RDV Transport automates e-CMR processing using TransFollow
By integrating TransFollow’s e-CMR into its internally developed TMS, RDV Transports reduces processing times, improves profitability, simplifies drivers' day-to-day tasks, and enhances customer service.
Based in Marck in northern France and specializing in cross-Channel transport, RDV Transports operates a fleet of 460 vehicles and generates an annual turnover of €55 million. With a dedicated IT team, the company developed an in-house TMS and integrated TransFollow’s e-CMR solution as early as July 2023. The goal was to establish an automated process to generate e-CMRs when transport files are created by operators, offering a simple, paperless solution that eliminates the need for drivers to re-enter data on consignment notes, thereby reducing error risks. The widespread adoption of e-CMR also streamlines the administrative processing times of transport operations and supports the company’s commitment to a paperless approach.
An automated process
When a transport file is created by operators or the administrative team at RDV Transports, an e-CMR with all necessary information is generated within the TMS. Through its internally developed mobile application, the driver can access mission data (loadings, deliveries, service times) and select the electronic CMR format for loading or delivery, as per client preference. Upon selecting the e-CMR format, the driver’s tablet automatically accesses the TransFollow Drive app, which displays all pre-entered data from the company’s TMS, allowing the operation to be validated and signed by the sender, recipient, and driver. Once the e-CMR is confirmed, the sender automatically receives the consignment note by email along with a notification of successful loading or delivery. RDV Transports collects the e-CMR in its TMS for billing purposes and shares it on the client portal along with all transport documents.
The numerous benefits of e-CMR
"One year after implementing the TransFollow solution, around 70% of our clients now use the e-CMR, and we aim for a 90% usage rate," says Valentin Daens, RDV Transports’ IT Director. According to him, the electronic CMR saves significant time and boosts productivity during data entry for each transport operation, benefitting both operators and the accounting team. "Previously, we would retrieve paper CMRs from drivers, which then had to be sorted, scanned, and uploaded into the TMS. Now, this process is fully automated and paperless. Drivers no longer need to manually complete the CMR, saving them approximately 15 minutes per trip, which adds up to between 2-3 hours per week, while also preventing data entry errors. Document loss is now a thing of the past, and transport traceability is strengthened, providing greater transparency for our clients." According to Daens, the entire transport process has become more streamlined and simplified since implementing the TransFollow solution.
Looking ahead, RDV Transports plans to deploy the new TransFollow Messenger feature. "This feature will be useful for subcontractors who do not have access to our TMS tools and driver applications. With TransFollow Messenger, RDV Transports can communicate with subcontractors and offer them the e-CMR without needing to install the TransFollow app, using various communication channels," Daens adds.
About TransFollow:
Developed in 2015, TransFollow is a standard for digital consignment notes. Today, it’s one of the most innovative solutions for the transport and logistics market and a product of Viaservice BV, headquartered in Amsterdam. Viaservice focuses on developing and providing products and services that enhance efficiency in the freight transport sector. TransFollow allows shippers, carriers, forwarders, and clients to collaborate in real-time on a secure data platform. Companies can integrate TransFollow with their existing IT systems, such as ERP, TMS, WMS, and FMS, or proprietary solutions, facilitating seamless, efficient, and secure real-time collaboration with clients, partners, and service providers.
TransFollow offers continuous real-time tracking of each transport's status and instant document accessibility upon signing. The results include significant administrative and financial savings, improved operational efficiency, increased client service, no more document loss, no physical archiving, and faster billing.
