08/07/24 - Use Apps for Fuel Purchases

Our fuel card numbers and login credentials have been stolen using skimmers and other devices multiple times recently.

Last weekend, over $2,000 in fraudulent transactions were completed in less than thirty minutes using one of our card numbers that was stolen. 

To avoid these issues, please download the TA-Petro app, add your card number in the app, and use the app for fuel purchases.

For those rare occasions when a TA-Petro is not available and you need to use a Pilot or Loves, please utilize their apps for payment as well. 

Please plan your trips to utilize TA-Petros whenever possible. Avoid fueling outside of the TA-Petro network and please call me if you will be putting on more than 50 gallons at a non-TA-Petro.

We need to make a complete transition away from using your cards at fuel pumps. The apps shield us from fraud. If you must use a card at a truck stop, please pay inside.

07/18/24 - Your Photos Make a Difference: Help Us Stand Out!

We've had a number of customers call us recently to offer us freight before offering it to any other carriers. That only happens because you are putting in the effort to make a good impression. Thank you for your excellent work!

Would you be willing to assist with something that will help us make an even better impression? It's pretty simple. 

Send in pictures of your loads with your unit in the foreground, especially those loads that stand out and that showcase the great work you do every day. Your photos are crucial in helping us differentiate ourselves from other carriers. When we proactively share pictures with our customers, it makes a significant impact and reinforces our commitment to quality and professionalism. When they see their load being hauled by a unit with our logo, it makes us memorable.

Your contributions help us tell our story better and attract more business, which ultimately benefits all of us. So, next time you have an attractive load, please snap a few photos and send the to your dispatcher!

Thank you for your continued hard work and dedication. We appreciate everything you do!

07/03/24 - TA-Petro Fuel Purchases - June '24 Update

Hello Team,

Thanks to those of you who have been working to maximize our TA-Petro fuel purchases!

In June '24, we purchased 87% of our fuel at TA-Petro. That's far lower than our target. If you haven't been planning your trips to ensure that you're using TA-Petros, please do so!

Average savings at TA-Petro Fuel Stops as of today, 07/03/24, is $.53 per gallon. We purchased over 3,200 gallons of fuel outside of the TA-Petro network last month. You can imagine how much more we spent than necessary and how that adds up over the year! 

Please plan your trips to maximize use of TA-Petros!!!

06/28/24 - Please Select Document Type In Alvys

As you are submitting your Bills of Lading, Proofs of Delivery, etc. in Alvys, please select the correct document type before uploading. 

When you submit a document as "unclassified"  (which is what the app defaults to if you don't tell it what kind of document you are submitting), then it doesn't tell me what you've submitted.

However, when you select and submit a "Proof of Delivery", I get a notification that you have completed delivery and that your Proof of Delivery is in my inbox. That is my trigger to dispatch you on your next load.

If you have any questions about how to submit paperwork correctly in your Alvys Driver Companion App, please click here for a quick and easy explanation.

If you have not already watched the brief (2 minute!) video on how to use the Alvys Driver Companion App, please click here and knock it out. 

06/26/24 - GA Amber Light Permits Not Required After 06/30/24

Georgia is phasing out their requirement for commercial vehicles utilizing amber lights for oversize loads to possess an amber light permit - please click here for more info. 

After 06/30/24 you will no longer be required to carry a GA amber light permit. Please let me know if you have any questions.

05/10/24 - NEW Dispatch App Alvys coming NEXT WEEK

National Flatbed is transitioning to a new dispatch smartphone app from Alvys (pronounced "al-vis") that will make communication more efficient and give you much better visibility into your load details right from your phone.

Instead of receiving a text message with a few load details and then a PDF by email with more load details, your loads will be sent straight into the Alvys app with all the load information displayed all in one place. There are many other features that you all will like and this will improve communication for all of us.

Josh will now start building new loads that are scheduled to deliver on or after May 16th in Alvys so that we can all make the transition with the start of the next pay period.

NEXT STEPS FOR YOU:

Please download the Alvys Driver Companion App:

Apple iPhone App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/alvys-driver-companion/id1532778131?platform=iphone

Android Google Play Store:  https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=io.alvys.alvys&hl=en_US&gl=US&pli=1

2-minute training video:

Alvys is really easy to use but here is a 2-minute training video on YouTube: https://alvys.notion.site/How-to-Use-the-Driver-Companion-Mobile-App-3e2854130ac2453daa9bff86f1d7e5f8

Thank you all for your continued hard work and safe performance. 

04/23/24 - Requirements for BOLs and PODs

Thanks to all of you for your hard work! Below are a few quick reminders. Please let me know if you have any questions.

1. Every load requires a BOL.
   If you are not given one by the shipper then you must create your own. More info on that is attached below, along with a blank BOL. When your dispatch includes a statement such as "BOL sent via email" please look for and print that BOL for use on the load. If you don't see it in your email, please let me know. Never use your email dispatch sheet as the BOL. 

2. Always submit your BOL before leaving the shipper.
   If practical, loaded pictures submitted with the BOL are also greatly appreciated. Our customer cannot see most of the work that you do, but we give them a window into it by sending them your loaded pictures and by keeping them in the loop on your progress. When you submit a BOL in Samsara, it's my cue to mark you in transit and to update the customer that you are loaded and rolling. It also ensures that we have a copy, in case the original is lost in transit.

3. Always double-check that the BOL and dispatch match the load that you are moving.
   Often, the dispatch will have substantially less information than the BOL that you are given at the shipper. If you have any questions at all, never hesitate to call and ask.
   Any time you are given a VIN or serial number as part of your dispatch and/or on the BOL, double-check to ensure you are loaded with the correction vehicle, equipment, etc.

4. Always submit all pages of the POD before leaving the receiver.
   Our customers, almost without exception, require all of the pages of the POD in order to process payment. Calling the receiver after the fact and asking them to email us a copy of the POD creates unnecessary work and delays invoicing.  Please submit all pages, every time. Some carriers hide damage notes from the customers by omitting or replacing pages of the POD. We send clear copies of all pages, every time. 

5. Always send legible copies of all paperwork.   Please flatten each page and take a clear picture that captures all four edges. Do not obscure the paper with anything, including fingers if possible, so that we can send the clearest possible image to our customers. The POD must be legible.