-house debt collection service which helps customers to quickly and consistently receive payment. In 2014, the debt collection service team, working under a lawyer, solved 89% of all cases outside of court.
Use the full potential and increase your chances
Establishing business contacts is another advantage of large transport platforms. For example, TimoCom has an online transport directory featuring profiles of potential business partners from all around Europe. In addition to freight exchanges, transport service providers have the opportunity to receive long-term transport contracts via TimoCom. TimoCom’s tracking solution, TC eMap®, offers even more advantages. Over 170 different telematics systems are connected to TC eMap® and can be displayed on a single map. To increase their chances of receiving a transport order, road hauliers can show that they are ‘trackable’ when creating their offers. This proves to their business partners that they are transparent and reliable, and they will ideally be given preference when selecting a contractor. Particularly interesting for drivers is the secure mobile access to the transport platform. Users are able to securely and comfortably organise return loads using their smartphone or tablet.
Transport companies that take note and invest in the right tools can secure an important competitive advantage.
Find more information on TimoCom at www.timocom.co.uk.
