Why Shared Truckload scales better with Flock’s technology

Shared Truckload (STL) has existed in some form for decades, but Flock Freight has truly revolutionized the concept, making it scalable and accessible like never before. Our tech-enabled service goes far beyond the traditional manual approach, using advanced AI to pool freight efficiently and effectively. 

The result? A seamless, reliable shipping solution that benefits shippers, carriers, and the environment. With every new shipment added to our network, our patented technology gets smarter, bringing greater efficiency to everyone involved.  

How Flock Freight’s patented AI technology effectively scales Shared Truckload 

At the heart of our STL service is our AI-pooling technology, which allows us to do what manual processes can’t. Instead of tediously pairing shipments one by one, Flock’s AI optimizes across billions of potential pooling combinations across our customer network to build the most efficient Shared Truckloads. 

Here’s what sets Flock Freight’s STL service apart from traditional approaches:

• Nearly unlimited scalability: The more shipments added to our network, the more efficient our STL model becomes. Our tech has no limits on how many Shared Truckloads it can build in a day.
• Real-time optimization: AI processes shipment data within seconds, ensuring carriers and shippers receive the best match without delays.
• Efficiency that grows: Each new shipper or carrier added improves the network, allowing us to continue lowering costs for shippers, increasing earnings for carriers, and lowering carbon emissions.  

Compared to manual efforts, where time and human error can be major constraints, Flock’s tech delivers unmatched precision and speed. 

Manual STLs vs. Flock Freight’s tech-enabled STLs for shippers 

Manual STL methods for shippers 

Shippers have traditionally relied on two primary methods to manually build Shared Truckloads, both of which come with drawbacks. 

1. Using a partial consolidator or load to ride partial service

• Longer transit times: Shipments are often held in warehouses while waiting to be paired with others. 
• Lack of service reliability: Without consistent service standards, shipments are often damaged or delayed.
• Higher costs: Uncertain pairing often compels carriers to bake additional risk into pricing.  
• Long wait times for pricing: The shipper doesn’t get a price until the broker decides if they can move it, which can take hours or even days.

2. Building multi-stop loads themselves 

• Limited networks: Shippers are restricted to their own network, making it harder to find viable pooling opportunities. 
• Operational challenges: Requires robust TMS optimizer software or external 3PL support. 
• Inefficiency: Often results in high out-of-route mileage and greater operational complexity.

Research¹ backs these challenges up:

• 96% of shippers are dissatisfied with their current multi-stop programs due to operational inefficiencies and insufficient shipment density.  
• 77% of shippers rely on managed transportation providers, while 72% use TMS optimization technology. Yet many still encounter service disruptions. 

Flock’s tech-enabled STL solution for shippers 

Flock Freight’s STL service eliminates these pain points entirely. 

• Reliable truckload-level service: Every shipment moves in a single truck, loaded in last-in, first-out order, with no risk of delays caused by warehouse stops or alternative modes. 
• Expansive network access: Shippers aren’t limited to their own networks. Our AI identifies pooling opportunities across our vast network, creating cost-saving opportunities that manual methods can’t. 
• Cost efficiency: Flock’s predictive AI pricing models calculate the likelihood of pairing shipments successfully, allowing us to price competitively. 
• Rates in seconds: Since we price using our predictive model, you get a rate back in seconds rather than waiting hours.
• Adapts to your service needs: By considering over 30 shipment attributes—such as commodity type and appointment requirements—our system ensures all needs are seamlessly met during pooling.

Manual STLs vs. Flock Freight’s Tech-Enabled STLs for Carriers 

Traditional, manual STLs for carriers 

Building STLs manually isn’t new for carriers, but it comes with significant limitations. 

• Time-consuming: Carriers often spend 5+ hours each week searching through load boards to find matching loads for their partial shipments². 
• Missed opportunities: Manually selected loads often leave trucks underutilized, resulting in lower profits and increased inefficiencies. 
• High out-of-route mileage: Without optimal pooling, carriers frequently drive unnecessary miles to fill remaining trailer space. 
• Unreliable shipment details: Missing or inaccurate data disrupts plans and causes delays. 

Flock’s tech-enabled STL solution for carriers 

Our automated approach eliminates these inefficiencies.

• Simplified load matching: If your truck still has space after booking a Flock load, we will surface more matches throughout transit.
• Minimized delays: Flock’s tech ensures accurate shipment and location details, reducing setbacks. 
• Optimized truck utilization: STLs are typically filled with 2-3 loads to maximize trailer utilization.
• Reduced mileage: Optimized routes mean fewer out-of-route miles, cutting costs and time spent.

With Flock Freight, carriers can skip the manual hassle and benefit from a streamlined, profitable system. 

Incorporate STL into your business 

The tech-enabled Shared Truckload approach surpasses traditional manual methods, offering near-unlimited scalability, real-time optimization, and growing efficiency as the network expands. The benefits are significant for both carriers and shippers, eliminating time-consuming manual searches, maximizing truck utilization, and reducing operational costs.

For carriers, the automated system simplifies load matching, minimizes delays, and optimizes routes. Shippers enjoy reliable truckload-level service without the drawbacks of warehouse stops or multi-mode delays, as well as customization and expansive network access that manual STL methods cannot match.

Overall, Flock Freight's STL service not only enhances operational efficiency and profitability for all parties involved but also contributes to environmental sustainability by maximizing route efficiency and truck utilization. 

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¹ 2025 Flock x Drive Research shipper study

² Flock carrier survey, September 2024

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