Table of Contents
The Trucking Industry’s Shift Towards Digitization
In recent years, the trucking industry has witnessed a steady rise in digitization, primarily driven by mandatory implementation of electronic logging devices (ELDs). These digital devices have replaced the traditional paper records that commercial motor vehicle drivers were required to complete and carry. Forward-thinking trucking companies have taken it a step further by utilizing electronic pre-trip inspections, electronic shipping documents, and e-BOLs. Surprisingly, despite the various advantages of digital permit books, most trucking fleets in North America still rely on paper copies of permits, licenses, and other essential documents in their trucks.
Unlocking the Power of Digital Permit Books
Digital permit books are a game-changer as they provide instant access to electronic permits and compliance documentation. Motor carrier staff can remotely provide, modify, or remove these documents, eliminating the need for drivers to visit a terminal or office. By offering enhanced processes, you gain a competitive edge in attracting and retaining your most valuable asset – your drivers.
Beyond Clutter: The Wide Array of Benefits
Apart from decluttering your trucks, digitizing driver permit books brings a host of benefits. Currently, updating paper permit books requires trucks to be physically present at the yard while an employee distributes printed documents, a cumbersome process in most cases. However, with a connected web platform for document management, electronic permit books can be instantly updated for drivers, even while they are on the move across the country.
Digitizing permit books fosters improved information sharing across the entire team, from in-office employees to drivers on the road. Drivers can rest easy knowing they are completely covered with up-to-date permits and documentation. Safety and compliance staff can efficiently manage document distribution tasks for all drivers with just a click of a mouse.
Time-Saving Convenience for Drivers
By displaying and sharing digital documents, drivers can save precious time at scales, during routine stops, and at delivery sites. The hassle of sifting through stacks of paper is eliminated, allowing for a smoother and more efficient workflow.
3 Tips for Implementing a Digital Permit Book Strategy
If you’re considering a permit book digitization strategy for your trucking fleet but aren’t sure where to start, here are three valuable tips to guide you:
- Remove Barriers: Make accessing digital documents hassle-free for drivers. Develop a dedicated mobile application that provides them with immediate and secure access to important digital documents, regardless of where they are.
- Streamline Processes: Embrace digitization to streamline processes and redefine how your drivers carry out their tasks. By displaying and sharing digital documents with just a few taps on their mobile devices, drivers can save valuable time at scales, during routine stops, and at delivery sites.
- Automate Tasks: Stay on top of permits, compliance files, and driver permit books by leveraging automation. Choose a platform that offers dashboard or email alerts to monitor document expiration dates. This enables your in-office staff to effectively manage renewals and other time-sensitive compliance tasks. By adopting automation, your fleet can be proactive and avoid regulatory crises.
The digitization trend is poised to revolutionize information and document distribution in the transportation industry. Fleets that fail to anticipate this change and adapt to it will find themselves at a competitive disadvantage. By closely examining the daily routines of your drivers and safety staff, it becomes clear that embracing a digital permit book is not just an option but a necessity.
For more information about digital permit books and to experience the benefits of digitization, visit Ratingperson.
Ratingperson is a leading provider of cloud-based compliance portals and driver electronic permit book apps for the trucking industry.