CarrierPoint Delivers First-Available Web-Based Dock
Scheduling Tool Integrated with Load Tendering Technology
Automates Scheduling Process Between Shippers/Consignees
and Carriers
ATLANTA, GA, January 22, 2001 /BusinessWire/
CarrierPoint(SM), Inc., an e-logistics company that
provides Web-based collaborative supply-chain management
tools and transportation marketplaces to the $154 billion
less-than-truckload and full-truckload freight market,
today announced DockMaster(SM), the first-available
Web-based dock scheduling tool that is integrated with
both contract and spot market tendering tools.
A January 7 article in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
states that according to the Truckload Carriers Association,
"Time spent waiting to load or unload freight takes
up to 25 percent of most long-haul truck drivers' working
time. For most drivers, paid by the mile, such unpaid
time now ranks as the top reason for job turnover, topping
100 percent at many trucking companies." And, that "using
measures to eliminate wasted time could save the industry
about $1.6 billion a year."
CarrierPoint's DockMaster allows shippers/consignees
to automatically or interactively schedule pickups and
deliveries by their selected carriers to pre-assigned
loading/unloading doors. The product brings organization
and efficiency to the scheduling process of both inbound
and outbound freight, decreases communication errors,
reduces congestion and waiting time at the dock, minimizes
phone calls and faxes, and allows on-time notification
of pickup and delivery of shipments.
DockMaster also collects data regarding actual dock
activity for reporting purposes. In doing so, it can
establish performance benchmarks and measure carrier
on-time performance. In multi-location facilities, DockMaster
reports can measure performance from location to location
to identify process improvement opportunities and analyze
asset utilization.
"DockMaster is a real-time communication tool that
helps users maximize their dock assets and people,"
said Bill Wied, CarrierPoint's senior vice president
of engineering. "Since it is all Web-based technology,
companies can either buy or rent this application. This
enables CarrierPoint to meet the needs of all prospective
customers. Larger corporations that have existing dedicated
hosting capabilities tend to find licensing (i.e., buying)
the application more attractive because it gives them
greater control. Smaller companies that do not have
such capabilities see the Application Service Provider
model (i.e., renting) as more feasible since they do
not typically have the upfront capital, nor the internal
resources, to host the technology. Regardless, all CarrierPoint
members have access to the same program, the same version
and the same upgrades with very little out-of-pocket
expense. The only hardware required is a PC and Internet
access. The program is very comprehensive, but easy
to use - and it's configured to meet the customer's
business rules. It's a natural and valuable adjunct
to our other Web-based e-logistics tools."
One of the features that makes DockMaster so unique
is that it can be used as a standalone product or combined
with CarrierPoint's Dynamic Shipping Marketplace(SM)
(DSM)(SM) for a completely integrated dock-to-dock shipping
and scheduling solution. The integration of CarrierPoint's
DSM can completely Web-enable the entire tendering process,
improving the procedure for both the shipper and the
carrier.
With its contract management, Web-based dispatch and
collaborative exchange functionality, DSM enables shippers
to streamline labor-intensive and costly shipping processes.
DockMaster goes a step further by allowing shippers
and consignees to automate the scheduling process that
follows carrier selection and interaction.
|
