Loading Insurance: Carrier 411 Guide

Carrier411 is a platform that offers services related to carrier compliance, safety ratings, and fleet monitoring. It allows users to search for carriers, view their safety records, and access other relevant information. While it may seem like a convenient tool, there are concerns about its reliability, particularly regarding the verification of data and the inclusion of user-submitted FreightGuard reports, which can have implications for carriers. To load insurance to Carrier411, users can utilise the platform's carrier qualification settings feature, which enables them to set standards for selecting carriers based on operating authority status, insurance, safety ratings, and CSA 2010 BASIC scores. These settings provide instant feedback through colour-coded qualification lights, indicating whether a carrier meets or fails the set requirements or if management review is needed.

How to use Load Track on Carrier411

Carrier411 offers an integrated Load Track system that allows you to track your loads online in real-time using accurate location points. This means that you can quickly and confidently identify where the truck that has your freight is located, without having to call the carrier or driver.

To use Load Track, you will need to ensure that the driver has an iPhone or Android phone with a data plan, and that they have downloaded and installed the FREE Trucker Tools App. When the driver's cell phone number is provided, a text message will be sent to them with the Load Track request, including a link to download the app.

Once the driver has picked up the load, they need to open the Trucker Tools App and click the Load Track button on the main menu, then start the corresponding Load Track by clicking the Start Track button. When the load is delivered, the driver will click the End Track button to end the Load Track. Optional email and text message alerts will be sent when the driver starts and ends the Load Track.

The Trucker Tools App is easy for drivers to install and use and is available for iOS (Version 4.0 and greater) and Android (Version 2.3 and greater). It can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play, respectively.

The Load Track feature provides a real-time route map with accurate location points and timestamps along the route. As the driver progresses, changes to the map occur simultaneously. You can also forward Load Track information to your customers or co-workers and view details about any active or previous Load Track.

The benefits of Load Track for small and mid-sized carriers

Load Track is a powerful tool for small and mid-sized carriers, offering numerous benefits that enhance efficiency, competitiveness, and customer satisfaction.

One of the key advantages of Load Track is the ability to reroute trucks in real time. This feature helps carriers navigate unforeseen events such as accidents, landslides, road closures, and severe weather conditions. By rerouting, carriers can avoid delays and ensure timely deliveries, improving their reputation and customer satisfaction.

Load Track also enables better labor management and enhances driver detention time understanding. It helps identify delays at pick-up or delivery locations, allowing for better planning and rescheduling, reducing costs and improving driver efficiency.

Additionally, Load Track maximizes capacity by providing accurate predictions of truck or load arrivals at distribution or delivery centers. This information helps avoid deadheading and downtime, optimizing the utilization of resources.

The automatic geofencing feature is another valuable tool for small and mid-sized carriers. It provides automatic alerts when a truck enters or exits a 2-mile radius, improving supply chain efficiency and enabling better planning.

Load Track also eliminates the need for check calls, enhancing driver safety and office efficiency. With quick load checks, brokers can easily locate freight on a map without disrupting the driver.

Furthermore, Load Track helps small and mid-sized carriers compete with larger companies by offering real-time freight visibility. This feature is increasingly expected by customers and enables carriers to build a loyal client base by providing exceptional customer service.

Lastly, Load Track's data and analytics improve time management, customer service, and profitability. Carriers can make informed decisions, react to challenges, and optimize their operations, resulting in cost savings and business growth.

In conclusion, Load Track empowers small and mid-sized carriers by providing tools to enhance efficiency, competitiveness, and customer satisfaction. By adopting Load Track, carriers can improve their operations, reduce costs, and ultimately, increase their success in the market.

How to import a list of MC numbers for carriers

Carrier411 can import a list of MC numbers for your carriers. To do this, you will need to export the MC numbers from your software database to a Microsoft Excel file. The file should contain only the 6-digit MC numbers in a single column, and, if possible, only the MC numbers of your active carriers.

Once you have the Excel file, you can email it to [email protected], ensuring you include your contact information in the body of the email.

Upon receipt of the file, Carrier411 will bounce each MC number against their master database of all existing MC numbers. If a match is found, the number will be added to your monitoring list. If a number does not match, it means you provided an invalid MC number. In this case, Carrier411 will generate an exclusion report, which will be emailed back to you once the import process is complete.

Most transportation management software allows you to export data. If you are unsure how to do this, you can ask your IT department or software vendor for assistance.

Alternatively, you can manually add and delete carriers without importing an Excel file. To discuss this option, you can call Carrier411 at (888) 411-9661.

An MC Number, or Motor Carrier number, is a unique identifier issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). It is used to distinguish carriers operating across state lines, particularly those transporting passengers or regulated commodities.

MC Numbers are crucial for the safety, compliance, and legality of trucking operations. They are required for interstate transportation companies transporting goods, cargo, or people for compensation.

Applying for an MC Number

You can apply for an MC Number through the FMCSA website or with the assistance of a specialist organisation. The application process typically takes at least three to four weeks, and there is a non-refundable application fee.

It is important to note that the FMCSA does not provide refunds for mistaken applications, so it is essential to ensure that all information is accurate and in order before submitting. Operating without the proper licenses and numbers can lead to significant penalties.

How to identify TIA and TIA Performance Certified members

Carrier411 has been a member of the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) since 2005 and is the first carrier monitoring service to display the TIA and TIA Performance Certified logos to identify participating members.

The TIA logo indicates that a company is a current member of the Transportation Intermediaries Association. When you see the TIA Performance Certified logo with a dollar amount ($10,000, $25,000, $50,000, $100,000, or $250,000), it means the company has a TIA Surety bond in that amount and has agreed to standards and best practices presented by TIA.

TIA members that are Performance Certified are dedicated to the highest level of ethics and strict best practices by adhering to the Performance Certified Program rules. Avalon Risk Management, Inc. supports that commitment by partnering with TIA to offer increased surety levels. The Performance Certified program offers a competitive advantage to transportation brokers by providing a guarantee of freight payment to carriers, shippers, and other third-party logistics providers in excess of the $10,000 bond required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to conduct business.

Carrier411 can help protect your company from using unqualified, non-compliant, and unsafe carriers.

How to report carriers and brokers for performance issues

Carrier411 offers an integrated FreightGuard reporting system that allows brokers and shippers to report carriers and brokers for performance issues. The system is based on a variety of designated criteria, including unauthorised re-brokering of shipments, cancellations, theft or unjustified loss of freight, fraudulent activity, and unethical or deceptive business practices. Reported companies have 72 hours to respond to the performance report through the Carrier Response website using a special 10-digit response code.

If you are experiencing issues with a broker or carrier, you can also report them to the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The BBB helps guide individuals through the process of filing a complaint. Additionally, Truckstop.com encourages the reporting of non-payment issues directly through their website via an online form. They investigate complaints and mediate to ensure carriers get paid.

For issues involving fraudulent intent or identity theft, the U.S. Department of Transportation's Office of Inspector General can be contacted via a whistleblower hotline, email, or online form. This office handles investigations and refers cases to other agencies, such as the Postal Inspection Service, for further action.

It is important to note that there are also other platforms and resources available, such as brokerwatchlist.com/full-list, where individuals can find and report bad brokers. Seeking assistance from associations with legal expertise, such as OOIDA, can also be beneficial in addressing payment issues.

Frequently asked questions