Nothing throws a wrench in a drivers day like unexpected delays, confusing directions or slow loading and unloading. This is a big part of why carriers prefer to haul loads from facilities they have visited in the past. However, this can limit the number of loads you are able to take. It might also mean missing out on a high earning opportunity. To combat this issue Convoy offers carriers the ability to provide freight facility reviews for the pick up and drop off facilities they visit. Once you are signed up with Convoy you can view all these insights and more before placing a bid. 

How big is Convoy’s review network?

Carriers who work with Convoy have contributed over 1.5 million facility ratings and over 40,000 in depth reviews. This network of insights has created one of the most comprehensive databases of facility insights in the industry. Below are 5 ways that utilizing Convoy’s facility insights will benefit your business. 

5 Reasons To Read & Provide Facility Reviews

1. Eliminate risk on new routes: If your normal route moves to a new broker or construction is making a certain highway a nightmare, it might be time to try something new. Freight facility reviews can help you pick a new route without the need to retool your entire schedule to make room for unknowns. 
2. Provide feedback to shippers: Change can only happen if we speak up! Have you noticed certain challenges at a facility that could be easily remedied? Freight facility reviews give you a chance to share your feedback. Convoy communicates reviews back to our shippers to help them make improvements. 
3. Confidently expand your business: There can be risk when you choose to expand your business. This risk is especially prominent if you are expanding into a new geographical region. Convoy has reviews for facilities across our nationwide network of shippers and can your with insights on facilities that are thousands of miles away. These insights are yours without you ever having to leave your state.   
4. Show up prepared: There are certain pieces of information that can’t be found in load details, but could make your trip easier. Whether it’s your first time at a facility, or you haven’t been there for awhile, it is important to have the most up to date information. From construction alerts to knowing which side of the block to enter a facility on, skimming the latest insights from other carriers can help you leave home fully prepared for your day. 
5. Help your fellow carriers out: By providing reviews and insights, you are helping the other carriers who share the road with you. Everyone benefits from freight facility reviews and insights which are  available to all carriers in Convoy’s digital freight network. 

Learn more about Convoy

Download the Convoy app today to check out the insights we have on facilities in your area. You can start sharing your experiences with other drivers as soon as you book a load. 

Interested in learning more about the different ways Convoy can help you earn more with less hassle? Check out our TruckYeah Savings program designed to help you save big on business expenses. Don’t miss out on big savings with Convoy’s cash secured fuel card and factoring program!

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What are lumpers?

Lumpers are third-party companies that some shippers use to load and unload freight from trucks at their facilities. Carriers are typically unable to arrange payment for lumpers until they have arrived at the facility which leaves the carriers with two choices, either risk injury by loading or unloading the trailer themselves, or call their broker to request a payment code, which can cause delays that lead to missing their next appointment. As a result, lumper payments had been a major pain point for carriers for decades until Convoy created the hassle-free lumper payments feature. 

How hassle-free lumper payments work:

Carriers request and receive lumper payment codes directly in the Convoy mobile app through a simple, 4 step process:

1. In the load details page, carriers select Support and Lumper Fee
2. Select I need to pay – request an EFS code
3. Enter load and lumper information, and tap submit request
4. Provide the instantly generated EFS code as payment for the lumper service

Use Convoy’s Hassle-Free Lumper Payments Today

Every carrier in Convoy’s digital freight network is able to use this feature for any load offered. To learn more about the lumper payments feature, see the announcement blog. Interested hauling with Convoy? Sign up here.

The post Convoy’s Hassle-Free Lumper Payments Feature Surpasses 80% Utilization – Collectively Saving Carriers Over 6,000 Hours Of Unnecessary Phone Calls appeared first on Convoy.

With carriers’ taking home an average of $45,000 per year after expenses [1], hauling loads that maximize productivity is critical to increasing their earnings. Our digital freight network connects carriers with thousands of Convoy trailers so they can haul more loads to earn more with lower overhead costs. With no trailer rental fees or additional insurance required to haul Convoy power only loads, this nationwide program reinforces our commitment to helping carriers earn more with less hassle each and every day.

