Check Calls

Overview

A check call is a status update on the location of a truck. They are named for their origin, which was a phone call to check on a driver's location. In Optimiz, check calls are performed automatically via EDI or MacroPoint, by a carrier through the Carrier Portal, or by ProTrans employees through Load Management.

Check calls are an important component of load tracking. If check calls are not entered before the system expects them, the system will assign a Check Call Exception to the load.

For more information on Check Call Exceptions and how to resolve them, see Missed Check Call.

For more information about how Optimiz calculates when check calls are expected, see ETA Overview.

Check Calls and Load Statuses

Entering check calls moves a load through a set series of statuses:

  • Booked: A load's status is Booked after the carrier accepts the tender. The load's status remains Booked until the first check call is completed.
  • InTransit: A load's status is InTransit after the first Stop Departure check call is complete. The load's status remains InTransit while at the consolidation center and until the final Stop Arrival is complete.
  • Delivered: A load's status is Delivered after the last Stop Arrival is complete. The load's status remains Delivered until the last Stop Departure check call is complete and all supporting POD information required by the customer is provided.
  • Closed: A load's status is Closed when all check calls are completed and all supporting POD information required by the customer is provided.

The status of shipments on the load will be updated based on whether the check call is for the shipment's origin, intermediate stop, or final destination.

Types of Check Calls

Optimiz recognizes three types of check calls:

  • Stop Arrival: Indicates the truck has arrived at the stop. Required only if specified in the carrier’s contract.
  • Stop Departure: Indicates the truck has departed the stop. Always required.
  • InTransit Minutes: Indicates the geographic location of the freight while in transit. Intervals are prescribed in the carrier’s contract.

EDI Check Calls

EDI check calls are entered into Optimiz automatically when a carrier updates their own transportation management system. EDI check calls function the same as a manual check call in how they update the status of the load. An EDI check call can also update the quantity and weight of the shipment on a load only if:

  • The carrier includes both Total Quantity and Total Weight in pounds.
  • There is only one shipment on the load.
  • The shipment has no charge rates assigned to an invoice.
  • The shipment has no handling unit barcodes assigned.
  • The Total Quantity and Total Weight in the check call are not 1 each.
  • The Total Quantity and Total Weight in the check call do not match the original quantity and weight of the shipment. This is important if a ProTrans employee has already updated the quantity and weight.