Finding an available carrier typically involves making phone calls, sending emails, rate negotiations, etcetera. However, digital freight matching uses online platforms and shipment data to identify carriers whose capacity, location, equipment, schedule, and service capabilities fit a particular load. Also, digital freight matching platforms can reduce the need for manual searching. It should be noted that the fastest or least expensive match does not equal the best transportation decision. With this in mind, carrier qualifications, shipment requirements, service history, and delivery risk matter as well. Digital freight matching is a digital form of the broader load-matching process.
What Is Digital Freight Matching?
Digital Freight Matching is the use of web and mobile-based software platforms to automatically pair a shipper’s available cargo with a trucking carrier’s open capacity in real time. When you are discussing Digital Freight Matching, it can be broken down into a few steps. First, the shipper has freight that needs transportation. Then you find a carrier that has available truck capacity. The digital system compares the needs of both sides. Next, the platform recommends compatible loads and carriers. Digital freight matching programs should be able to handle invoices, contracts, and the Bill of Lading (BOL) and even provide business insights, such as flexible tracking and driver performance for carriers. It’s a quick, efficient, and effective method of capacity fulfillment.
How Does Digital Freight Matching Work?
The Digital Freight Matching process can be broken down into a few simple steps. The first step is that the shipper enters the load details. This can include anything from pickup and delivery locations to package dimensions and special handling needs. Also, it’s important to note that inaccurate shipment information can lead to poor matches, rejected tenders, service problems, or rate changes. The next step is that the platform reviews the available capacity. In other words, the system compares the load with carriers or trucks that may be available in the correct area and time frame. After this is completed, the matching system applies the shipment criteria. This may include evaluating the origin and destination or the route compatibility. Once the shipment criteria are met, the carriers or rates are recommended. After this, the carrier is selected and verified. Next, the load is tendered and booked. Once accepted, the system may create or manage rate confirmations, pickup instructions, or payment information. Last but not least, the shipment is tracked and reviewed. For a more detailed visual, please review the table below:
| Stage | Shipper or Broker Action | Platform Action | Carrier Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Load Creation | Enters shipment details | Standardizes the information | Reviews compatible opportunities |
| Matching | Defines service needs | Compares the load with available capacity | Receives or finds the load |
| Selection | Reviews rate and service | Ranks or displays carrier matches | Accepts, rejects, or negotiates |
| Booking | Confirms the freight service | Creates shipment records | Confirms equipment and pickup |
| Execution | Monitors the freight shipment | Provides tracking updates and documents | Picks up and delivers the load |
| Review | Reviews freight cost and performance | Stores shipment and performance data | Submits delivery documents |
Benefits of Digital Freight Matching for Shippers
When it comes to the benefits of Digital Freight matching, shippers really benefit from using this system. The first benefit is that shippers gain faster access to capacity. This is because digital systems can review available carriers more quickly than contacting providers one at a time. Also, it offers easier rate and service comparisons because shippers can compare pricing, transit expectations, and carrier availability. There is less manual communication. This is because things such as status updates, documentation, and tracking can reduce repetitive calls and emails. You can also get greater shipment visibility. Businesses can manage higher shipment volumes without adding the same amount of manual work. Last but not least, you can have better transportation data.
Benefits of Digital Freight Matching for Carriers
There are many benefits of Digital Freight Matching for carriers, including more relevant load opportunities. Carriers can find loads that better align with their equipment, route, location, and schedule. Also, reduced empty miles are another benefit. A carrier may use matching tools to find freight near a delivery location or along a preferred return route. A faster loading search is another benefit of Digital Freight Matching for carriers. This is because saved preferences can reduce the need to repeatedly search through unrelated postings. Better equipment utilization is another benefit for carriers because they may be able to fill open trailer capacity more efficiently. Some platforms work to streamline rate confirmations, delivery documents, invoices, and payment processing.
Which Shipments Are Best Suited for Digital Freight Matching?
