Managing large amounts of cargo is never easy, especially when traveling on international waters. Thankfully, with the aid of advanced tracking systems, freight forwarders can monitor their freight on vehicles in transit. The latest tracking tools allow freight forwarders to stay updated about their transported goods at all times,
Why are 24×7 supply chain and shipment visibility important for freight forwarders? Robust freight tracking systems enable freight forwarders to create data-based business cycles. With the information they receive from their advanced tracking systems, freight forwarders can plan in advance and avoid risks.
For instance, cargo ships typically carry up to 18,000 shipping containers. Let’s say ten of these containers belong to you. Unless you’re always aware of the cargo ship’s location, you can’t predict potential seaborne traffic jams or port congestion. If you are aware of these details, you can plan ahead and inform customers about potential delays beforehand.
What happens when freight forwarders can’t locate their cargo ships? Firstly, in case there are delays, they can’t analyze the causes of the delays. Here are some more challenges freight forwarders with poor shipment visibility face –
Inability to Meet Customer Expectations
Modern-day shoppers are always looking for faster shipments and deliveries. If freight forwarders can’t provide one-day or two-day deliveries, the least they can do is give clients regular delivery updates.
- Use the best freight onlinetracking tools to know your shipments’ locations.
- Integrate these real-time tracking tools on your business website.
- Tell customers where their orders are at all times.
- Calculate delivery times, potential delays, and additional costs using the real-time tracking data.
Inability to Set the Right KPIs for the Workforce
Lack of 100% visibility in ground-level transportation and delivery operations could lead to many problems for supply chain managers. With the wrong data (or no data), freight forwarders can’t set accurate KPIs for their shippers, delivery managers, etc. When you don’t know the key performance indicators of your workforce, expanding your business is impossible.
More Likely to Face Delays
Delays feel worse when they’re unexpected. If you already know your shipment’s location, you can calculate its distance between the end customer. Based on this calculation, you can notify customers about potential delays, estimated arrival times, etc. With these tools prolonged, unexpected delays are no longer major issues for freight forwarders.
Increasing Costs
Yes – your inability to track your shipments may increase your overall project costs. Logistics visibility tools are used to create work schedules, optimize routes, and provide real-time insights to delivery professionals. That’s why the total lack of shipment tracking almost always results in excess fuel consumption.
Security Risks
Modern-day logistics visibility and tracking tools help freight forwarders mitigate costly diversions. Freight damage and theft are still two of the most important issues in the global freight industry. With the latest tracking tools, merchants and freight forwarders can address their security risks.
Using an advanced tracking system can transform your organization. From better route planning capabilities to 100% supply chain visibility – professionals who use these tools gain a lot.
