How Stevens Transport implemented Vector Capture to streamline workflows

Wokring with paper documents can lead to damage, loss, and processing delays, which is why Stevens Transport worked with Platform Science to deploy its Vector Capture scanning technology across the 2,300-truck fleet.

The Vector Capture app is part of Platform Science’s driver workflow, and allows drivers to scan bills of lading and delivery documents directly from their in-cab tablets and transmit them to back-office systems in near real time. Stevens found digitizing documents at pickup and delivery reduces delays when it comes to document handling while improving visibility into shipment data

Stevens reported that the system enables quicker verification of temperatures, weights, and products listed on shipping documents, which is particularly relevant for their temperature-controlled freight. GPS location data is also captured with each document scan.

“Switching to Vector has reduced our temperature verification time by at least 90%," said Lex Perry, equipment manager at Stevens Transport. "We have access to all our BOLs at the time of loading and delivery within minutes. This gives our team the ability to verify temps, weights, and products shipped at our fingertips, reducing our exposure to claims.”

The deployment was implemented across the fleet in just 60 days, which entailed rollout in both driver-facing and back-office components. 

Vector and Platform Science were also able to accommodate Stevens’ specific requests with solutions tailored to their fleet‘s. Stevens’ office now has the ability to run reports for analysis and easily extrapolate any data they need, for example, along with the ability of verified temperature checks for drivers. 

“Being able to work with a team of solutions engineers—and a dedicated one at that—is definitely a breath of fresh air," explained Braden Birk, project manager at Stevens. "Now we’re dealing with one person who also understands our workflow very well, as opposed to having to re-explain. Nothing is cookie-cutter or the same with any fleet."

The integration uses Platform Science’s app marketplace, which allows Stevens to access Vector functionality through single sign-on and a unified driver interface instead of a separate system. According to Vector and Platform Science, this approach reduces the need for drivers to switch between applications during daily workflows.

In addition to document capture, the fleet has implemented Vector’s facility check-in functionality, known as Vector Fast Pass, enabling drivers to complete check-ins through the same platform.

Looking ahead, Stevens Transport said it plans to continue investing in technology to improve operational efficiency, including customer integrations and sustainability initiatives. Vector and Platform Science stated they intend to further develop their integration to support additional workflow and data-sharing features.