Fremont, CA: Shipping costs have skyrocketed as a result of the fragile state of the world's supply chains, and carrier capacity continues to be in high demand. How can shippers ensure on-time delivery when delays are still a concern for struggling businesses due to traffic, shortages, and cash flow?
Utilizing a freight marketplace can help shippers and carriers overcome a number of challenges. How? Read on.
• Missed Appointments
In light of the congestion and delays at the ports, appointments have become a valuable resource. Considering that just half of all appointments are kept, this is a very aggravating problem. Even worse, duplicate transactions at ports are frequent yet frequently necessitate stopping at many terminals.
Carriers may pick up and deliver cargo more quickly by using a marketplace that automatically checks terminal websites, makes appointments, and schedules returns. This strategy prevents process delays that can result in missed appointments (i.e., waiting to return an empty terminal while an appointment gets issued).
Some systems have even invested in API access to terminals to assure real-time scheduling.
• Terminal Wait Time
A major problem is the absence of accurate information on container status. Time and resources ultimately get wasted due to the inability to determine the location accurately. However, real-time data sharing and technology integration can assist align the many stakeholders and raise the accuracy of the data sent between them. Selecting a platform with direct connections (API/EDI) with all of the supply chain's touchpoints, from the BCO through the freight forwarder, SSL, terminal, and carrier, is crucial.
Important data will be more accurate if procedures and technology are aligned as they pass through many processing stages. However, there is a chance for data corruption at every link in the chain. As a result, a direct link avoids both time delays and data problems. However, maximizing collaboration across all supply chain participants might be challenging due to the patchwork of systems and procedures.
• Cash Flow
Data integration amongst terminals, shippers, and carriers make timely and precise updates throughout the logistics environment. Since most shippers want a detailed picture of their freight's path before payment is accepted, this ensures faster payments for carriers overall.
The capacity to perform more moves, mainly at terminals, allowing drivers to make several turns at ports, and improved income from transporting bigger goods are all benefits in addition to faster payments.
