The workflow on your tablet is a great tool to keep the operations team updated on your progress. You’ve probably heard your Driver Manager express the importance of updating your workflow, but you may not understand why it’s so important and how it will benefit you as a driver. And it’s become even easier with the ability to update everything right from the MK Drive App. Just like the urgency and care of maintaining your hours of service (HOS), it is critically important to keep your workflow accurate and up to date. Like HOS, when errors occur or you fall behind with updates, it causes enormous problems and extra work for your DM and fellow MK Drivers. Our operations run best when the workflow is humming like a well-oiled machine.
Here are some reasons why keeping the workflow updated timely and correctly benefits everyone.
Customer service and retention:
- Customers and brokers have placed increasingly greater importance on transparency over the past few years, especially with the proliferation of GPS tracking options for trucks. Those who have access to ELD info and receive EDI updates automatically through the TMW system automatically have access to the accurate tracking information they require. When updates are accurate and timely, customers’ trust in us as a reliable carrier is increased and we become more valuable.
- Cash flow is everything in this business. Getting your loads closed out and your bills turned in as soon as you can helps MK invoice our loads and get paid so we can pay the bills. It also allows us to immediately process your settlements so you can get paid!
Operations efficiency:
- TMW has systems in place to prevent time and data conflicts. When workflow information is incorrect or incomplete, it prevents the operations team from updating orders correctly and in a timely fashion. It often takes a lot of time to go back multiple loads and fix conflicts. These conflicts include incorrect times and incorrect or missing trailer numbers. We use TMW to track trailer movements as a failsafe in case the trailer GPS fails; we’re able to check the most recent locations.
Driver benefits:
- Not only do good ETAs and in/out times help the Planning team make better decisions, it helps you when they know where you’re going to be and when so they can keep you moving.
- When you have detention, it’s necessary to have those times in the system so the customer team knows to charge the customer and follow up with any documentation needed. In order for you to get paid for detainment, we need to know when it happens so we can make sure we can get payment from the customer or broker.
If you’re having trouble or you’re unsure of how to correctly use the workflow, reach out to your Driver Manager for help. You can always stop by the office for more instruction if needed. Help us help you by updating your workflow!