A new app aims to enhance trust and efficiency in scrap tire collection.

In business, clear communication is key. And in the tire recycling sector, being able to convey, concise, accurate information between scrap tire collectors and haulers is becoming increasingly essential. According to Scott Cavanaugh, a long-time tire recycling professional and CEO and co-founder of TireCollect Communications, there was a ready need in the marketplace to amplify communication between collectors and haulers, since traditionally, methods and systems varied between provinces, territories and countries. Often, phone calls would go unanswered and there was a lack of certainty regarding collection times and dates for scrap tires, which often created friction and inefficiency in the tire recycling process. 

Loyalty and trust

“We wanted to create a communication platform that builds loyalty and trust between collectors and haulers, that’s generic in a global sense and consistent, no matter where you happen to be located.” The result is the TireCollect app. 

The premise was to create a tool that provides accurate information for haulers and collectors right at their fingertips without needing to pick up the phone. “The information is right there,” explains Cavanaugh. “There are industry, hauler and schedule updates and also chat requests available so that hauls and collectors can communicate clearly and easily.” 

While he stresses that TireCollect is a great tool for the tire recycling sector overall, he notes that for haulers, it is particularly advantageous as it allows them to help optimize their operations, including setting up client lists and monitoring drivers in terms of time, fuel usage and delivery. “We really wanted to create a tool that affirmed the relationship between collectors and haulers,” says Cavanaugh. 

Route optimization

In terms of how the TireCollect app functions, co-founder, Chris Mailloux-Beal, explains that when haulers sign up, “the first thing we ask them, is if they have any collectors they work with or a client list. If they do, they can import that list and start right away, navigating, scheduling and updating.” There’s also route optimization that provides collectors information on where their hauler is and when they arrive, to help ensure the collection and delivery goes as smooth and seamlessly as possible. 

Mailloux-Beal notes that while the route optimization function was designed with haulers in mind, for collectors, being able to see and monitor hauler routes, so they can track their pick ups and deliveries is also hugely advantageous, “think of it like tracking parcel delivery or take out food,” he explains. “You know where your hauler is, and when they will arrive at your location.” 

By focusing on the key pain points that collectors and haulers face, and arming them with easily accessible and accurate, real time information, TireCollect aims to not only ensure daily processes regarding the collection and delivery of scrap tires becomes easier and more efficient, but that in gaining clear insights to what’s happening regarding delivery and collection sites, they can also find alternative storage solutions if processors are at capacity or not available to take tires, as well as guidance on maintaining compliance and safety requirements for storing scrap tires. 

Evolving

Like the tire recycling sector itself, the TireCollect app was designed to be organic and evolve over time, with new features added to improve capability and maintain currency with changes happening in the industry, so that both collectors and haulers are fully equipped to maximize opportunities and deal with any challenges that may surface. 

For more information, visit tirecollect.com