Finished vehicle transport logistics provider United Road has launched a new sister company to connect United Road and Team Driveaway/Fr8 carriers with cost-saving resources and support services that are important to their day-to-day business operations.
The sister company is the National Vehicle Transporters Alliance, or NVTA, which serves as a business resource for United Road and Team DriveAway’s 5,000-plus independent carriers. Eighty-five percent of those carriers are small to mid-sized.
Highlights of the alliance’s offerings include business insurance at reduced or competitive rates for qualified members, roadside fleet assistance, discounts for tires and parts, and fuel discounts.
The alliance said it levels the playing field for small and mid-sized haulers by providing them access to the buying power of larger carriers.
“United Road saw a dramatic drop-out rate among small and mid-sized vehicle haulers due to COVID,” United Road chief operating officer Jason Walker said in a news release.
Walker also said, “When the country locked down, when demand disappeared, carriers exited. Some retired. Some retooled to carry different freight. We asked carriers how we could help sustain their businesses. That’s when the lights went on for NVTA as a way for United Road to leverage its market relationships and resources to support not just our active carrier network but the profession as a whole.”
Walker went on to say, “The business premise for NVTA is simple: When our carriers do well, we do well.”
Earlier this year, NVTA tested its business insurance offering among a pilot group of carriers. Savings of up to 25% on business insurance upon renewal is possible for carriers.
Fuel discounts of up to 80 cents per gallon will be available.
Bernard and Daniela Gutierrez, owners of California-based Dani Transport, said the company saved more than $10,000 on its cargo and $35,000 on AL, GL and APD programs by switching to NVTA’s insurance.
More detail on the highlights of NVTA’s offerings:
— Business insurance at reduced or competitive rates for qualified members.
— Roadside fleet assistance 24/7 for repairs, towing, non-emergency maintenance. It includes 10 to 30% discounts on emergency repairs and 10% on vendor repair rates.
— Up to 40% off fleet tires and 30% savings on parts depending on brand and product line.
— Fuel discounts of up to 32% at more than 800 chain and independent locations.
— Magnus Technologies operating software discount.
— Knowledge Center with resources on trends and new developments affecting the carrier community.
— Discounts and rebates on items and services such as office supplies, computers, shipping, and travel.
NVTA has three levels of membership:
— CLASSIC Membership is free of charge and includes full access to the Knowledge Center.
— PLUS Membership is a fee-based program that includes discounts for carriers actively hauling for United Road or Team DriveAway. PLUS members gain access to all discounts and benefits with the exception of complete business insurance. PLUS benefits include up to a 32% fuel discount, a 10% to 30% discount on repairs and maintenance, and 24/7 roadside assistance.
— PREMIUM Membership is available to qualified carriers and provides access to complete business insurance customized to each carrier. It includes physical damage of hauling equipment, cargo coverage and other options. The membership fee varies based on the number of vehicles being insured.
The benefits of NVTA can help recoup the membership cost through savings on fuel, maintenance and parts, business insurance for carriers that qualify, and other exclusive member benefits at a discount level that United Road said carriers could not get on their own.
“One of the important differentiators for NVTA is that it is an alliance built by carriers for carriers,” Walker said. “We know firsthand the high cost of insuring trucks and trailers, the business interruption, the costs that breakdowns cause as well as the frustration of getting repairs done on a holiday weekend at a reasonable cost. NVTA ‘gets’ the business of hauling vehicles.”
Source : AutoFinanceNews
