Task

A national freight carrier needed a centralized portal to streamline how new clients submit their shipping profiles, vehicle requirements, and delivery windows. The existing process relied on email chains and spreadsheets, causing frequent data mismatches and delays in route planning.

Approach

We designed a structured form that captures client-specific parameters: cargo type, weight per axle, preferred loading docks, and time-of-day restrictions. The portal validates entries against common regulatory limits (e.g., maximum gross vehicle weight) before submission, reducing back-and-forth corrections.

Implementation

A lightweight web interface was built on top of the carrier’s existing dispatch database. Each new client receives a unique onboarding link. The portal feeds directly into the route diagramming tool, so a client’s profile is available the same day it’s submitted. Field testing involved three pilot clients over four weeks.

Result

Data entry errors dropped by 40% during the pilot. Route planners reported that they could begin building loads within two hours of a client completing the portal, compared to an average of one business day previously. The carrier plans to roll out the portal to all new accounts starting next quarter.

Supporting materials

• Internal process flow diagram showing the old vs. new onboarding sequence.
• Sample portal form with annotated fields for cargo classification and axle configuration.
• Summary of error types captured during the pilot (weight mismatches, incorrect dock assignments).