Descartes Carrier Portal (DCP) is a cost-effective and efficient solution that is designed to help shippers realize all the benefits of EDI capabilities without the complexity of in-house solutions.
Descartes DCP combines EDI capabilities with portal technology to address a number of key areas for carriers, brokers and agencies
Automation: Without automation, carriers cannot send documents in the required format and may be at risk of losing future business with their shipper customers. Even if email is used for sending forms, increasingly aggressive spam filtering means that important messages are often not getting through. Referring to multiple web sites to view proof of delivery (PoD) images is also time-consuming. The key to overcoming these challenges is a one-stop online resource that facilitates the end-to-end shipment management process
Consolidation: The need for consistency and accuracy in document exchange is paramount. EDI allows companies to consolidate document exchange while reducing overall costs, improving workflow processes and accuracy, and increasing productivity. Information can easily be accessed and updated through portal services to gain greater insight into the movement of goods and improve management processes.
Compliance: For shippers to meet accounting standards and practices, their carriers need to use EDI to confirm tenders, provide status updates and send freight invoices. A single information source provides carriers with a full view of the life of shipments – from point-of-origin through to their destination, and every stage in between. Technology enables users to match and cross reference and present shipments via the portal or via FTP or other transmission.
Outsourcing: Outsourcing EDI and associated portal services enables shippers and partners to reduce capital costs, communicate with a community of global resources, access and present information in one location, and track shipping and payment information in real-time. With a software-as-a-service (SaaS) or on-demand model, organizations only pay for the functionality needed without the costs of managing in-house systems.
Descartes DCP modules address four key functional areas and can be tailored to suit specific business needs:
Load Tenders – Carriers can accept Load Tenders and send EDI responses with the invoice number and pickup date/time.
Shipment Status – With minimal data entry, EDI status messages can be generated based on existing shipment and location information.
Electronic Proof of Delivery (PoD) – DCP enables carriers to upload PoD information to the shipper/ freight payment agency before payment is made so they can match electronic images and invoices, as well as provide relevant cross-referencing to shippers.
Electronic Freight Invoice – Based on prior tender information or after importing data from back office systems, freight invoices are composed and validated against specific shipper requirements.
General Features Include:
- Automation of load tendering and freight payment between highway carriers and shippers, or the freight payment agencies (FPA) that represent them.
- In-network document management that reduces the need for receiving, filing, archiving and destroying supporting documentation.
- Descartes GLN document identifier provides direct access to documents, along with corresponding digital signatures, minimizing the need for costly integration with back-office systems.
- Multi-tenant network for viewing shippers/carriers on the same screen
