Aljex Software Inc. introduced Automated Rate Confirmation (ARC), a web-based technology that automates critical agreements and routine data exchange between brokers and carriers.
According to Aljex, ARC begins with an email from broker to carrier with a link to a classic rate confirmation in electronic form. But with ARC, the digital document contains only the information the carrier has to know in order to accept the load assignment—origin and destination cities, for example. Not included is competitive data, such as shipper name and contact information—at least until the shipment is accepted and the ARC is signed by the carrier.
To do that, the carrier signs the ARC electronically from a computer or smartphone. The electronic signature is routed through Sertifi, an Aljex partner and e-signature service that establishes the identity of the signer. Once verified, the signature and the document are legally binding.
As soon as the ARC has been signed and the signature validated, the broker receives an email notification along with a PDF of the signed confirmation. At the same time the shipment is updated, the confirmation is automatically uploaded into the scanned document directory in Aljex and the carrier receives a new link that enables access to all the information on the ARC, including such facts as pickup and delivery addresses, reference numbers and contacts.
Going forward, the carrier uses the same links to update information on the load, information that automatically updates operational screens in Aljex. Also, any time the carrier provides an update, the broker receives an email to that effect, said Aljex.
“ARC provides the carrier with a single source for all the delivery information needed to accept a load, pick it up, deliver it, and even send proof-of-delivery to the broker,” explained Tom Heine, Aljex chief executive officer. “Meanwhile, the broker’s competitive information is protected before the ARC is signed and afterwards the process is automated to save time and hassle.”
According to the service provider, ARC is now available to users of Aljex Vision.
