C.H. Robinson boosts trucker communications

   C.H. Robinson Worldwide has launched its CHRWtrucks.com mobile application to allow motor carriers to enter pick up information, check calls, and delivery information within a couple clicks.
   Information is populated by location services on the smartphone which reduces guesswork and typing, the Eden Prairie, Minn.-based company said. Additionally, carriers can post empty equipment locations where C.H. Robinson employees can look for load matches to help fill those empty trucks and reduce empty miles.
   “Not all carriers have the luxury of having a laptop on the road with them, but instead carry a smartphone device,” said Bruce Johnson, C.H. Robinson’s director of carrier services. “This application puts the power in the palm of their hands to spend less time looking for loads and updating information and more time growing their business.”
   Through the application, information associated with a shipment will appear on the carrier’s phone which will help eliminate excessive phone calls, e-mailing, or faxing of shipment information. In addition, the application can launch mapping software on smartphones to provide directions to the shipper or consignee from the phone’s current location.
   C.H. Robinson works with approximately 49,000 transportation providers including motor carriers, railroads for primarily intermodal service, air freight and ocean carriers. Shippers using C.H. Robinson will also benefit from the new applications as they have an opportunity to see load updates much faster than they have in the past on the company’s customer Web site, the company said.
   The application can be downloaded for free on iTunes, at the android market and at https://www.chrwtrucks.com.