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12 Factors for Selecting Freight Transport and Last Mile Delivery Partner
January 5, 202315 Strategies to Improve Freight Transport Efficiency
January 6, 2023
1. Tracking and Tracing Technology
One of the key ways to ensure visibility during freight transport and delivery is by using tracking and tracing technologies. These technologies allow businesses to monitor the location and status of their shipments in real-time, providing an accurate and up-to-date picture of where a shipment is at any given moment. There are a wide range of tracking and tracing technologies available, including GPS tracking, RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) tags, and barcode scanning. Each of these technologies has its own advantages and disadvantages, and businesses will need to carefully consider which one is the most appropriate for their needs.
2. Using Robust Communication System
In addition to tracking and tracing technologies, businesses can also ensure visibility during freight transport and delivery by implementing robust processes and procedures. This might include establishing clear lines of communication with carriers and other stakeholders, setting up notification systems to alert relevant parties when shipments are expected to arrive, and developing contingency plans in case of delays or other issues. It is also important to have a system in place for handling and resolving any issues that may arise during transport, such as lost or damaged goods.
3. Choose Carriers Offering Shipment Visibility
When selecting carriers to transport your shipments, it’s important to consider their ability to provide visibility. Look for carriers that offer robust tracking systems, such as online tracking portals or mobile apps that allow you to monitor the progress of your shipments in real-time. You should also consider carriers that offer advanced tracking technologies, such as RFID tags or sensors, as these can provide even more detailed and accurate tracking information.
4. Use Transportation Management Software
Another way to ensure visibility during freight transport and delivery is by using a transportation management system (TMS). A TMS is a software application that helps businesses plan, execute, and optimize the movement of goods and related activities. It can help businesses to streamline their logistics operations, improve efficiency, and reduce costs. A TMS can also provide valuable insights into the performance of carriers, helping businesses to identify any bottlenecks or problems that may be impacting the visibility of their shipments.
5. Select Reliable Carrier Partners
In addition to using tracking and tracing technologies and implementing robust processes and procedures, businesses can also ensure visibility during freight transport and delivery by working with trusted and reliable carriers. This means carefully selecting carriers that have a track record of delivering goods on time and in good condition, and building strong relationships with them. It may also be useful to negotiate contracts or service level agreements with carriers that outline specific requirements and expectations around visibility, such as the frequency of status updates and the level of detail provided.
6. Use Digital Documents and E-signatures
Paper-based documents can be a major source of delays and issues during freight transport and delivery. To help ensure visibility and streamline your operations, consider using digital documents and e-signatures. By going digital, you can reduce the risk of lost or damaged documents, improve communication and collaboration with carriers and partners, and speed up the process of collecting and verifying signatures.
7. Implement Security Measures
Ensuring the security of your shipments is an important part of ensuring visibility during freight transport and delivery. This can include measures such as using secure packaging, employing tracking technologies that include tamper-detection alerts, and working with carriers that have strong security protocols in place. By implementing these measures, you can help protect your shipments from loss or damage and maintain visibility throughout the supply chain.
Finally, businesses can ensure visibility during freight transport and delivery by being proactive in their communication with stakeholders. This might involve providing regular updates on the status of shipments, working with carriers to resolve any issues that may arise, and being responsive to any queries or concerns from customers or other stakeholders. By maintaining good communication and being proactive in addressing any problems that may arise, businesses can help to ensure that their shipments remain visible and traceable throughout the delivery process.
Bottom Line
Ensuring visibility during freight transport and delivery is crucial for businesses that rely on the timely and efficient movement of goods. By using tracking and tracing technologies, implementing robust processes and procedures, working with trusted carriers, and being proactive in their communication with stakeholders, businesses can help to ensure that their shipments are visible and traceable throughout the delivery process. This not only helps to meet regulatory requirements and ensure timely delivery, but also helps businesses to track and trace goods in case of loss or damage, ultimately helping to reduce risk and improve overall efficiency.
