On CitizenShipper, much of the activity takes place within our Messaging Platform. This is where bids are won or lost, quotes are negotiated, and bookings are confirmed.
If you’ve used popular messaging apps like WhatsApp, iMessage, or Google Hangouts, the experience will feel familiar. Here’s a quick overview of what the Messaging Platform offers:
- A fast, mobile-optimized messaging experience keeps your conversations flowing smoothly no matter which device you're on.
- Opportunities for ridesharing listed right there on the screen, allowing you to calculate potential earnings before making a bid.
- Comprehensive record-keeping of offers made and deals closed, helping you avoid misunderstandings.
Let’s break down the main components of the platform using a typical message exchange.
As you can see, the screen is divided into multiple sections. Let's look at each of those in turn:
Shipment Overview (Top-Right)
This section gives drivers a quick snapshot of the shipment details.
For example, a customer may be looking to transport a small dog from Fairfax to Boise on June 20 and has a 3 day window. Just below the dates, you’ll see a short excerpt from the customer’s job description, providing additional context.
Ridesharing (Bottom-Right)
The Rideshare Tool helps you identify additional shipments along your route while you’re already in conversation with a customer.
In this example, the platform highlights other pet shipments along the Fairfax-Boise route. This allows you to evaluate whether adding another shipment on the way or on the way back makes sense for your trip.
You’ll also see helpful details such as the extra miles each additional shipment would add. You can click on the See all stack button for more suggested shipments along the route.
Main Conversation Screen (Central Panel)
The central panel is where all communication between you and the customer takes place.
Messages are time-stamped, making it easy to track the conversation. This record can be especially important if the exchange is later referenced during Dispute Resolutions or support inquiries.
To get the most out of this feature, both drivers and customers are encouraged to keep all communication within the platform, from the initial quote to final delivery details. This ensures that all agreements, updates, and expectations are documented in one place.
Active Conversations (Left Panel)
The left panel displays all your ongoing conversations, making it easy to switch between customers.
Conversations are sorted by the most recent message, so your latest activity is always front and center.
Our team has put significant effort into building and refining this upgraded Messaging Platform. By keeping your communication on-site and using the tools available, you can manage shipments with greater clarity, reduce risk, and make your CitizenShipper experience more efficient and more profitable.
What to read next
For more advice on communicating with customers, see our article on the benefits of staying on-site (2-min read) and our comprehensive guide on writing intros that sell (7-min read).
We also recommend the Bidding and payments section of our Help Center.
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