Improving Communication in the Trucking Industry through Proper Etiquette, Clear Expectations, and Artificial Intelligence
Effective communication is crucial in the trucking industry to ensure smooth operations and timely deliveries. However, maintaining proper and proactive communication isn’t always easy. The logistics industry has many vendors providing solutions that equip freight brokers and truck drivers’ with real time tracking software and messaging systems that enhance visibility of loads over the road but there’s still a degree of fragmentation. Drivers’ phones are filled with different applications based on the requirements from the shipper or freight broker causing them to go from one to another as they work with different companies for the loads they move each week.
In this week's conversation on Trucking for Millennials Podcast with LoadPartner founder Garrett Allen, we discuss the current state of logistics technology and the work he’s doing to bridge the communication gap with Artificial Intelligence. We also talked to him about the importance of setting proper expectations between shippers, carriers, and freight brokerages when a load is scheduled when it comes to communication and what proper etiquette looks like between each party during the life of a load.
We kick off the conversation by discussing a recent article from Overdrive Online which explores challenges truck drivers face over the road. Drivers are no stranger to middle of the night check calls for load status, often when they are on their required 10-hour reset. Then we get to know Garrett and how he’s working to solve this problem by using Large Language Models like ChatGPT to provide 24/7 support for all parties involved during the shipment.
Will AI Replace Check Calls?
Garrett is designing LoadPartner as a 24/7 support system that handles check calls, texts, and provides real time information to drivers and freight brokers during a load. Freight Brokers can imagine scheduling LoadPartner to send a check in text message or actual phone call to the driver hauling a load, capturing the response, and sending the information provided back to the freight broker. Drivers could communicate with LoadPartner by asking questions about shipping hours and receive an immediate response automatically. By automating routine tasks, AI tools like Load Partner reduce the need for 100% human interaction and provide efficiency for all parties involved.
Where is the Trust?
Consistency and trust are vital elements in fostering effective communication in the trucking industry. Garrett aims to address this issue by providing a unified platform that integrates with existing systems, reducing the need for drivers to navigate multiple apps. Integrating the shipper or freight broker’s TMS, tracking software and other technology to a tool like LoadPartner could provide a more consistent and user-friendly experience, establishing trust on a foundation of already existing tools.
Setting Clear Expectations
The most robust technology can still cause confusion and bottlenecks if not implemented properly, making clear expectations crucial in establishing better communication between brokers and truck drivers. When freight brokerages proactively communicate to drivers what it takes to make a successful shipment in the eyes of a customer and the dispatcher and driver are aligned with that mission, the likelihood problems arise are significantly reduced. And, if an issue does come up, proper communication will accelerate the path to a solution.
While AI tools like LoadPartner isn’t available yet (join the waitlist here), these innovative solutions to streamline communication, reduce invasive check calls, and enhance trust between brokers and drivers should be welcomed possible pathways to improve the supply chain for everyone. By embracing these advancements and focusing on consistency, trust, and clear expectations, the trucking industry can foster more efficient and reliable communication, leading to improved operations and customer satisfaction.
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