According to Eliza Cruz, a Sacramento, California-based carrier, “We save a lot of hours getting loaded or unloaded at facilities with power only shipments. There are benefits of not using your own equipment as well. When you own your own trailer, you have to pay up to $2,000 per year to maintain it. With power only, I don’t have to spend as much money or time having my own equipment serviced and replacing worn tires.”

Baldeep Singh, a Turlock, California-based carrier, “What I love is power only shipments. Not only does this save me and my drivers time by solely hooking up to trailers and moving them to where they need to go, we can also get a lot done this way in our 10 hours.”

Each week, there are thousands of power only loads available to carriers who can bid on and book them directly in the Convoy mobile app, alongside live loads and dedicated freight opportunities. Additionally, through Convoy’s TruckYeah Savings program, carriers can save over $35,000 on their biggest expenses, including fuel, equipment, factoring and preventive maintenance.

Carriers can book power only loads today, in the Convoy mobile app.

New carriers can sign up with Convoy and begin booking loads in just minutes, get set-up with our carrier form in minutes.

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Convoy guarantees contract quote turnaround within two business days or less, quickly giving you the data you need to feel confident in your coverage and supply chain costs. This new process was designed to help reduce supply chain uncertainty – especially for lower-volume shippers who have difficulty acquiring competitive contract rates. Whether you’re looking for primary, backup, or spot –  Convoy has you covered.

What type of contract freight is right for your business?

Convoy is uniquely positioned to serve primary, backup, and spot freight, and can help shippers reduce risk in tight and soft markets by allocating freight to our digital freight network.

Primary Contracts

The goal of primary contract freight is to create stability in the supply chain and minimize surprises. If you need guaranteed coverage on lanes with predictable volume, a primary contract is right for you. Primary contracts help protect you from market volatility with guaranteed rates and reliable capacity, even when the market is tight. 

Backup Contracts

Because primary carriers can reject loads due to market shifts, unpredictable volume surges, or other unforeseen events, it’s always a good idea to have backup contracts with reliable carriers.  This will help you avoid the volatility of the spot market even when your primary carrier is unable to accept the load. Adding Convoy as a backup carrier is a great option as our digital freight network makes rates and capacity instantly bookable, saving precious time and money when primary contracts fail.

Contract Duration 

The length of your contract will have an effect on the rate you receive from Convoy. Three-month contract rates will closely reflect current market conditions, while 6, 9 and 12 month rates will factor in expected market shifts such as fluctuating demand and seasonality.

Are there other options?

Spot Freight

Spot freight is usually seen as a shipper’s last resort as the spot market is typically more expensive, and has higher risk. On the spot market, shippers also worry about inconsistent service levels from unfamiliar carriers. To mitigate this, Convoy only tenders spot freight to our trusted carrier network which adheres to the industry’s most stringent quality and compliance standards. The efficiency of a digital freight network also means that spot freight can even come in at a lower cost than your primary and backup freight options, especially in soft markets. In addition to supporting contract rates, the Convoy shipper platform also provides instantly bookable, guaranteed rates for spot freight. In situations where shippers need to move freight urgently, this easy quote-and-book solution provides additional peace of mind by eliminating the time that would otherwise be spent waiting for carriers to accept a tender.

Benefits of Automated Contract Rates 

Our automated contract rate process was designed to make requesting and receiving contract rates hassle-free. If you’re tired of back-and-forth negotiations, undefined timelines and vendor uncertainty, then this is the tool for you. 

How requesting contract rates typically works: 

1. Make a call to the vendor(s) you are requesting a rate from.  
2. Wait for a call back. 
3. Negotiate over the phone. 
4. Agree on a rate.
5. Wait for a contract to be sent to you. 
6. Confirm the contract. 
7. Start shipping.
8. Audit shipment invoices to ensure contract rates were given.

How Convoy’s Contract Rate tool works: 

1. Within the Convoy shipper platform – click on “Interested in Contract Rates?” in the lower navigation.
2. Submit the lane details. 
3. Receive rate confirmation within 2 business days.
4. The contract rate will be visible and automatically applied to your shipment.

With Convoy’s new automated contract rates, you can eliminate calls and increase efficiency. To check out these new capabilities and more, sign up for the Convoy shipper platform today.

