A little known and critical element of success that trucking companies are just waking up to is how they manage paper. Transportation companies know all too well that the industry runs on paper documents. Drivers out on the road cannot load a truck, deliver a payload, fill their fuel tank or eat a sandwich without filling out a paper document, according to the driver on thetruckersreport.com. (Well, maybe you can eat a sandwich, but don’t try to expense it without a receipt).
Drowning in Paper
Shipping and logistics companies that broker and manage the distribution of goods around the world have even more paperwork to wade through. Kuehne + Nagel is one of the top three logistics companies worldwide and they were dealing with so much paper a few years ago that they actually had to stop accepting new business because they couldn’t keep up with the paperwork requirements for crossing the Canadian border. Read the logistics case study where document automation from Datacap helped them accelerate paper processing and start growing the company again.
Capture software as Lifeline
Kuehne + Nagel took advantage of imaging and capture technologies to rapidly extract data from commercial invoices and fill out customs paperwork to present at the border and keep their orders moving. These technologies are the subject of a new live webinar, hosted by Datacap and Cutting Edge Solutions of Kansas City. Sign up for the 45 minute transportation and logistics webinar to see what new document automation solutions are available to the transportation and logistics industry and learn how to speed up paper processing, lower costs and stay competitive.
What a typical driver carries with him
According to a regular driver, posting on www.thetruckersreport.com, here’s a list of the documents a driver must have ready to present if pulled over:
1. Daily log book
2. Proof of valid and current insurance
3. IFTA (International Fuel Tax Agreement)
4. Bills of lading in the proper format (make sure the shipper has signed the bill under “shippers certification,” among other things)
5. Drivers license with the proper endorsements
6. Valid medical card
7. Tractor and trailer registration
8. If you haul hazmat (hazardous materials):
- Proper endorsement
- Carrier’s authority to haul haz-mat
- Emergency response guide book
Learn more in the transportation and logistics webinar.
Companies Referenced
