Findatruckload commended for innovation

27/04/2011 12:00

Findatruckload finished 2010 in style, taking home a commended award for innovation in the EECA Awards which recognise small to large businesses that demonstrate energy efficiency and conservation.

Now 22 months old, Findatruckload is a web-based company that brings together New Zealand road transport companies and freight providers to eliminate empty running and improve freight efficiency. “It’s a proven and successful business model that all parties benefit from in the movement of goods throughout New Zealand,” says managing director Andrew Bishop. 

“Manufacturers, suppliers, wholesalers, importers, exporters and other transport companies are all experiencing benefits of the empty capacity utilisation, be it via road, rail or coastal shipping,” he adds. “Our big focus for 2011 will be measuring and recording the savings in related carbon emissions for road transport movements.”

Over 500 transport company representatives are now registered for email alerts for spot loads that are posted through the website, giving Findatruckload the largest transport database in the country to tender freight. One of registered members, Richard Brunton of Brenics Transport, says: “The team at Findatruckload have been great to deal with. As a company we have been able to work with them to load vehicles and get overflow moved. They work to make it happen with no issues.”

B2B solutions

Findatruckload started by tendering spot loads for several suppliers in general freight. Now the website offers solutions for livestock cartage, containers, bulk, machinery and heavy haulage, and will soon add vehicles to this list. 

Although Findatruckload focuses on business-to-business relationships, consumer goods may be an option for the future as 2010 saw loads varying from eight sows to household furniture to a brick boat for an art display for the World Rowing Championships.

To gain the support of the transport industry, Findatruckload changed its pricing structure to reflect where the ‘value add’ lies, meaning the service is now totally free for transport companies – a minimum 6% success fee is only paid by the load poster. 

Gaining the support of associations such as the National Road Carriers (NRC) and the New Zealand Road Transport Association (NZRTA) has had a positive impact on Findatruckload as the website is seen as a tool to make the road transport industry more efficient. “2011 will see us focusing on empty truck email alerts – we really want to be the first place that transport companies come to, to list their empty capacity,” says Walter Ormsby, transport manager and director. 

“Findatruckload is really a modern-day truck pooling device, but with benefits to both freight suppliers and transport companies,” Andrew says. “If any company is looking for a truck, www.findatruckload.co.nz will be the place to look. With instant email alerts, real-time information and a large database of freight suppliers, empty truck alerts will be a powerful tool and major step in the right direction in reducing empty trucks on the road.”

Transport companies looking for extra line-haul units will also benefit from the service, he adds. Instead of phoning 10 other companies, they will simply enquire about an empty truck listing on Findatruckload to find a solution.