Convoy shipper platform is now part of Convoy’s integrated online platform for shippers. For more information, take a look at our freight booking software.

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Using this feature to request a lumper payment code is an easy, 4-step process:

1. On the load details page in the Convoy mobile app, carriers select Support and Lumper Fee
2. Select I need to pay – request an EFS code
3. Enter load and lumper information, and tap submit request
4. Provide the instantly generated EFS code as payment for the lumper service

For carriers new to Convoy, sign up here.

Already hauling with Convoy? Open the Convoy app, and start using the hassle-free lumper payments feature today.

The post Utilization of Convoy’s Industry-First Hassle-Free Lumper Payments Surpasses 70% appeared first on Convoy.

Lumpers are third-party companies that shipper facilities use to load or unload freight from trucks at their facilities. Over 35% of carriers in Convoy’s network have required lumper services on a shipment, ranging from $50 to well over $500. When using the lumper service, carriers traditionally have had the option of either unloading the trailer themselves, risking injury, or calling their broker to request a payment code, which can take hours to receive and can lead to missing their next appointment. As a result, carriers often resort to paying hundreds of dollars out-of-pocket for the lumper service. Reimbursement of those fees can take several weeks to receive, and up to 9% of carriers cite that their traditional brokers never pay them back. 

Dealing with lumper payments has been a major pain point for carriers. Yet, the experience fundamentally hasn’t improved for carriers for decades. With hassle-free lumper payments, we are excited to simplify the time-consuming process of retrieving lumper payment codes, and eliminate those related out-of-pocket expenses for carriers. Every load offered on our Digital Freight Network is eligible for this feature. 

Here is how it works:

1. In the load details page in the Convoy mobile app, carriers select Support and Lumper Fee
2. Select I need to pay – request an EFS code
3. Enter load and lumper information, and tap submit request
4. Provide the instantly generated EFS code as payment for the lumper service

“Requesting lumper payments is one of the most frustrating and inefficient processes I have to deal with on a daily basis. But now, it takes just seconds to request and receive a lumper payment code in the Convoy app, which saves me time so I can be more productive every day.” – Taber Harden, owner of TT Hauling LLC, a carrier based in Stockbridge, GA.

In addition to hassle-free lumper payments, we first released our free mobile app in 2015 to empower carriers to find, bid on and accept loads, all without ever needing to make a phone call. Convoy was also the first to offer hassle-free detention, which enables carriers to request compensation for additional time spent waiting at facilities. Through these features, carriers hauling with Convoy are able to earn the most with less hassle. 

For shippers, enabling quick lumper payment ensures lumpers can get to work unloading or loading trailers without delay. This keeps facilities on-schedule and avoids backups that can be caused by delays in payment.

For carriers new to Convoy, sign up here. Already hauling with Convoy? Open the Convoy app, and start using the hassle-free lumper payments feature today.

The post Convoy Launches Hassle-Free Lumper Payments For Carriers Nationwide appeared first on Convoy.

Streamlined sign-up, easy search, and ability to bid on loads that match your preferences

Get set up in minutes and book loads instantly. With Fast Track sign-up, you can get approved to immediately start hauling with Convoy — all without sending an email or fax or making a phone call. Enter your MC number, contact info, and lane preferences and get hauling. No need to wait weeks for document review and approval.

Intuitive search and recommended loads and reloads. The free Convoy app was built for you to search for the loads and lanes you want. Search by:

• Pickup & delivery locations with 10-250 mile search radius 
• Trailer type, including dry van, flatbed, power only loads, and reefer loads
• Desired pickup days and dates, with the option to repeat weekly for consistent work 

We also provide pre-planned combinations with Automated Reloads, plus build-your-own options with Suggested Reloads. Our industry-leading algorithms match you with itineraries that work together to minimize empty miles, maximize your hours of service, and get you to where you want to be. As you book and haul loads, the offers in the app become personalized to your preferences. 

Bid on loads without the phone call. With Convoy, you’re empowered to submit bids directly through the app with Instant Bidding, eliminating the need for multiple phone calls or lengthy negotiations.

