Improving Communications between Carrier and Shipper

PITT OHIO continues to search for ways to bring a seamless experience to our shipping community.

I wanted to use this time to introduce two major initiatives that will benefit both the shipper and PITT OHIO.

Through today’s digital means, we deliver over 90% of our invoices through some type of electric interface (EDI, API and email).

Those are amazing stats considering we started at ground zero. The environmental impact and the trees that are saved are too numerous to imagine, let alone the efficiencies gained by both parties.

On the other hand, we only receive about 20% of our Bills of Lading (BOLs) electronically. This document begins the shipping process. The other 80+% are paper copies that require manual entry to ensure your shipment can be completed within our service standards. Electronic bills, however, go directly into our Operations system and for the most part, come across error free.

The electronic information is then passed to our Operations team to start the planning process. You’re given immediate notification that the information has been received, allowing you to start the tracking process.

We are working diligently with our shippers to increase the amount of electronic BOLs received and offer special incentives in order to make this happen. This is a big win for the shipper, carrier and the consignee; better and timelier information reduces errors and improves performance. Your PITT OHIO Sales Representative will be able to help answer questions and get you set up with electronic BOLs with PITT OHIO today.

In addition, PITT OHIO prides itself on being an information based company. We are now taking the steps to provide you with “Estimated Time of Arrival” (ETAs) throughout the day for your shipments.

In 2015 we introduced an ETA feature based on “data science mining’ that provided you with an accurate delivery window for shipments. In the next few months, we will be taking the next steps and releasing a new digital feature of “map my truck”.

This will give you real-time visibility and updated ETA throughout the business day, taking into consideration ‘real time’ predictions of when your shipment will arrive. This digital experience will be available on pittohio.com using your pro number. Below is a screen shot of the digital experience coming soon:

As we move forward, we will work hand in hand with our customers to make the digital experience come to life. A digitized supply chain is an area where both shippers and carriers can make an investment to reap future rewards.

It needs to start with the increase of electronic BOLs, shipment visibility and electronic invoicing. Minimizing paper from the system is not only good for the environment and sustainability goals, but it also reduces back-office administrative functions, resulting in a seamless shipping experience and competitive pricing.

Shippers are requesting connected, efficient, intelligent supply chains. To differentiate the shipping experience, we will continue these conversations with industry leaders and our customers about the strategic ways technology is used to digitize the supply chain and improve efficiency.  

Related White Papers

Transportation Solution for High Value and Time Sensitive Products
When the core of your business is focused on having the right products on the right shelves at the right time, you need a transportation solution that is consistent. Download Now!

---

Controlling Surface Transportation Costs: Six Steps Toward Improved Collaboration
Trucking networks are complicated matrixes of equipment, driver availability, and capacity all layered by service requirements and costs. Download Now!

---

Distribution Company Reduces Transportation Expenditures
PITT OHIO met the client’s branch delivery service requirements while reducing the client’s equipment pool by 2 tractors and 10 trailers. Download Now!