Digital Freight Matching can work well when the shipper provides complete information, and the shipment fits commonly available carrier equipment. Potential examples of shipments
Potential examples include:
-Standard dry-van truckload shipments
-Refrigerated truckload freight
-Flatbed loads with clearly defined requirements
-Recurring lanes
-Spot-market truckload shipments
-Time-sensitive capacity searches
-Common origin-and-destination pairs
-Freight with established pickup and delivery windows
Digital platforms can also support LTL rate comparisons and booking, although LTL carrier selection additionally depends on factors such as freight class, terminal coverage, service level, accessorials, and handling requirements.
When Is Human Freight Support Still Important?
Human support is especially valuable when:
-The shipper is unsure which service to choose.
-The load requires unusual equipment.
-Dimensions or weight are uncertain.
-The delivery site has limited access.
-A shipment is delayed or rejected.
-Multiple stops must be coordinated.
-The freight is oversized or overweight.
-The customer needs expedited service.
-The shipment has a high replacement value.
-The quoted options do not fit the actual requirement.
How FreightCenter Uses Digital Freight Matching
FreightCenter uses digital freight matching (DFM) technology to quickly connect shippers with available carrier capacity. The platform evaluates shipment size, origin and destination, equipment requirements, and current pricing to help match each load with suitable carrier options, reducing the need for time-consuming phone calls and manual paperwork. This process is completed by a FreightCenter agent using these few short steps. First, a customer will provide the shipment details. Then our FreightCenter team of experts will use our platform to help customers review available rates and freight services. Choosing the right carrier and service is highly important. FreightCenter can help manage the booking and shipment tracking. To get help from a FreightCenter agent today to discuss your options, do not hesitate to give us a call at (800) 716-7608.
Frequently Asked Questions About Digital Freight Matching
Digital Freight Matching FAQs
1. What is digital freight matching?
Digital freight matching uses an online platform or algorithm to connect freight loads with carriers that have suitable capacity, equipment, routes, and schedules.
2. How does digital freight matching work?
The shipper enters the shipment requirements, and the platform compares those details with available carrier capacity to identify suitable transportation options.
3. Is digital freight matching the same as load matching?
Load matching is the broader process of connecting freight with available capacity. Digital freight matching performs that process through online technology.
4. Is digital freight matching the same as a load board?
No. A load board displays available loads and trucks. A digital matching platform may actively rank, recommend, or automatically tender suitable opportunities.
5. Is digital freight matching a freight brokerage?
Not by itself. It is a technology or process. A licensed freight brokerage may use digital matching to arrange transportation.
6. What is a digital freight brokerage?
A digital freight brokerage uses online technology to quote, match, tender, book, track, and manage freight transportation.
7. Is digital freight matching the same as a TMS?
No. Digital matching connects loads with capacity. A TMS manages broader transportation functions such as planning, booking, tracking, documentation, billing, and reporting.
8. Does digital freight matching use artificial intelligence?
Some platforms use AI or machine learning to rank carriers, predict preferences, recommend loads, and analyze transportation data.
9. Does the platform automatically choose the carrier?
It depends on the system. Some platforms recommend options, while others can automatically tender loads according to preset rules.
10. Can digital freight matching reduce empty miles?
It may help carriers find freight close to their current location or along a preferred return route, which can improve equipment utilization.
11. Does digital freight matching guarantee a lower rate?
No. It can make comparison and carrier sourcing more efficient, but the final cost still depends on the shipment and market conditions.
12. Are carriers on digital platforms vetted?
Vetting standards vary. Shippers should verify how a platform reviews operating authority, insurance, identity, safety, and service qualifications.
13. Can digital freight matching be used for LTL shipping?
Some freight platforms support LTL quoting and booking, although digital matching is frequently discussed in connection with truckload capacity.
14. When should a shipper work with a freight expert?
Expert assistance is useful for oversized, heavy, specialized, time-sensitive, high-value, multi-stop, or difficult-to-access shipments.
15. How does FreightCenter help match freight with carriers?
FreightCenter uses digital tools and carrier relationships to compare available freight options while providing access to freight experts who can assist with booking and shipment management.
