General Logistics Systems, a less-than-truckload fleet, is now providing its drivers the ability to capture and upload bill of lading information from their truck cabs via the DDC Sync mobile application, the two companies announced at SMC3's 2023 Jump Start conference.
The DDC Sync app uses optical character recognition (OCR) technology that allows drivers to photograph and upload BOL data immediately using an Android smartphone without the need for additional input. The app is provided by DDC FPO, a provider of front- and back-office outsourcing services for the transportation and logistics industries.
“Having instant shipment data with DDC Sync allows us to make better-advanced scheduling decisions, often resulting in cutting hours out of our linehaul schedule,” said Joe Bartone, chief operating officer of GLS-US. “We are continually looking for innovative solutions so we can provide our customers with the highest quality service. Capturing BOL information with DDC Sync the minute it’s in the drivers’ hands is a clear example of an innovative tool that is not only good for us but for our customers as well.”
See also: What's your definition of useful data?
DDC Sync takes an image of the freight bill, and the Android app reads and transmits BOL data to the carrier’s terminal immediately. GLS aims to enhance carriers’ logistics planning abilities and speed up accounts receivable processing with DDC Sync’s real-time visibility, GLS stated in its release.
In addition to providing mobile OCR for freight data, DDC Sync can be used for driver-to-terminal communication, driver incident logging, GPS tracking for real-time visibility and instant alerts, BOL inventory management, company news feeds, and rewards programs.
“Our carrier partners asked us to create a product that would solve their BOL image quality issues, provide immediate visibility to shipment data, and communicate with their drivers in order to provide their customers with best-in-class transportation service,” said Chad Crotty, VP of sales for DDC FPO. “DDC Sync is the resulting product, and we’re happy an innovative leader and partner like GLS is realizing its benefits.”
