Shippers are taking advantage of technology to revolutionize the logistics industry by ushering in a new era for drop-and-hook and trailer pools. The concept isn’t new by any means, but has become significantly more efficient with the use of technology. By utilizing telematics, load matching programs that provide “power only” runs and route optimization algorithms, shippers can increase their efficiency with no waiting time required from truck drivers.
Small motor carriers with five or fewer trucks commonly face logistical challenges when trying to participate in a drop-and-hook trailer program in a traditional sense. Grant Goodale, co-founder, and carrier experience officer of Convoy Go, acknowledges these issues due to the reliance small carrier businesses have on their trailer’s continual movement for success.
“We had this idea that if we could flex trailer capacity efficiently and automatically across shippers and across the country, there was a massive efficiency gain to be unlocked,” Goodale said. “Convoy Go was the outgrowth of that insight.” With this goal in mind, the company was founded in 2020.
In an effort to help small carriers stay competitive, Convoy Go and other “power-only” apps are being utilized. These “power-only solutions enable expedited delivery, reducing wait and transit times by allowing drivers to pick up loaded trailers or take empty ones straight from shipper facilities for efficient loading and unloading at their destination.
Loadsmith calls its third-party tech-enabled brokerage offering “capacity as a service” — a trailer pool without the capital investment. The tech-enabled brokerage allows carriers to easily book, track and monitor trailers in real time through its mobile Driver App and Carrier Portal.
Some other trailer pool and power-only options include J.B. Hunt 360box, Schneider FreightPower, and Transfix Drop.
Source: Trucking Info
