Transport International Pool (TIP) has become the first trailer lessor in the trucking industry to use handheld computers and digital cameras. This initiative is part of TIP's on-going effort to to move to digitized processes, in this case providing a more consistent and fair damage rebill process with online access for customers.
"We want to make it as easy as possible for fleet operators to do business with TIP," said Chris Hines, president, TIP North America. "Customer feedback drives our improvements and helps us find ways to increase the transparency and precision of our procedures.” Fleet owners can review repair detail worksheets as well as photos of any damage within 24 hours of trailer return by logging on to their Premier Services account. Also available online is TIP's damage repair policy, which provides a straightforward description of trailer turn-in conditions as well as criteria for specific types of repairs. Operation managers at all TIP locations now use handhelds and digital cameras to standardize the trailer inspection process and increase the accuracy of data collection. Each handheld is programmed to take TIP managers through a specific set of steps so that no part of the inspection is missed. Implementing the digitized system allowed TIP to standardize the inspection process throughout its North American branch network while adding new quality controls to the procedure. "In this highly competitive environment, TIP's new digital damage reporting process makes it easier for customers to get information quickly and accurately-with no surprises," said Craig Stowell, vice president, Operations, TIP North America. "We believe it's important for customers to know the repair costs for specific types of damage up-front, so that they can make the right decisions for their fleets,” said Craig Stowell, vp-operations for TIP North America.
