Laying the foundations: the role of a freight exchange
You've heard of it, but you're wondering. What is a freight exchange? How does it work? Who uses them, and why? If you're looking for information on the subject, congratulations: you've come to the right place. Let's take a look at your questions!
The freight exchange, an application that brings together supply and demand
What is a freight exchange?
A freight exchange is an online platform that puts freight forwarders and freight forwarders in touch with freight carriers. In other words, it is a digital marketplace dedicated to the transport sector, where supply and demand are displayed.
"A freight exchange works like Blablacar. Except that instead of transporting people from point A to point B, you transport goods, thanks to an application that puts you in touch with freight forwarders who have freight to send.
So how does it work?
In practical terms, all exchanges are made via an interface. Users log on to their personal space via a computer, tablet or smartphone and enter the necessary information. For freight forwarders and charterers, this involves the characteristics of their goods and the route to be covered. Carriers, meanwhile, enter the availability of their vehicles.
The interface must be simple, fast and efficient for everyone. It therefore centralises all the information needed for transport:
- type and packaging (pallets, bulk, etc.) of the goods ;
- quantity to be transported (number of pallets, tonnage, floor metres, etc.);
- type of vehicle (tautliner, refrigerated lorry, tipper, etc.);
- truck departure and arrival dates and locations.
Admittedly, the term 'stock exchange' can be frightening. But don't panic! In the context of road transport, it's simply a place where goods transport needs and capacities can be linked up in real time.
Who benefits from using a freight exchange?
This solution is aimed at all transport companies and freight forwarders whose goods travel the roads. In simple terms, it has been designed for companies with lorries or goods to deliver.
Are you a haulier?
As you know, an empty journey represents a considerable loss of money. Rather than burning up fuel needlessly on the way back from a delivery, recover goods on your journey.
With the freight exchange, you can contact the freight forwarder in just a few clicks and quickly negotiate the transport terms and conditions with them.
What happens next? Load your lorry, deliver the goods and boost your income!
Are you a freight forwarder?
Every day, you have to transport your customers' goods. Of course you have contractual partners, but you often have more goods to deliver than trucks available.
The solution? The freight exchange! Publish the quantity and characteristics of your load, consult the trucks available around you, find a carrier quickly, and have your goods delivered on time!
The many advantages of the freight exchange
For hauliers...
Are you a haulier? The freight exchange makes you more profitable, because you can make fewer empty runs and sell more services.
- It also helps you to develop your business. By using it, you can :
- increase your visibility
- prospect more easily
- create new relationships
- sign new contracts that could lead to long-term partnerships.
- ...and for freight forwarders
Your business requires you to transport goods. Thanks to the freight exchange, you can :
- see available trucks in real time and find a carrier, even at the last minute;
- identify reliable service providers;
- guarantee the best service rate for your customers.
The role of the freight exchange: more than a communication tool
The exchange's main function is to facilitate the transmission of information between carriers and freight forwarders about their needs.
But these platforms have a wider reach. Increased revenues and opportunities for hauliers, guaranteed flexibility for freight forwarders' deliveries: they have something to delight everyone involved in logistics... and consumers at the end of the chain!
By now you know everything there is to know about how freight exchanges work. Do you think this type of service is the perfect solution for your business? Good news: it's our core business! With a wide range of freight and lorries on offer, a strong and reliable community of companies, easy access on all platforms (computer, tablet and smartphone) and the guarantee that hauliers will always get paid: explore the best freight exchange dedicated to road haulage in France.