Loadsmart is adding API-enabled integration of its digital freight platform and Smart Scheduling technology to Opendock’s dock management software through a new partnership, allowing shippers to simplify and accelerate the scheduling process by identifying and booking the best appointment with minimal human intervention.
For many shippers and carriers, scheduling has long been a time-consuming, manual process that typically requires multiple phone calls and emails to book an appointment. This process becomes more problematic when appointments must be rescheduled due to a change in the driver’s estimated arrival time. Recognizing this challenge and the potential of leveraging artificial intelligence, the two companies forged this collaboration to automate appointment scheduling for the more than 1,800 warehouses that utilize Opendock.
“Shippers are increasingly looking for new ways to leverage technology to eliminate bottlenecks and improve the efficiency of their supply chains,” said Ricardo Salgado, CEO and co-founder of Loadsmart. “The integration of our Smart Scheduling technology with Opendock’s centralized dock management software enables us to remove friction and streamline the appointment scheduling process for our shared customers.”
Shippers will immediately benefit from improved efficiency and better service, the companies said. The integration allows Loadsmart’s Smart Scheduling technology to instantly select and book the best possible appointment by using artificial intelligence to analyze travel time and other factors. Should a driver’s ETA change while en route, the integration even enables Loadsmart to automatically reschedule the appointment in seconds.
“We are excited to be partnering with Loadsmart and their Smart Scheduling capability. It’s impressive how they are using technology to simplify and streamline what’s historically been a very complex and time-consuming process, ” said Bob La Loggia, CEO of Opendock. “With this partnership, we’re eliminating a traditional bottleneck that impacts efficiency and on-time service.”
Loadsmart said it completed phase one of the integration with Opendock and is already seeing positive results, including an improvement in on-time performance. The company also said it plans on continuing to enhance and expand integration touchpoints to make more use of Opendock’s scheduling capabilities.
