With on-demand, the world is at your fingertips. Whether you’re on Netflix, Uber, or the latest app, it’s easy to get exactly what you want, when you want it.
On-demand is shaking up everything, even the industries you’d least expect. Take commercial trucking for instance!
On-demand trucking may revolutionize trucking as we know it. It could speed up the process of job searching and match up truckers with customers faster than ever before.
In this article, we will look at what the future holds for on-demand trucking, and how you can be ahead of the curve.
What is On-Demand Trucking?
On-demand trucking is when customers can order trucking services instantly, much like you would order an Uber taxi or a pizza.
It streamlines the process. The customer speeds past traditional contract negotiations through shipping brokers. Instead, they are connected right with available truckers.
First, there’s Uber Freight. It works just like their taxi service. Customers who have loads to haul can find available drivers with just a few clicks on the app.
Uber isn’t the only player in the on-demand trucking market. Companies like Transfix and OnTruck run similar services. Clearly, this is a trend that isn’t going away anytime soon!
What’s Different From Other On-Demand Services?
One of the things that made Uber so popular is that anybody could become an Uber driver. Trucking isn’t the same as driving a car through city streets. Plus, truckers are often responsible for thousands of dollars worth of merchandise.
Without the right training and experience, an on-demand trucker is a disaster waiting to happen.
That’s why on-demand trucking services are much stricter when it comes to the sign up process. Beyond that, you can expect the same speed and convenience.
What Are the Pros and Cons?
There are definitely upsides and downsides to this new trend that you need to consider before jumping on board.
The first is pricing. These services generally set fixed rates for different types of jobs and different job factors.
This can be handy. You will always know how much you will be paid, and you don’t need to fuss with contract negotiations or invoicing.
On the other hand, there is no room for haggling. If you don’t want to accept the on-demand rates, you’re out of luck.
Second, there is flexibility. You might love the freedom of working exactly when you want. Plus you can even share trucks with others, just by using quick truck wash systems and you’re ready to hit the road for the next job. For others, the instability is a downside, since you can never be sure of your workload.
Third, these sorts of systems don’t tend to provide the same support that regular brokers do. The process is more efficient, but if something doesn’t go smoothly, there’s no broker to make sure both sides get a fair shake.
Conclusions
On-demand commercial trucking seems like a trend that is here to stay. Whether you love it or hate it, it will change the current trucking industry forever. Drivers are going to have to adapt or be left behind in the dust.
What are your thoughts on on-demand trucking? Let us know in the comments!