Prefer hauling pre-loaded trailers? Search for and book power only loads to access our ever-growing number of pre-loaded shipments with wider appointment windows. Leave your trailer at home and save time by having the full trailer waiting for you to arrive.

Access Convoy on your preferred device. Find, bid on, and accept loads on your phone through the free Convoy app or on your computer with Carrier Web.

Streamline your bookkeeping and paperwork submission. Upload Bills of Lading (BOLs), lumper receipts, and more using the free Convoy app or Carrier Web.

Have all the information upfront and get paid quickly after completing the load

See shipper names, as well as facility names and addresses. Know exactly where to pick up and drop off. See the names and addresses on every load.

Upload documents easily and get paid quickly — with no fees. Use the Convoy app to upload signed Bills of Lading — no need to mail or fax anything. Using the app also allows you to get paid within 2 business days with Convoy QuickPay. No fees, no factoring, no additional paperwork.

When issues arise, Convoy has your back

Hassle-Free Detention – Request detention pay and get approved instantly with a single touch in the Convoy app. No more paperwork: our GPS technology automatically calculates the time your truck has been at the facility so you get paid for time spent waiting.

We’re available 24/7. Part of keeping you moving is providing access to support when and how you want it. Report issues or ask questions directly in the app. Want to talk to someone right away? Call us for 24×7 bilingual assistance.

Self-serve help articles and video library. Check out the carrier support center or the growing collection of how-to videos on our YouTube channel.

Support for your growing business

Manage your fleet. GPS technology built into the app provides real-time notifications and ETA for your hauls. This makes it seamless for your dispatch team to monitor loads without numerous check-in calls to drivers during the job.

Unique insight on performance. Access your Carrier Scorecard to get visibility into data that can improve performance and make you even more attractive to shippers. See on-time performance, falloff percentage, and more. 

Learn more and reach out to us

Check out our carrier testimonials page to read about carriers who are using Convoy to reduce the hassle of hauling freight and tell us how we can help you keep your trucks full. Using the Convoy app,  tap the three lines in the top left hand corner and select “suggest an improvement” — we’d love to hear from you!

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Keeping your trucks full and moving is the key to success in the freight hauling industry. Convoy is continually working to make it easier for you to earn more. Here are just a few of the reasons you’ll want to add Convoy to your toolkit so you can maximize earnings. 

Plan Ahead, Book Easily & Get Paid Quickly

Find and book loads on your terms. The free Convoy app enables you to see all of the available loads in the Convoy network, including the pickup and dropoff locations, 24×7, with no need to wait or phone calls required.

Get paid faster, with no fees. Use the Convoy app from pickup to drop off and upload a photo of the signed Bill of Lading to get paid within 2 business days with Convoy QuickPay. No fees, no factoring, no additional paperwork.

Increase Your Productivity

Bid on loads you want and keep your trucks full on the lanes you like to run. See a load you like but need a different rate? Convoy was the first in the industry to let you enter your bid directly in the app. Tell us when your truck will be empty and what lanes you like to run. When a load matches your preferences we instantly notify you for quick and easy bidding in the Convoy app.

Reduce wait times and haul more with power only loads through Convoy Go, which allows any carrier or owner-operator to haul pre-loaded trailers. Power only loads have wider appointment windows than live shipments and there are no trailer rental fees if returned on time. With the time remaining before the empty trailer is due to be returned, use the trailer for other loads, including those not booked through Convoy. Power only loads are available across the country, with concentrations in the Midwest, Northeast, South, Southeast and West.

Minimize empty miles and increase take-home earnings. Select from pre-planned combinations with Automated Reloads, or build-your-own with Suggested Reloads. Our industry-leading algorithms match you with itineraries that work together to minimize empty miles, maximize your hours of service, and get you to where you want to be. You can book reloads all at one time or add as you’re considering an offer.

Fully utilize your available hours of service. Setting up Flex Loads enables you to choose the perfect pickup and delivery date to spend more time hauling. See date ranges and choose the appointment time that is best suited to your schedule.

Read about carriers who are using Convoy to maximize income and tell us how we can help you keep your trucks full. Reach out to us through the Convoy app by tapping the three lines in the top left hand corner and select “suggest an improvement” – we would love to hear from you.

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