Excel, WhatsApp and paper pads. Many hauliers know the combination. It works — until it doesn't. This guide shows what digitalisation specifically means for a transport business and what you should do first.
Why is it time to digitalise now?
Three things are pushing from all sides:
Customers are making demands. Larger customers and freight forwarders want CO2 data, digital traceability and automatic delivery receipts. If you can't deliver, you risk losing the contract to a competitor who can.
Regulatory requirements are coming. The new road toll requires precise kilometre registration. CSRD requires CO2 documentation. This is far easier to handle with a system than with a spreadsheet.
It costs too much time. 6-8 hours of administration per week is 6-8 hours you are not spending on customers, drivers and operations. A digitalised competitor spends 1-2 hours on the same tasks.
The first 5 steps — in the right order
- Drop the paper consignment note — use e-CMR. It is the easiest first step. Legally valid, no lost documents, instant documentation upon delivery.
- Give the driver an app. Orders directly on the phone instead of calls and SMS. DORA's driver app is easy to learn — most drivers are ready in under 30 minutes and won't switch back.
- Gather all orders in one place. Drop the scattered emails and WhatsApp messages. One system provides overview and eliminates forgotten orders and double bookings.
- Connect invoicing directly to orders. When the trip is completed and the driver has confirmed, the invoice is generated automatically. No manual entry, no delay.
- Use your own numbers. What does a trip actually cost? Which routes create empty running? With KPI and analytics in DORA you know — without manual reports.
What do you notice from day 1?
- Drivers call far less. Tasks, addresses and time windows are in the app. Coordination calls almost disappear.
- Invoices take minutes, not hours. What used to take half a day now takes 10 minutes.
- Customers get automatic confirmation. Digital receipt upon delivery — no "has it been delivered?" calls.
- You sleep better. You know who is driving what, when it is being delivered and what you have invoiced — without calling around.
"We went from spending an entire day on administration to only spending the morning. It has changed our everyday life significantly." — Haulier
What does it take to get started?
No drawn-out implementation. With DORA, most hauliers are up and running within 5-7 days:
- Day 1: We review your business and show the system — no commitment, no sales pressure.
- Day 2-5: Setup and import of customers, drivers and trucks.
- Day 6-7: Drivers are introduced to the app. 30 minutes and they are ready.
- From week 2: You run the first real trip through DORA.
Frequently asked questions about digitalising a transport business
Can my drivers figure out how to use an app?
Yes. DORA's driver app is designed to be simple — large buttons, clear language and logic that follows the driver's natural working day. Experience shows that even drivers who have never used a work app are up and running the same day. Our support team is with you if questions arise.
What about my current systems?
DORA can import master data from Excel, so you don't start from scratch. We import customers, drivers and trucks at startup. DORA also integrates with the most widely used Danish accounting systems, so you don't need to replace them.
How quickly do I see results?
Most hauliers notice it already in the first week — fewer calls, faster invoicing and better overview. Many find that the system has paid for itself within the first months.
