last updated 05-24-2023
by FreightPrint
One of the most important functions of logistics operations and delivery is to obtain documentation regarding pickups and deliveries.
In this article we'll explore everything regarding proof of delivery in your shipping company.
Here's a brief outline of what we'll cover:
Proof of delivery in trucking is synonymous with what a signature is in banking. Proof of delivery is a delivery receipt that confirms that delivery was completed, with the customer's signature as a validation of the delivery.
This simple POD signature stating that the end consignee received the shipment in good condition, is of significant value in the logistics world.
Your customers don't like waiting. Especially if it's about their long-awaited shipment that should've arrived a few days ago.
So, a smooth proof of delivery helps the delivery driver to get this proof effortlessly. It also helps the customer get their package as soon as possible, which boosts customer satisfaction.
The easiest way of obtaining proof of delivery is to implement an electronic proof of delivery to keep all your POD documents in one place.
In a typical supply chain process, the shipper sends the bill of lading (BOL) or way bills to the carriers. The same BOL is then later sent back with a signature from the end customer as proof of delivery (POD).
This single document is what is required by the shipper, to release the payment to her third party carriers. Trucking companies often rely on invoice factoring companies to get payments faster. Proof of delivery document is often required to facilitate invoice factoring. As you could see, proof of delivery is an essential piece of paperwork for almost every trucking company.
PODs are often handwritten, then emailed or faxed back to the shipper to be processed for payment. Thanks to FreightPrint, signatures can be now captured electronically (E-signature) by any carrier on their smartphones. With electronic proof of delivery, signatures can be received instantly upon delivery straight from your driver's phone.
Want to offer touchless deliveries? Your carrier has the option to take pictures and update instantly with notes.
Better yet, you don’t need to look through your emails or faxes for PODs to send to billing and accounting.
Every load that you have dispatched would be automatically updated with information related to its deliveries and notes from various entities in the delivery chain, such as dispatchers, carriers, brokers and end customers.
Take multiple pictures and send them as picture proof of delivery. Pictures are attached to your proof of delivery documents. All of these are available to your customers on demand.
It's not good enough to create and track POD for your own internal use. Your customers need access to POD and BOL on demand. Most trucking companies create a customer portal to facilitate the searching for BOL and POD.
This was the old-school way of providing data to customers. Today's customers don't want to create logins and go through extra work. Luckily with newer technology, you can use a simple solution.
By adding a FreightPrint Tracking Widget to your own website, your customers can look up proof of delivery signatures, proof of delivery pictures and other proof of delivery documents electronically.
Forget about just getting the proof, now you can bulletproof your delivery process with electronic signatures, pictures, driver notes and address confirmation.
Every load created in FreightPrint™ automatically comes with a unique tracking number. This tracking number could also be used to look up your POD. Customers can access the status of their order anytime by simply looking up either through a unique link, or using the embeddable widget on your website. Learn more about embeddable widget here.
The best part is that your drivers use the app for free. FreightPrint™ proof of delivery app is available on Android and Apple Store for free. There is also no need to set up a username or password for your drivers.
FreightPrint automatically creates a QR code for every load you create, so that your drivers can literally scan and get all the delivery information.
Drivers can view, update or transmit electronic proof of deliveries by simply scanning or entering the tracking number. Electronic POD is not only simple but a convenient way to make the delivery process an easy task for every driver.
Talk about making your logistics frictionless!
Start your free trial of FreightPrint and see if it works for your delivery operations.
Try 2 Weeks Free
Are you managing your logistics operations either manually or using outdated and confusing software?
FreightPrint can help!
FreightPrint™ is a simple software and mobile app for logistics companies to track, organize, communicate and manage shipments efficiently.
We know that logistics is complicated and time-consuming.
Imagine delivering orders to your customers with consistency, accuracy and simplicity.
If you're looking to streamline your shipping and logistics operations, FreightPrint™ may be what you're looking for.
Read below to learn more about key features and benefits of FreightPrint™.
Imagine processing customer orders, automatically creating optimized routes, communicating with drivers and customers, all without spending any extra time.
Dispatch Loads
Dispatch loads on the fly. Work with carriers, brokers, dispatchers and shippers.
Automated Routes
Pick multiple shipments and create routes instantly. Assign drop numbers, edit or remove stops without contacting the drivers.
Driver Assignment
Assign a task or a route to a driver. Don't know who can do the delivery? Allow drivers to pick their loads, or broadcast loads to your carriers and have them bid on your loads.
Free up your phone lines and staff, while exceeding your customers’ expectations. Spend your precious time closing more deals and going on vacation.
Provide Shipment Tracking
While the FreightPrint™ app provides status updates and other useful information, it can also provide you with shipment tracking.
Collect Signatures, Pictures and Notes
Create an audit trail of shipment statuses with timestamps and location stamps.Receive Proof of delivery signature and pictures instantly.
Create and design your own shipping documents. Create templates for your customers to match their specifications.
Print QRCode Labels
Create and print QRcode labels. Add QRcodes to your shipping documents and emails.
Design and Customize BOLs
Create and design your own shipping documents.Create and design your own shipping documents.
No software is built perfectly, that’s why we allow you to customize it to your needs. FreightPrint is flexible to serve your needs.
Custom Fields, Checklists & Documents
Create custom fields and custom checklists to ensure your team can track progress. Customize your emails, documents and text messages.
Connect with CRM, ERP, API and Zapier
You can connect with SalesForce and OrderTime natively, integrate with your own in-house software using our API, or build automation with other thousands of software using Zapier.
Want to see if FreightPrint is a good fit for your needs? Whether you are curious about how the software works, or have specific questions about a feature, our product demo is a great way to get started.
Read More
To achieve high supply chain visibility, businesses must have transparency and systems in place regarding their responsibilities and processes.
Read More