Car transport is a sector notoriously riddled with logistical challenges, from short lead-times, to multi-drop routes, and disputes over the condition of delivered vehicles, route planning and logistics management for auto transport can be complex and time-consuming.
What are some of the key challenges of the auto transport and vehicle logistics sector?
Disputes over vehicle condition
Just what every car transport logistics manager dreads: the complaint of a scratch or dent on a newly delivered, pristine car. With comprehensive proof of delivery included as standard in the STREAM mobile app, drivers are prompted to take time- and location- stamped photographic evidence of any vehicle issues at the start and end of every journey, which are signed off by the person expecting delivery, meaning that disputes can be conclusively settled in moments.
Multi stop route planning
Another key complexity of planning and managing logistics for the car transport industry, is that routes must take into account multiple pick up and drop off locations. With drivers often making multiple stops during a run, and on the road for a week or more, your TMS needs to be totally flexible. Not only does STREAM accomodate changes to the pick up and delivery locations right up until the driver sets off, but with the mobile app, STREAM makes sure that those changes are always communicated to drivers, as they happen
Short lead times
The car transport industry is fast-paced and transient – a call from a client can come in requiring a next-day pickup and drop off, even whilst the diver is on the road. With STREAM this process is made easy. Delivery details can be arranged up-to-the-minute, and drivers are kept in the loop via the mobile app, making it easier to manage pick-ups and drop offs on-the-fly.
Confusing (no existant) delivery instructions
With various drivers picking up and delivering to multiple locations for a range of clients, it can be hard to keep track of location- and job- specific instructions. ‘Always approach from the A64’, ‘Ask for Dave’, ‘Use the second gate’ can all get lost if jotted down on paper, or when drivers are switched. In STREAM, job-specific and location-specific notes can be entered, by back-office staff as they take an order, by partners entering an order online via the customer gateway, and by drivers on site who want to make a location-specific note for the next time a delivery is made.
Maintaining relationships with car dealers
For autotransporters with various clients, competition can be tough. By maintaining great relationships with manufacturers and retailers, car transport companies are able to gain repeat custom, and a great reputation. With proactive SMS and email updates, and a partner gateway to allow orders to be self-managed, clients are always kept informed, and know exactly when to expect a driver to arrive for collection or delivery.
Rising Costs
With fuel costs rising, not to mention vehicle maintenance, time on the road is a key consideration in vehicle delivery. STREAM’s route planning functionality optimises each journey to keep time on the road to a minimum, and the addition of a driver walkaround checklist and vehicle maintenance management integrated into the driver app ensures that your delivery vehicles are in tip-top condition, every time, and that problems are spotted and dealt with immediately, greatly reducing time off the road too.