Logistics specialist CH Robinson has announced a series of tech enhancements that it has said deliver 'first-of-its-kind digital transformation' to small business shippers.
Enhancements to the group's self-shipping tool Freightquote are designed to further automate and simplify the shipping experience for small business owners while providing instant shipping options and real-time visibility to track shipments across all modes.
According to the company, small business owners have already reported saving half the time and cost when booking their shipping through Freightquote.
'From a single online portal, they have access to more shipping options than any other shipping provider has ever offered, for everything from a single package to a full truckload – and everything in between,' CH Robinson stated. 'These additional shipping options provide needed flexibility for B2B small businesses focused on e-commerce as they face increased pressure to fulfill growing online orders.'
The self-service shipping tool automatically provides new enhancements like terminal pick-up and drop-off to reduce costs; an interactive map that helps avoid additional charges; and an option to hire a 'Tasker' through a partnership with TaskRabbit.
“We designed Freightquote by CH Robinson with easy-to-use technology, and are pleased that we are now unlocking even more automated opportunities to meet the shipping needs of our small business customers,” said Mac Pinkerton, president of CH Robinson’s North American Surface Transportation division. “We know that many small business owners today face unprecedented challenges. That is why we built these new digital enhancements using our unmatched scale, information advantage and technology built by supply chain experts to make it easier than ever to meet their unique shipping needs today and in the future.”
The TaskRabbit partnership allows shippers to hire a Tasker to correctly package or palletize shipments; and book a Tasker to move shipments to a convenient location for carrier pick-up and to help with moving and unpacking shipments.
“We saw a real opportunity to drive value for small businesses through our partnership with CH Robinson,” said Diana Rothschild, director of strategic partnerships at TaskRabbit. “We’re thrilled that they are our first shipping partner and look forward to working together to maximise TaskRabbit’s capabilities for small businesses as we continue to grow our services in the B2B space.”
CH Robinson said that Freightquote would continue to add capabilities throughout the year.
