C.H. Robinson, a third-party logistics provider, recently announced its use of electronic bills of lading with 10 top less-than-truckload carriers on its platform. The company also plans to extend this capability to an additional four carriers. This digitization of essential shipping documents not only enhances efficiency but also reduces errors and increases real-time visibility in the logistics process.
According to C.H. Robinson, 17,240 customers utilized the eBOL process last year, with even broader adoption expected in 2024. Greg West, the Vice President of LTL at C.H. Robinson, highlighted the value of a common eBOL for LTL shipments that involve multiple customers, destinations, and paperwork.
The automated eBOL process generates tracking numbers via API within seconds of a shipment’s tender, simplifying the tracking process for drivers. Previously, drivers had to manually apply stickers to paper bills of lading and pallets, as well as enter tracking numbers into the carrier’s system at the end of the day. With an accuracy rating of 92% for predicting on-time LTL shipments, C.H. Robinson’s adoption of the eBOL process marks a significant advancement in the industry.
C.H. Robinson is recognized as the first 3PL to implement the eBOL process, with standards developed by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association’s (NMFTA) Digital LTL Council. The NMFTA manages the classification system used to code and identify LTL shipments universally. The Executive Director of the NMFTA’s Digital LTL Council, Paul Dugent, commended C.H. Robinson’s collaboration with leading LTL carriers and adoption of industry standards for enhancing logistics efficiency and real-time visibility.
Overall, the company’s eBOL initiative is expected to drive broader industry adoption and modernize logistics practices.
