C.H. Robinson continues to make inroads with its independent owner-operator clients through technology advances and an annual recognition program, says Bruce Johnson, director of North American Truckload for the brokerage.
Robinson has introduced separate apps, Navisphere Carrier and Navisphere Driver, to more closely meet the needs of drivers and very small carriers, he says. Many brokerages use only one app for both groups.
For clients who choose Robinson’s quick-pay option, the apps make it possible to get paid in two business days. Under the standard arrangement, payment is made in 20 days.
The brokerage has also expanded its Carrier of the Year Awards program. In its first year, winners were recognized at their own headquarters, but last March, winners for the second year were brought to Robinson headquarters for a broader program. The program will be expanded further for next year’s recognition.
Among the winners announced in March in seven size categories were single-truck operation Agristar LLC, Cassadaga, N.Y.; and in the two to 10 truck group, Jose Manuel Amaya Araniva, Bloomington, Calif.
Robinson carrier representatives nominate carriers for the awards. The voting is based on various criteria, including “stories from the reps about how the carrier went above and beyond to help a shipper of ours,” Johnson says.
