Visual Tool to Verify the Density of LTL Freight

A picture is worth a thousand words.

This certainly applies to LTL freight. Shippers can be penalized financially if their LTL freight is priced incorrectly using the wrong class or density.

LTL carrier margins suffer when their trailers contain freight that has been priced incorrectly due to inaccurate dimensions and weight.

A new start-up venture has entered the LTL space to address this specific issue.

FreightSnap launched its business in January of 2013. This technology-based business uses digital images to capture cubic dimensions, cubic pounds per foot, the anticipated freight class and the bumping weight.

These images are stored in a cloud database for easy access and enterprise reporting. The user can take either one or two digital images of the same piece of freight. The key is to make sure to have something in the image to scale to ensure the readings are accurate.

The user inputs the weight of the shipment and then uses the screen controls to indicate the end points of the freight.

What are the features of FreightSnap?

• There is no software to download or install
• The user can login from wherever there is internet access
• It can scale off anything instantly
• The service can be shared with everyone across the enterprise
• Multiple shipments can be linked together

As long as there is a 3G or wireless connection, FreightSnap can be utilized. The service can be accessed with an iPhone, iPad, Android 4.0 or greater, Windows 8 tablet, Windows 8 phone, Samsung tablet, Mac computer or Windows computer. FreightSnap Stationary Platform now allows a user to have stationary cameras set up in their warehouse. This will permit a picture to be taken at a certain location so it can be automatically uploaded into FreightSnap’s cloud.

Currently, Estes - International, Pitt Ohio and SHIFT Freight are some LTL carriers who are using the service. There are other carriers, shippers and 3PLs that are conducting pilots.

The benefits to shippers

• Capture image before shipment is tendered
• Quickly determine Freight Class
• Calculate bumping benefits (e.g. artificially increasing the weight of a shipment - 980 pounds to 1000 pounds - to lower freight charges)
• Minimize W&R corrections
• Visual image for claims reconciliation
• Visual evidence of each shipment
• Integrate with TMS
• Supplies data for freight packaging studies

The benefits to carriers and 3PLs

• Capture image before pricing or picking up freight
• Quickly determine Freight Class
• Calculate bumping benefits
• Minimize W&R corrections
• Claims reconciliation
• Visual evidence of each shipment
• Supplies data for Freight packaging studies

The service facilitates the process of preparing a bid or responding to a freight bid. The shipper can integrate images of its freight with dimensions, density, stack-ability and overhang.

An added benefit of the visual images of the various types of freight is that the carrier can see the packaging characteristics of the freight. This reduces claims exposure.

Of course the major benefit to the shipper is that the carriers receiving these images are in a better position to quote the correct density and class. This will provide more accurate pricing.

There are also added benefits to the carrier. By seeing the mix of freight up front, carriers should be able to do better load planning.

With so many carriers seeking to improve yields, they can make more informed decisions on how this freight fits with their mix of freight on various lanes. The images can help carriers prevent claims while also providing visual evidence of the freight that has moved.

Forward thinking LTL carriers will benefit from these images by being able to take a more consultative approach in its sales efforts. They can add value by helping their clients improve their freight density so as to achieve lower rates. Progressive carriers can provide advice on how to improve packaging to lower claims. These images can also help ensure accurate spot quote pricing.

FreightSnap is another one of the technology-based services that has been introduced to the freight transportation industry this year. While other offerings have tried to position themselves at the “Expedia” of the transportation industry, this offering is seeking to become the “Instagram” of freight.

Source: DG&A’s Transportation Consulting Blog