There is a growing focus on e-commerce and home delivery today. Within the transportation industry, the focus is shifting to digital supply chain management. Transportation management is getting a lot of attention. It is with good reason too. A terrific connected freight management plan can boost profits. It can help reduce losses. It can increase visibility across the supply chain. It will make communication easier between team members. It helps keep everyone on the same page. And it can drastically improve customer service. Managing freight logistics is key to growth and success.
Challenges of Managing Freight With Disparate Systems
A critical part of freight management is keeping everything flowing. Good organization and strong lines of communication are a must. Connected freight management focuses on this. It makes it easier to overcome the challenges of working with disparate systems. According to Supply Chain Dive, “by proactively managing [freight] businesses can reduce transportation costs, increase shipment and PO visibility, improve supplier delivery performance, and reduce inventory.”
Disparate systems will always struggle to share data and information freely. Without a unifying platform or management system, there will always be gaps. There will be issues overlooked and problems undetected. Data will be outdated, and communications will be delayed. All of this translates into wasted time, resources, manpower, and money. Embracing a connected freight management approach helps address these issues. This approach will bring all systems together. It allows for seamless sharing and communication. This helps keep everything running smoothly and efficiently.
Using Connected Systems Enables Data-Driven and Connected Freight Management
Third-party logistics is in the middle of a technology-driven transformation. The rise of digital freight management practices is making its mark. Connected freight management trends are changing the way that 3PLs operate. Connected freight management is changing 3PLs’ approach to customers and clients and improving data analysis and sharing options. This allows for better connectivity, improved communication, and faster response times. As noted by Transport Topics: “Looking toward the future, industry executives and observers generally envision a market that will be led by growing, tech-enabled 3PLs operating connected freight networks that increasingly automate the flow of transactions. Most believe there will always be a place for small freight brokers with specialized knowledge and expertise. Still, overall, the adoption of technology and automation of business processes likely will define the road ahead for this segment of the transportation industry.” There will always be a need for smaller, local logistics, and shipping providers. But to survive the changing times, these companies must be willing to change. They must be ready to adapt and grow. They must be able to develop and implement connected freight management systems of their own.
Tips to Apply Connected Freight Management for Shippers and Carriers Alike
Logistics companies have plenty to worry about, but finding the best way to enable connected freight management shouldn’t be a significant challenge. Instead, shippers and carriers should follow these tips to streamline the process:
- Connect fleet management resources with an API to your single pane of glass solution. Improved workflow solutions improve driver performance and fleet track records. With acceptable fleet management practices, you can keep your vehicles running well, reduce delays and downtime, and keep your drivers connected and informed.
- Enable global tracking with contextual messaging. Keeping tabs on high-value assets and valued clients worldwide is key to growth. Global monitoring can be a powerful part of your connected freight management plan. Global markets require specialized services, management, and analysis.
- Align the brand digital trends, including using automated alerts to keep everyone working together. Digital is king today. Any company or brand unable to embrace the trends will be left in the dust.
- Continuously think about the next steps and what’s necessary to improve logistics management. To elevate productivity, quality, and responsiveness, a more proactive plan is needed. All shipping and transport teams stand to benefit from it.
Closing Thoughts on Connected Freight Management
A lot is happening and changing in the transportation industry. That can be a good thing if the proper steps are taken to adjust and adapt. A properly connected freight management plan can boost profits, reduce losses, and make logistics more streamlined. All it takes is a move away from the old and outdated and a step towards the new and improved. Connect with Turvo online to learn more about how to connect your supply chain.
