Unicorn Transportation Builds a Foundation for the Future

Cartage Agent Handles 30% More Jobs Without Increasing Staff

Background

Unicorn Transportation has been serving Baltimore/Washington International Airport and the surrounding metropolitan areas since 1984. Unicorn provides cartage, ocean freight, pier service, airport drops, forwarding and storage for over 160 jobs per day.

Challenge

Unicorn’s customers were demanding real-time shipment status while competitors were automating order processing. Unicorn needed to respond to these market pressures while setting the stage for growth and increased profitability by handling more jobs without increasing staff.

“Our customers are air freight forwarders and distribution companies that rely on up-to-the minute shipment information,” says Brooks Cotgreave, Unicorn’s customer account manager. “Their cartage partner’s ability to provide real-time status updates has become an absolute prerequisite.”

Solution

Unicorn chose STATIS to automate all aspects of the delivery process including order entry, rating, tracking, driver settlement and invoicing. Then they began using eTrac to electronically transmit shipping information to customers in real time via the Internet. Finally, the company implemented Wireless eTrac to improve communication between dispatchers and drivers using web-based cell phones.

Results

Unicorn can now offer their customers the same tracking capabilities as national competitors. The company improved operational efficiency, handling 30% more jobs with the same number of people. Unicorn also improved customer service while lowering employee turnover.