Today’s Pickup: C.H. Robinson implements Omnitracs’ Virtual Load View tracking

Good day,

C.H. Robinson will implement Omnitracs’ Virtual Load View (VLV) application as it seeks ways to improve visibility into load tracking. The system will run alongside C.H. Robinson’s own Navisphere system.

“Our company has developed a great collaboration with Omnitracs throughout the years,” Tim Kurtzal, director of C.H. Robinson process and standards, said. “The ease-of-use and adaptability of Virtual Load View solutions is extremely attractive as we continue to enhance our technology. The software integrates seamlessly into our system, while still allowing our contract carrier network to use their favorite C.H. Robinson app: Navisphere Carrier or Driver. Overall, VLV provides us with essential freight visibility, which increases our customers’ satisfaction.”

C.H. Robinson has been using VLV since January on a limited basis, but will now expand its use. The company has been tracking loads in VLV, gathering information on position and sending that information into a web service for customers.

“Omnitracs is committed to developing technologies that improve the customer experience,” Jeff Champa, Omnitracs vice president of product management, said. “C.H. Robinson customers expect to know where their freight is at all times. With Omnitracs Virtual Load View, C.H. Robinson is strengthening its commitment to providing in-depth insights as well as visibility into load locations and delivery times.”

Omnitracs VLV solution allows brokers, shippers and carriers to easily track and manage all of its loads from a single, easy-to-operate portal, eliminating the need for manual tracking. For convenience, VLV can also be directly integrated into a company’s back office system, so they are not required to learn and access a new platform.

C.H. Robinson will integrate the system with its Navisphere system.

Did you know?

 According to FMCSA, there were 535,717 regulated motor carriers in 2012. By 2016, that number had fallen to 524,058, with almost of the loss attributed to carriers operating just a single truck.

Quotable:

“This is a pretty traditional industry. We can innovate so much if we trust each other.”

– Dan Lewis, Convoy CEO, on working with Anheuser-Busch

In other news:

NAFTA talks wrap with no deal in sight

NAFTA negotiators have ended their fourth round of talks and put off further talks until November as wide gaps exist between U.S. demands and what Canada and Mexico are willing to accept. (Wall Street Journal)

New Jersey offering Amazon $7B in incentives

New Jersey officials have rolled out an incentive plan worth $7 billion to entice Amazon to place its second headquarters in Newark. (Wall Street Journal)

Convoy inks supply deal with Anheuser-Busch

Trucking startup Convoy has signed a deal with Anheuser-Busch to deliver about 9,800 truckloads of beer next year as part of a multi-year agreement. (Forbes)

California signs law to extend platoon testing

California has signed into law an extension of truck platoon testing on state highways. The extension runs through 2019. (LandLine)

Navistar signs up U.S. Xpress for large tractor order

U.S. Xpress has ordered 1,665 International LT tractors from Navistar in a multi-year deal valued at over $200 million. (Trucks.com)

Final Thoughts

Trucking startup Convoy has signed a multi-year deal with Anheuser-Busch to deliver at least 9,800 truckloads of product next year. The deal also includes data sharing. For Convoy, which has built its business on its app and smaller clients, this is a major milestone to sustainable success and a big vote of confidence in services from a major distributor.

Hammer down everyone!