Transport International Pool 

Name: Transport International Pool 

Address: 426 W. Lancaster   City: Devon  

State: Penn.  Employees: 3,000  

  Year Established: 1957 

            Transport International Pool (TIP), a GE Capital company, has become the first trailer lessor in the trucking industry to bring the latest technology to bear on its inbound and outbound inspections. The company is using handheld computers and digital cameras to facilitate a more reliable, efficient and standardized trailer inspection process than previously possible.

            This initiative is part of TIP’s on-going effort to provide its customers with the maximum advantage offered by emerging technology, in this case by helping to provide a more consistent and fair damage rebill process.

            Fleet owners now can review repair detail worksheets as well as photos of any damage within 24 hours of trailer return by logging on to their Premier Services account at www.tiptrailers.com. There are plans in development to allow customers to view the actual inspection report in the near future. Also available online is TIP’s damage repair policy, which provides a straightforward description of trailer turn-in conditions as well as criteria for specific types of repairs. The national policy provides a standardized list of the parts and labor required by many common trailer repairs.  Customers can access TIP’s standardized national repair price list via their Premier Services account.

            “We want to make it as easy as possible for fleet operators to do business with TIP,” said Chris Hines, president, TIP North America. “Customer feedback drives our improvements and helps us find ways to increase the transparency and precision of our procedures. Our new damage rebill process is just the most recent example of TIP’s use of high-tech tools to enhance the services we provide to customers.”

            Operation managers at all TIP locations now use handheld and digital cameras to standardize the trailer inspection process and increase the accuracy of data collection. Each handheld is programmed to take TIP managers through a specific set of steps so that no part of the inspection is missed. Implementing the digitized system allowed TIP to standardize the inspection process throughout its North American branch network while adding new quality controls to the procedure.

            Previously, customers would get paperwork describing any trailer repair needs. If they wanted to see the damage for themselves, they would have to go to the branch. The new, paperless system allows customers to see digital photographs of any damage online -- along with reports that have been standardized so they look the same no matter which branch generates them -- without leaving their offices. Repair costs are based on making a trailer roadworthy—not on restoring it to its original condition. Customers can fix damage themselves or pay TIP to handle repairs.

            “In this highly competitive environment, TIP’s new digital damage reporting process makes it easier for customers to get information quickly and accurately — with no surprises,” said Craig Stowell, vice president, operations, TIP North America. “We believe it’s important for customers to know the repair costs for specific types of damage up-front, so that they can make the right decisions for their fleets. This new process also streamlines our internal operations, giving us more time to focus on the needs and demands of fleet operators.”

            Premier Services is a free online service available to all TIP customers at www.tiptrailers.com. It provides round-the-clock, password-protected access to comprehensive account information. It works in conjunction with TIP FastLane, a web-based service where customers can reserve over-the-road trailers and make one-way trailer moves.