Descartes launches carrier review audit tool for freight sector

Descartes Systems Group has launched a new review management and audit logging capability within its MyCarrierPortal platform designed to help freight brokers, third-party logistics providers and shippers document carrier selection decisions.

The new AuditLog tool combines carrier review management and audit logging in a single workflow, creating records of carrier evaluations, management reviews and onboarding decisions. The company said the system automatically documents risk assessment information, review activity and outcomes at the time decisions are made.

Descartes said the tool comes as carrier vetting practices face increased scrutiny following the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Montgomery v. Caribe Transport II, LLC.

“As the U.S. transportation industry evaluates the implications of the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Montgomery v. Caribe Transport II, LLC, documenting carrier vetting activities, establishing consistent review practices and demonstrating reasonable care in carrier selection is coming under greater scrutiny,” said Dan Cicerchi, executive vice-president, corporate and operations development at Descartes.

The company said the system creates a historical record of carrier evaluations and onboarding decisions, preserving information available at the time reviews were conducted even as carrier profiles, safety records and operating authorities change.

AuditLog also allows organizations to document carrier approvals and denials, route carriers for additional management review, establish future review dates and automatically record workflow changes.

“As a long-standing Descartes customer, we’re pleased to see the ongoing commitment to expand the carrier vetting capabilities available within the platform,” said Holly Phillips, director, accounts receivable, Bridgeway. “In the wake of the Montgomery decision, the ability to leverage customizable carrier risk assessments and conduct deeper carrier reviews directly within the carrier profile will be increasingly valuable as organizations look to strengthen and document their carrier selection processes.”

Ken Wood, executive vice-president of product management at Descartes, said the tool is designed to help companies create consistent and documented carrier onboarding practices.

“Companies need more repeatable, defensible review practices to document the information reviewed, decisions made and oversight applied throughout the carrier onboarding process,” Wood said.

AuditLog is now available to all Descartes MyCarrierPortal customers.