The trucking industry has been quick to adapt to new technologies.
At one time, truckers used landlines to find loads and communicate with the broker or shipper. Today, a simple smartphone app can connect drivers with loads, allow for easy communication with the broker and post a truck. Some apps even allow drivers to scan paperwork and manage their log books.
CH Robinson Trucks was one of the first carriers to recognize the need for streamlined communication and load securement in the trucking industry. With more than half of truckers using smartphones, the company saw an opportunity to innovate the industry. That’s when the CHRW Trucks app was born.
What Is CHRWTrucks?
CHRWTrucks is a free app for C.H. Robinson contract carriers.
It’s free, it’s easy to use, and it’s compatible with both iOS and Android devices.
Using your CHRWTrucks login, you can quickly and easily find available loads, enter your status update and even post equipment.
How the App Works
Once logged in, users can take advantage of a variety of features, including:
Finding Loads
CHRWTrucks makes it easy to find relevant loads in just seconds. The app allows you to search by destination radius or origin.
From here, you can sort your results by:
- Drop off date
- Pickup
- Miles
Once you find a load that you’re interested in, all you have to do is tap the “call” button to get in touch with C.H. Robinson trucking.
Check Calls & View Alerts
To help further streamline tasks, drivers can enter a check call with two simple taps of a button. Push notifications make it quick and easy to submit check calls, and also alert you when a load is in need of a status update.
Post Equipment
To help find the best load match, the app lets you notify C.H. Robinson whether you have a full or just a partial truck available. If a load pops up that may interest you. C.H. Robinson will give you a call to let you know it’s available.
Google Map Access
Another helpful feature is the Google Maps access, which allows drivers to access directions to deliveries and pickups quickly and easily. The Maps feature works almost as well as a navigation system, and helps drivers map out their route to estimate their arrival time. It also helps drivers determine whether a particular load is feasible given their current schedule and location.
CHRWTrucks: Get Started with the App
Using the CHRWTrucks app is simple and straightforward. First, you’ll need to download the app from either the Google Play store (Android devices) or iTunes (iPhones, iPads and iPods). The app is 100% free. You’ll also need to have an account with chrwtrucks.com.
Once you’ve downloaded the app, all you need to do is enter your CHRWTrucks username and password. You’ll then be prompted to create a 4-digit in number before you can log into the load board and start posting equipment.
The Benefits of Using CHRWTrucks
You know how the app works, and how easy it is to get started with CHRWTrucks. But why would you want to use this app in the first place?
Find Loads Faster
The biggest advantage that this app offers is the ability to find loads faster and more efficiently by connecting with the CH Robinson Load Board.
Drivers also have the option of switching over to the website to see the load board. This allows you to personalize your viewing experience.
Post Equipment in Seconds
The app makes it quick and easy to post your equipment, so C.H. Robinson can match you with suitable freight. When the company finds a load that matches your criteria, they’ll give you a call to let you know it’s available.
Streamline Your Business
Let’s be clear: the CHRWTrucks app really wasn’t designed for company drivers. This app was designed for owner-operators to help streamline their business and expand their bottom line.
With useful and convenient tools, CHRWTrucks allows you to find loads you can haul, so you don’t have to spend your entire morning searching..
In short, CHRWTrucks is an app that helps owner-operators expand their business while working as a contract carrier for C.H. Robinson.
The app isn’t perfect (what app is?), but it makes the process of finding and securing loads a breeze. With the touch of a button, you can contact dispatchers to make an offer and even check call. You’ll be alerted when it’s time to post a status update to ensure that your shipment makes it to its destination on time.
About C.H. Robinson
Not a contract carrier for C.H. Robinson yet? You may be wondering what this company is all about and its history.
C.H. Robinson is one of the best logistics companies in the trucking industry, and they have a very long history in the business.
The company was founded in 1905 and is now one of the largest third-party logistics providers in the world. In 2015, the company posted gross revenues of $13.5 billion.
C.H. Robinson provides not only logistics and freight transportation, but also information services, outsource solutions and produce sourcing to over 100,000 customers throughout North America, Europe, South America and Asia. The company currently has a transportation provider network of 68,000.
If you’re carrier looking to join the company’s network, C.H. Robinson provides you with a number of tools to help you succeed, including its app and a special program.
Carrier Advantage Program
Contract carriers can join the Carrier Advantage Program, which provides drivers with opportunities to build their relationship with C.H. Robinson. The program is broken down into three tiers: Basic, Cord and Key. Each of these tiers is based on service levels and load volumes.
The great thing about this program is that you can use it in conjunction with the app to find and secure loads more quickly. In fact, Carrier Advantage members get early access to freight and the chance to grab uncommitted freight.
- Base Tier carriers are new contract carriers. Most drivers don’t stay at this level for long. The goal with this tier is to make sure contractors are meeting minimum service level standards.
- Core Tier carriers must meet certain shipment volume requirements and align with a few of the company’s offices. Members of the Core tier gain early access to freight and are assigned a dedicated account representative.
- Key Tier carriers must also meet certain volume requirements while providing a higher level of service. Drivers in this tier will have to achieve a set minimum score on a quarterly basis. The quarterly benchmarking scorecard will review several aspects of the driver’s service, and will be graded based on performance and quality. Members of this tier get the earliest access to freight and will also have the ability to make offers online without having to make phone calls.
All statuses are reviewed on a quarterly basis, which means drivers have the opportunity to advance relatively quickly.
The combination of the Carrier Advantage Program and the CHRWTrucks app makes C.H. Robinson a smart company to align yourself as an owner operator. If you’re looking to streamline the load-finding process while gaining new opportunities to expand your bottom line, the CHRWTrucks app and the company’s carrier program can help you reach your goals.