Types of corporate travel platforms you should know

Efficient business travel starts with booking. But 3 in 10 travelers say they never book trips through their company’s online booking tools or agents, according to Deloitte research.

Booking platforms can help companies manage reservations and itinerary changes with ease. These systems often integrate with company platforms, which supports compliance from the start.

Uber for Business, for example, provides a solution that consolidates ground transportation, simplifying the travel experience. Employees can seamlessly request rides within policy guidelines, while travel managers gain enhanced control and visibility over transportation expenses.

A BCD Travel survey shows that more than two-thirds of travelers deviate from their company’s travel policy. This is often due to client meetings that require out-of-policy transportation or accommodations, or conferences or events that use non-preferred suppliers.

Encouraging policy compliance can aid in managing travel costs. Modern platforms offer built-in policy guidance features, helping employees make policy-compliant choices during the booking process.

Data plays a valuable role in optimizing corporate travel spending, too. Advanced systems offer insights into travel patterns and expenses, helping to reduce unauthorized expenses and improve travel forecasting.

Those forecasts are worth noting, as business travel spending is projected to reach almost US$1.5 trillion in 2024, reflecting a recovery from the pandemic. As spending ramps back up, keeping costs manageable remains important.

Analytics can reveal potential opportunities for cost savings, such as negotiating rates on frequently traveled routes. Data can also highlight trends in employee booking behavior, allowing for informed policy adjustments.

Employee safety is at the core of business travel. But in the US, 61% of business travelers think their employer could better prioritize their safety, and 70% would value more frequent check-ins while traveling.

The right platforms can help companies address this. Corporate travel technology now offers real-time tracking capabilities. This feature allows companies to locate and assist traveling employees quickly in case of emergencies.

Some platforms provide risk alerts for specific destinations. These alerts help companies make informed decisions about employee travel. They can also offer immediate support or alternative arrangements if needed.

Emergency assistance features are becoming standard. These may include one-click access to local emergency services or company security teams. Such features provide peace of mind for travelers and travel managers alike.

The daily average cost for business travel in major US cities is around $350, including a hotel, car rental, and meals. But the exact cost of your company’s business trips will vary, depending on the destination. Business travel technology can help you manage your budgets.

Accurate expense tracking is essential to keeping costs in check. Digital expense management tools have revolutionized this process, allowing for real-time expense logging, often directly from mobile devices. Automation in expense reporting reduces errors and saves time. Many systems can automatically categorize expenses and flag policy violations, which also helps streamline the reimbursement process.

Uber for Business integrates with many expense management systems. Ride and meal receipts can be automatically sent to these platforms, helping to eliminate the need to submit receipts manually. It’s easier on employees and cuts down on administrative work.

The Uber for Business platform makes it possible to:

Set your limits. Establish ride and meal limits based on day, time, location, and budget. You can also let your team charge to a single company account or their personal cards.

Invite eligible employees. Get your team on board by inviting them to join the company profile. Employees can connect their personal profile and company profile by email or text.

Get moving. Your team can begin enjoying rides and delivery of their favorite meals while you oversee it all from the dashboard.

Track expenses. Automatically add each ride and meal to expense systems that can be reviewed weekly or monthly for easy budget tracking.

Sustainability is in the spotlight for corporate travel. According to the Global Business Travel Association, 89% of respondents say that sustainability is already a priority for their company.

Technology allows businesses to track their carbon footprint. Some platforms offer carbon emission reporting for travel activities. With this information, businesses can uncover areas for improvement and make eco-friendly travel decisions, like choosing a more sustainable ride. Uber for Business contributes to companies’ sustainability efforts in markets where employees can choose hybrid or electric vehicles.

The flexibility of ridesharing can elevate the business travel experience and company productivity. Uber for Business stands out in the rideshare technology category. It offers a mobility solution for corporate travelers, who can easily request rides when they need them. This provides transportation without the hassle of traditional car rentals or taxi services.

The platform also gives travel managers more control and visibility. They can set ride policies, monitor usage, and analyze transportation data. This level of oversight helps optimize ground transportation spending and improve overall travel management.