Making the
(Automated) Exception
Contributed by: Robert Rosales, Vice President of IT
For years, documenting freight exceptions was a manual, time consuming process that required taking photos, recording details, and sending reports through a patchwork of emails and forms. Not only did these slow down operations, but it also left room for inconsistencies that could lead to unnecessary claim
payouts or incomplete documentation.
The vision for this project began as a capstone idea developed by Connie Molina, whose insight into the operational challenges inspired a solution that is both practical and forward thinking. Bringing that vision to life required technical expertise and dedication, and Phil Stott, Ashley Davey, and Miles Davies stepped up to the challenge: designing, programming, and refining the system into the robust tool we rely on today.
The result is Automated Exception Reporting, an application that captures photos of damaged freight, and automatically sends compliance reports to partner carriers and shippers. What once took several steps and significant manual effort now happens in a fraction of the time, with greater accuracy and consistency.
Beyond efficiency, the project has substantial financial impact. By ensuring that every exception is documented thoroughly and sent promptly, the system helps prevent the payment of claims that fall outside compliance. Additionally, the improved documentation trail strengthens our ability to dispute invalid claims, protecting the company from unnecessary costs while reinforcing trust and transparency with our partners.
A project of this scale succeeds only through collaboration. AUB, PAS, PHO and LAX terminals conducted extensive testing, pushing the system into real world scenarios and helping validate its performance across different operational environments.
We also extend our appreciation to the many supervisors, dockworkers, and support staff who contributed ideas, tested features, and offered feedback throughout development. Their hands on experience and practical perspective ensured the final product truly met the needs of the people using it every day.
Automated Exception Reporting is more than a new tool, it is a step forward in efficiency, accuracy, and financial stewardship. Congratulations to everyone involved for bringing this transformative solution to life.
