 Background
Paul’s Transport is an exclusive container carrier, based in Mississauga Ontario. The company has been in business since 1989, with a fleet of over 50 trucks and 200 chassis. Paul’s drivers transport containers to and from rail yards and terminals. Their clients are retailers, manufacturers, distributors – basically anyone who imports and exports. Each year Paul’s moves in excess of 50,000 TEU’s. Paul’s Transport uses TMW Systems TruckMate enterprise software for dispatch, payroll, accounting and track & trace functions.
The Challenge
In the past, Paul’s dispatchers and customers did not have a convenient way to access location and status of a shipment. It would take many phone calls to get a basic view of a shipment’s status. After Paul’s Transport implemented TMW Systems’ TruckMate software tracking became possible, but only from port to rail to terminal, not when under the custody of a Paul’s driver. Drivers’ daily route assignments and proof of service was done using paper and cell phones, and because drivers are forbidden from speaking on the phone while driving due to safety concerns, it was next to impossible for dispatch to call in for status reports.
Paul’s Transport wanted to improve the service for their clients and to improve their own operations with mobile technology. To do this they needed to find a mobile software partner who could develop a customized solution that would meet the requirements of their specific operation as well as seamlessly integrate with TruckMate, their existing back-end software suite.
The Solution
Paul’s chose Allegro Mobile Solutions to develop their mobile application utilizing the Allegro Mobility Platform, and to integrate the system with TMW Systems’ TruckMate software. Allegro assisted TMW in formalizing the API’s (Application Programming Interface) required for integrating the new system.
The solution utilizes the Motorola MC70 mobile computer, the Zebra MZ320 mobile printer and an iBlue GPS device.
In the new system pick-up and delivery assignments are sent from the server to the driver’s handhelds. When driver accepts and conducts a task, reports are automatically sent back to the server throughout the task. This allows the shipper, receiver, distribution center and management to monitor the efficiency. Also, it provides a method to accurately calculate extra charges to their customers if drivers wait times are longer than the accepted window.
Paul’s dispatchers and customers can log into a secure website to track a shipment on-demand. In seconds, real-time GPS coordinates are retrieved from the driver’s handheld and displayed on a Google Maps screen.
The solution also includes a messaging system to allow drivers and dispatch to communicate. Additionally, Paul’s drivers complete their run sheets on the handheld, thereby integrating the previous paper-based payroll system.
After each transaction, the customer’s signature is captured on the device’s touch screen and confirmation receipts are printed on the spot via Bluetooth mobile printers.
The Results
By equipping drivers with mobile computers, GPS devices and printers, Paul’s Transport was able overcome challenges and make improvements to their business across the board.
Increased Value to Clients
- The real-time on-demand shipment information not only reduces administrative burden, but also allows customer’s logistics managers to save money by adjusting staffing levels according to arrival estimates: In the past a shipment could have been delayed for hours, and without visibility, management would keep unnecessary dock workers on the clock waiting for a shipment to arrive.
Sales and Marketing
- Paul’s has been able to profitably win new business and keep existing clients because the increased level of service the system provides differentiates the companies offerings from its competitors.
Operations
- Dispatchers are able to do their job much more efficiently, as all information is stored centrally and available on-demand. Any dispatcher can field a call from any customer. Calls to partners and drivers for status reports have been virtually eliminated.
- Implementing the system has allowed the company do gear up for growth. According to Sales and Marketing Manager Parvinder Bhangal, “(Paul’s) can increase the number of power units on the road without increasing staff in the office, and that to us is very valuable .”
- Improved resource allocation. Have the foresight to schedule additional or fewer drivers based on requirements.
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