Truckstop, an online platform connecting carriers with loads, surveyed over 2,000 of its carrier clients and discovered that they faced heightened challenges to maintain profitability in 2023.

In the previous year, carriers had to put in more effort, covering an extra 3,000 miles on average, handling two additional loads per month, and dealing with the expense of 17% of their miles as unpaid ‘deadhead’ travel.

While fuel costs decreased, resulting in lower expenses per mile, a significant majority of carriers, around 60%, pointed out that insurance expenses posed a major obstacle. Additionally, most carriers emphasized the importance of consistently exploring ways to safeguard themselves against fraud and theft within the freight industry.

“Carriers face a multitude of business challenges every day including volatile market conditions, fraudulent activities and fluctuating profit margins,” said Kendra Tucker, chief executive officer of Truckstop. “Our unwavering commitment to our customers drives us to tackle these obstacles head-on. Through our innovative products and services, we empower freight professionals to grow their business with speed, trust, and confidence.”

Truckstop has recently introduced two new features aimed at improving carrier operations: Expanded Search Results and Route Map. Expanded Search Results offer additional load options just beyond the carrier’s initial search criteria, while Route Map provides a visual representation of a recommended route between the origin and destination that aligns with their specific equipment type.

Moreover, in a bid to bolster fraud protection measures, Truckstop has implemented a mandatory multi-factor authentication (MFA) requirement for users of its load board, factoring, and RMIS carrier services. MFA necessitates users to provide two or more distinct authentication factors to verify their identity before gaining access to their accounts, enhancing security significantly.