Echo Global Logistics adds Book Now functionality to EchoDrive platform

“At Echo, technology is at the center of how we support our carrier network, and we are continuously looking to invest in new tools that add efficiency and create more value for our carrier partners,” said Jay Gustafson, senior vice president of marketplace solutions at Echo. “The full implementation of Book Now in EchoDrive, which optimizes the booking process for Echo’s carriers, further demonstrates this commitment.”

EchoDrive is built on the EchoAccelerator architecture and gives carriers real-time access to search, bid, book, manage, track and get paid on freight hauled for Echo. The new Book Now tool offers visibility into rates for loads located with EchoDrive. Rate confirmation emails are sent within seconds for loads booked through the platform.

Earlier this year, Echo announced a partnership with TruckPark to give Preferred members access to TruckPark’s network of overnight commercial truck parking resources at a discounted rate. EchoDrive Preferred is a complement to EchoDrive.

The partnership gives EchoDrive Preferred members a 50% discount on parking for owner-operators and fleets with one to five trucks and a 25% discount for company drivers and fleets with six or more trucks.

The addition of the TruckPark parking platform is a continuation of value-add services to the EchoDrive platform that has now been expanded with Book Now. Earlier this year, Echo added Preferred Lanes and Suggested Loads to the platform.

Preferred Lanes and Suggested Loads are designed to improve the load-booking process by assuring carriers receive loads that fit their needs. Preferred Lanes allows carriers to set up a profile of lanes they run regularly and get notifications when shipments in these lanes are available.

Similarly, Suggested Loads improves backhaul opportunities by suggesting shipments to fill empty trailers for Echo customers. Carriers can also choose to get alerts when they do a search for available shipments. Anytime freight becomes available that matches that search, they are notified.

EchoDrive Preferred members also benefit from enhanced payment terms based on a carrier’s relationship with Echo and discounts on truck leases, preventative maintenance programs and rental equipment, as well as discounts on fuel, maintenance, roadside service and more. 

Click for more FreightWaves articles by Brian Straight.

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