When rates are going down, hauling more freight to increase your rate per mile makes sense. Not every load is a full trailer, and adding an extra load can boost a small, unprofitable trip into profitability. TruckingOffice PRO trucking software has tools for managing LTL freight loads easily from pick-up to invoice payments.
Managing LTL (less than truckload) freight can be tricky. Hauling small loads that are less than the full size of the trailer appeals to owner-operators for numerous reasons. Aside from the obvious benefit of more cash, hauling LTL freight also can advance customer relationships.
Even though the benefits of LTL shipping are clear, LTL shipping comes with its obstacles, including
- meeting customer deadlines
- making sure the right customers get the right orders
- organizing the paperwork.
How can you manage LTL shipping in your trucking business?
Make Use of Load Planning Tools
One of the biggest things that owner-operators struggle with when it comes to hauling LTL freight is mapping out their route. Improper planning has the potential to end in disaster for your customers and your wallet. Fortunately, owner-operators can use load planning tools that are capable of assisting them in managing multiple loads. All it takes to make the most of load planning software are the details about the shipments and the dates of the delivery.
These insights are used to help owner-operators decide which loads to take. This technology also makes it easy for owner-operators to figure out which shipments are going according to plan, and which ones require follow-up. Given how unpredictable deliveries can get, this technology could be essential in maintaining positive customer relationships.
Keep Customers in the Know
Another challenge that comes with completing LTL shipments is having to meet the expectations of demanding customers. Customers want to know where their freight is and when it’s going to be delivered. Keeping the customer informed encourages them to trust you with future loads.
Some truckers find this too hard to manage when managing LTL loads. But if you’re using TruckingOffice PRO, then you’re able to keep them in the loop whenever they ask. That puts you one step above the truckers who can’t or won’t keep the shippers up to date.
Accurate Paperwork: Bill of Lading
If you’ve got more than one load in your trailer, you have to be sure that the right freight is being delivered to the correct receiver.
One of the most crucial components of completing LTL loads is ensuring that each order has a bill of lading attached upon delivery. Every delivery has a bill of lading – even partial loads like LTL freight.
A bill of lading is actually a legal document a carrier needs that records the details of the load. Upon delivery, the driver delivering the goods is required to sign the bill of lading – so it’s a must for owner-operators to have it readily available while on the go. One way owner-operators could make their bills of lading easily accessible is with trucking management software. That type of technology allows owner-operators to easily send signed bills of lading directly to customers following deliveries. What makes TruckingOffice PRO better than the rest is that you can do it all from your cab while you’re still in the dock.
Trucking Software That Does All of the Above
There are a variety of ways owner-operators benefit from using trucking software. Owner-operators that regularly manage LTL shipments stand to gain numerous benefits from using trucking software. Managing LTL freight requires a strong organizational mind. TruckingOffice PRO is the tool to help you make LTL work for you. Get started using trucking software today – it’s easier than you think. Discover the benefits for yourself by starting a free trial of TruckingOffice PRO with LTL tools today!
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