Trucking news and briefs for Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024:
New freight-fraud prevention tool now available
QuikSkope, a fraud protection tool securing the chain of custody for brokers, carriers and shippers, officially launched Tuesday.
The company said the tool is designed to provide real-time, load-level verification and security protocols to combat fraud and criminal activity at the ground level.
Using geofencing and photo verification, QuikSkope allows shippers and brokers to confirm that a driver associated with the carrier hired is physically on-site at the pickup location before a pickup number is released.
In addition to QuikSkope’s verification process, if fraud is detected or verification fails, QuikSkope will not release the pickup number and customers will be notified via email. The customer then can see the photo provided and intervene by manually approving the pickup number release or calling the carrier and notifying them they need to be replaced for failure to verify their identity. Bad actors will be reported and documented in real-time, with QuikSkope making their findings available to those pursuing criminals and con artists.
[Related: 3 double-brokering scams that can result in theft of more than just money]
"We’ve all experienced first-hand the devastating financial results of freight fraud and the snowball effect it can have on relationships between carriers and brokers,” said Michael Fullam, QuikSkope’s founder. “Our goal with QuikSkope was to make it as simple as possible for drivers to navigate the verification process and for brokers and shippers to respond. Clicking a text message link and uploading a quick photo encourages compliance by eliminating the need to download and employ yet another application, and ultimately secures the full chain of custody.”
Many of today’s supply chain verification tools are focused on vetting carriers before they are hired to verify that their identities are correct, and they have the proper authority to operate. QuikSkope’s goal is not to replace that process, but to add another layer of security at the individual load level to ensure the carrier and driver hired are the ones that are executing the load, reducing double brokering, the company said.
QuikSkope offers the flexibility of deployment on a per-load basis or through a subscription plan.
[Related: Cargo theft is skyrocketing, and double brokering is partly to blame]
Trucker Path adds lending firm to app marketplace
Trucker Path has announced a new partnership that will bring a range of financing services to the app’s platform.
The partnership with Lendio brings an embedded lending option to the Trucker Path Marketplace. Lendio has already funded more than $330 million for small trucking businesses, the companies said, and will now offer a range of its services for Trucker Path users.
“Lendio brings much needed capital to trucking businesses, who have traditionally been underserved by banks,” said Chris Oliver, CMO at Trucker Path. “Their loan products, which are tailored for transportation businesses, can be used to buy, upgrade or repair equipment, invest in technology to gain a competitive advantage, and expand operations or add staff.”
Trucking and transportation offerings from Lendio include asset- or revenue-based financing, debt financing, lines of credit, and equipment financing. Lendio’s online application, which is available in Trucker Path’s mobile app and does not impact the applicant’s credit, can be completed in as little as 15 minutes and funding can be available as quickly as within 24 hours.
Throughout the process, applicants receive personalized support from a dedicated expert who will ask about their needs, walk them through different financing options, and help them choose the best financing solution.
“With Lendio’s Embedded Lending, Trucker Path users will now have faster access to financing from a variety of lenders that best meet their business’ needs,” said Brock Blake, CEO and Co-Founder at Lendio. “We know access to capital can be a big roadblock for many small businesses, and our marketplace has helped hundreds of thousands of businesses with this -- including many in trucking and transportation -- over the past decade.”
[Related: Used truck market back in buyers' favor, but money as tight as ever]
Love’s lays out 2024 expansion plans
Love’s Travel Stops, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, plans to add 20-25 new locations in 2024, update 35-40 aging stores, and completely rebuild four stores to make it easier for customers to fuel up and get the products and amenities they need.
“Six decades ago, Tom Love opened our first service station in Watonga, Oklahoma, and almost immediately started selling household items to make stopping in more convenient for customers,” said Shane Wharton, president of Love’s. “We continue with his innovative spirit by adding new products and improving the experience to give customers more reasons to stop in.”
The company’s outlook for 2024 includes 1,500-2,000 new truck parking spaces with the opening of its new locations; adding 10 new Speedco locations, remodeling five existing locations and adding 50 new service bays; expand its dining options and more. Love’s also plans to open seven new truck washes this year.
Love’s said it will also continue to add services to support truck drivers, including more options from Love’s Financial and more.
New TA Express opens in Washington state
TravelCenters of America recently opened a new TA Express in Blaine, Washington, just off I-15 within a few miles of the U.S.-Canada border.
The new site is a franchise location that offers an array of amenities, dining options and other services for truck drivers and the motoring public. The new store is located at 1300 Boblett Street, Blaine, Washington.
The location offers 30 truck parking spaces; Jamba, Cinnabon, Pizza Hut Express and Carl’s Jr. restaurants; showers; laundry facilities and more.
