The carrier vetting and onboarding process traditionally has been long and drawn out. It also can be a risky operation if transportation providers are not properly vetted before being onboarded. Test Drive changes that, providing strategic tools for shippers with complex supply chains to locate, qualify, and test new asset partners. 

We help our shipping partners save time and money by connecting them to reliable trucking providers and enabling them to build direct, profitable, and long-term carrier relationships.

At Test Drive, based in Ada, Michigan, our mission is to bring shippers and vetted carriers together, helping them find synergies to improve their cost, service, and capacity metrics. We are what we say we are: a platform where shippers can test carrier performance moving actual shipments via Test Drive’s brokerage authority. With our carrier testing, we serve as a strategic resource for shippers to vet and onboard new transportation providers. 

We agree with the viewpoint of transportation provider Roadrunner, which said that freight carriers should see themselves as an extension of the shipper’s brand. It said shippers are “motivated to build their reputation for dependability and customer service to maintain and build relationships that will benefit their businesses in the long term. With so much riding on the successful transport of goods, every decision, action, and response matters.”

5 Strategies for Effective Carrier Vetting and Onboarding

A Macho Vibes blog post titled “The Essential Guide to Streamlining Carrier Onboarding for Maximum Efficiency” said traditional transportation provider vetting and onboarding methods “often encounter challenges such as protracted paperwork processes and inefficient communication channels, which can not only delay operations but also inflate costs. The digital era presents an opportunity to revamp these methods, streamlining the process to be more efficient and less burdensome.” 

1. Standardize the Onboarding Process

Test Drive encourages the onboarding of asset fleets after testing, becoming a strategic rather than reactionary resource for procuring new transportation providers. This bridges the gaps between freight carriers and shippers – and creates a win-win for all parties in the supply chain. 

Our standardized process also relieves many of the headaches associated with traditional carrier vetting and onboarding. 

The Macho Vibes carrier guide said that “identifying bottlenecks is the initial step toward optimizing carrier onboarding. Common pain points include extensive paperwork, a lack of procedural standardization, and ineffective communication channels.” 

2. Leverage Technology for Efficient Vetting

Technology has transformed the carrier vetting and onboarding process, and Test Drive has taken advantage of the opportunities those tech advancements have afforded.  

“Automation not only reduces the likelihood of human error but also leads to more efficient operations by allowing for the reallocation of resources to more critical tasks,” the carrier onboarding guide said. “The strategic application of technology in carrier onboarding is a game-changer, facilitating a smoother, faster, and more accurate process.” 

At Test Drive, we operate with a fixed margin, utilizing advanced technology for optimal carrier matching and facilitating seamless transitions to direct contracts with shippers, ensuring fairness and efficiency for all parties in the logistics process.

3. Conduct Comprehensive Background Checks

An article on vetting freight carriers advised checking:

  • The Registry Monitoring Insurance Services (RMIS) database.
  • Experience levels.
  • On-time performance and reliability.
  • The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s CSA (compliance, safety, accountability) scores. 
  • Insurance certificates.
  • FMCSA authority. 
  • Watchdog reports from the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA).

“Compliance with legal and regulatory standards is a cornerstone of the carrier onboarding process. Rigorous compliance checks and regular audits ensure that all carriers meet the necessary industry standards, safeguarding the company against legal and financial risks,” Macho Vibes said. 

An Inbound Logistics article published in January titled “How Shippers Can Manage Risk During the Great Trucking Recession,” said, “Beware of carriers that have had their authority less than 90 days or have an unexplained lapse in their authority. Make sure their safety rating is not conditional or unsatisfactory with the FMCSA. This status may indicate a carrier operating with unsafe equipment or fraudulently reporting their drivers’ information. Services like TIA Watchdog can also help identify brokers or carriers that have operated unethically or fraudulently with another company. Onboarding and compliance providers, such as Carrier411, Highway, and RMIS, can help weed out unsavory providers.” 

At Test Drive, our thorough carrier vetting process ensures that no unsavory transportation providers ever make it into our system and will never be matched with our shippers’ freight.  

4. Implement Continuous Monitoring and Evaluation

Monitoring carriers’ performance on an ongoing basis is essential for long-term success. Continuous evaluation is standard business at Test Drive, and we keep shippers informed with carrier performance metrics. 

“For carrier onboarding processes to remain efficient and effective, continuous improvement and regular evaluation are essential,” the carrier guide said. “Setting key performance indicators (KPIs) and regularly assessing the onboarding process against these benchmarks allows companies to identify areas for enhancement.” 

Inbound Logistics advised, “Once a great carrier is onboarded, keep using them. The more business you direct toward a carrier, the better overall pricing and service you will receive.” 

A Roadrunner report on cultivating the relationships between shippers and freight carriers included a reminder that those relationships require attention to endure. It said the “partnership is a two-way street, and … the strongest and most lasting business relationships require a lot of honest communication and a healthy dose of thoughtful and constructive feedback.”

At Test Drive, we work to make sure that the relationship between shipper and freight carrier will be one that will last for years.

5. Foster Strong Communication and Relationships

“The foundation of a successful onboarding process is the establishment of strong relationships with carriers. A collaborative approach to problem-solving can significantly improve the efficiency of the onboarding process, creating a more positive experience for all parties involved,” Macho Vibe’s “Essential Guide” said.

“By providing carriers with the necessary support and resources, companies can foster a sense of partnership and mutual respect. This collaborative mindset not only enhances the onboarding experience but also sets the stage for long-term, productive relationships with carriers, which are crucial for sustained operational success.” 

Kent Williams, LTL carrier Averitt’s executive vice president of sales and marketing, told Logistics Management, “Many shippers do understand the value and competitive advantage that’s created by partnering with carriers who offer reliable, on-time service and low incidents of exceptions and claims, as well as the competitive advantage that can be created by working with a carrier that truly acts as an extension of their business.” 

“Strategies For Building Strong Relationships With Shippers And Carriers In Trucking” said, “In the freight business, a strong bond between shippers and carriers is the backbone of every successful haul. It’s not just about loading up and hitting the road; it’s about trust, clear communication, and understanding each other’s needs. This understanding ensures that goods get where they need to go, on time and in good condition.” 

The article went on to say that in the trucking industry, “things change, sometimes in a heartbeat. Roadblocks, weather challenges, vehicle issues, you name it. But through all these uncertainties, one thing remains crucial: communication. An open channel, where shippers and carriers freely share information, can make all the difference. This dialogue is not just about relaying information, but about sharing concerns, discussing potential solutions, and navigating challenges together. When both parties communicate openly, they build a bridge of understanding, making it easier to face any bumps that come their way.” 

At Test Drive, we know that clear communication prevents stormy relationships. We build relationships with shippers of a vast array of products and needs. We build relationships with thoroughly vetted, trusted carriers. We foster honest and mutually beneficial relationships between those shippers and freight carriers.

Trust Test Drive to Find the Best Vetted Carriers

At Test Drive, we don’t claim to build relationships with freight brokers. We’re an anti-broker. 

As the transportation and logistics industry’s first anti-broker, we act in the best interests of both the shipper and carrier, eliminating the third-party freight broker. Test Drive completely removes this middleman, empowering long-term, direct relationships between shippers and carriers. Our model provides complete transparency to all parties, giving shippers the ability to know who is hauling their freight and giving carriers the power to build direct relationships – without brokers’ involvement. 

At Test Drive, we provide:

  • Complete transparency.
  • Open lines of communication. 
  • Full accountability.
  • Opportunities to save time.
  • Paths to increased profits.
  • Fewer headaches.

Request a quote from Test Drive today.