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For nearly a decade, DTM Express relied on handwritten consignment books to manage their freight operations. While the system worked, the growing administrative workload behind the scenes was becoming increasingly difficult to manage.

Today, the company has transformed its workflow using ConNote, Logical Developments’ freight management system—reducing paperwork, eliminating double handling, and saving dozens of hours each week.

A Service-Driven Transport Business

DTM Express operates with a strong commitment to customer service.

Their vision statement reflects this focus:

“To be the provider of a true value for money service. We will move and adapt as our customers change to be a strong link for the ultimate outcome and the result — service. A complete delivery on time, every time.”

The company handles a wide variety of freight, including Australia Post consignments, mining equipment, and overnight delivery services. With this diverse workload comes a constant flow of consignments that must be recorded, tracked, and invoiced accurately.

The Limits of a Paper-Based System

Before implementing ConNote, DTM Express used a traditional handwritten consignment book system for nine years.

Each job required a physical consignment note to be completed manually. Once deliveries were completed, proof of delivery documents had to be returned and scanned into the system.

While the process was familiar, it created several operational challenges:

• Double handling of paperwork

• Large volumes of physical filing and storage

• Time-consuming administrative processes

• Inefficient back-end workflows

As the number of consignments increased, the administrative overhead continued to grow.

A Seamless Transition to Digital

When DTM Express began working with Logical Developments, one of the key priorities was ensuring a smooth transition from their existing system.

Rather than forcing the business to completely change how their documentation looked, the ConNote system was customised to replicate DTM’s existing consignment note layout.

This meant staff and customers immediately recognised the documents, while the business gained the advantages of a fully digital system.

“Logical Developments were able to provide a clear transition from our original consignment note system to a digital system. They took our original consignment layout and implemented it into the system. This meant there were no differences for our customers, but huge benefits for us in the back end.”

Customisation That Evolves With the Business

One of the most valuable aspects of ConNote for DTM Express has been the ability to customise the system as their workflow evolves.

Rather than adapting their processes to fit rigid software, the system has been able to adapt to their needs.

“Over time while using the system we’ve been able to change and customise a lot of things to suit our needs. Whenever we have an idea to improve the efficiency of our workflow, there has always been a solution Logical Developments have been able to provide.”

This flexibility allows DTM Express to continually refine their operations as their business grows.

Seamless Integration with Xero

Another key improvement has been the integration between ConNote and Xero for accounting.

Previously, invoicing could be a slow and repetitive process. Now, once consignments are entered into ConNote, invoices can be generated and exported directly to Xero with minimal effort.

“Exporting invoices to Xero has been fantastic. The system has been simple and effective in getting the job done.”

When handling hundreds of consignments, automation makes a significant difference.

“It’s easy enough to enter information for each consignment one at a time, but when you have over 500 consignments to do it becomes very tedious. With ConNote, in a click of a few buttons it’s all exported.”

Saving Dozens of Hours Every Week

The biggest impact has been the reduction in administrative workload.

While creating individual consignment notes takes roughly the same amount of time as before, the elimination of double handling has transformed the back-office process.

From a single system, DTM Express can now generate:

• Consignment notes

• Freight manifests

• Customer invoices

All from the same data, with everything stored in one place.

“The biggest benefit ConNote has provided is reducing the amount of man hours it takes to do the same tasks we’ve been doing for years.”

The result is a significant time saving.

“This has completely cut out tens of hours each week going through hundreds of consignment notes.”

A System That Works for the Team

Adopting new software can sometimes be a challenge for teams, but DTM Express found the transition straightforward.

When asked how their staff have found using ConNote, the answer was simple:

“Overall amazing.”

A Solution Built Around the Customer

DTM Express says the combination of flexibility, customisation, and responsive support has made a major difference.

“You can make it as simple or complex as you need it. Logical Developments have truly supported us through this stage of our business.”

They also expressed appreciation for the personal support they received during implementation.

“A big thanks to Paul and Caroline for all the team’s calls.”

Transforming Transport Operations

For transport operators still relying on paper consignment books, the experience of DTM Express demonstrates how the right system can modernise operations without disrupting the business.

By combining familiar document layouts with powerful digital workflows, ConNote enables companies to reduce paperwork, streamline invoicing, and regain valuable time.

For DTM Express, the result has been clear:

• Less paperwork

• Faster invoicing

• Improved workflow efficiency

• Dozens of hours saved every week

And most importantly, more time to focus on what matters most — delivering great service to their customers.

If your business could benefit from our ConNote Freight Management System, the Logical Developments team is ready to assist. Contact us and see how we can make your day better!