How technology handles carrier concerns
Most freight forwarders today do not need assurances about the importance of technology. At the same time, freight traffic is still stuck on the road to automation. The reasons for this are both the complexity of the industry and the lack of awareness of digital technology.
When it comes to automating logistics, two extremes come to the surface: on the one hand, they see only a chance to reduce paperwork and the number of telephone calls. On the other hand, the latest wonders of technology such as drones and cargo drones are immediately remembered. But for most freight forwarders, the immediate problems are somewhere in the middle, as are the IT solutions for their business.
Most frequently mentioned cargo transportation issues:
Supply chain management
Routing isn’t easy. So is finding affordable rates and service levels. The cost structure and clear explanation of pricing policy to customers also cause a lot of problems. But with technology, complex issues become much simpler.
The optimal way to simplify planning, routing and cost estimation is to implement a transportation management system (TMS). Research has shown that computer-based transport management systems are becoming a key solution for large shippers, carriers, brokers and outsourcers.
Transparency
Transparency is the main modern requirement of clients to road transport companies. Customers want to know where the cargo is at any given time. Tracking the movement of cargo is also important for the transport manager: it is the basis for providing accurate information about the expected arrival time and changing the route if necessary.
There are two types of vehicle tracking: cellular and satellite. Cellular tracks the location of a mobile phone using cell tower data. Satellite uses global positioning system data (better known as GPS). This technology determines longitude, latitude, speed and direction.
Both types are integrated into the software, so that the position of the vehicle can always be tracked on a map using a geographic information system. The data is stored on the server, and the driver and dispatcher have access to it via a mobile application.
Speed
Speed is no longer a bonus. More and more often, customers of freight transport companies see it as a “master-have” and want to be delivered within a few days. And although cargo hyperlux is still just a beautiful dream, logistics automation has already succeeded in some respects.
Timely delivery is not only a carefully considered route, but also a quick response to unforeseen events. That’s why programs that speed up decision making are so important.
The network-based logistics service quickly analyzes the base of available trucks, improves schedules and minimizes loading times. Built-in GPS warns of traffic jams and road repairs maps. Trucker Path applications can also improve cargo transportation by providing information on stops, refuelling, navigation and more.
Security
Security has been a pressing issue for freight forwarders for many years now, but it has recently become a priority. The cargo is monitored during transport and tracking devices. Electronic seals and geolocking technology are also among the useful options. Electronic seals are devices with a high level of warning that instantly alert the security team if the seal is on a geolock.
Human factor
Unless you are the lucky owner of a drone fleet, human interaction will always be an issue of concern to you. After all, it’s up to the chauffeur to determine your business success while the cargo is on the road.
Here, the manager has to face three problems: the lack and flow of drivers, the quality of their work and compliance with legal regulations on work and rest. They all revolve around the interaction between the driver and the dispatcher.
Drivers of heavy vehicles have to observe breaks in work and not exceed the established limits on the duration of driving. Registration software or tachographs are used to track travel time.
The logger transmits data via network service and e-mail and signals in case of regime violations or errors in the logbook. It also generates a vehicle inspection report in the event of any damage.
Vehicle telematics (sensors installed in the vehicle) also provides back office systems with a large amount of data, ranging from engine diagnostics to cabin temperature, door opening, downtime and driver changes. The operator can use this information to develop an effective vehicle maintenance program, assist the driver, implement best practices, and improve speed and safety.
Practical Case
You don’t have to be a handyman to keep your head up in modern shipping. Leave your concerns to other professionals and use the finished product. The service unites cargo owners and freight forwarders into a single system for transportation of grains and oilseeds.
The service includes mobile applications for cargo owners, carriers and drivers. The service allows verifying users, managing requests, setting tariffs, viewing statistics, sending messages and notifications.
Movements are tracked using the GPS sensor installed on each truck. In this way, both the owner of the cargo and the manager of the transportation company keep track of the entire transportation process.
The geo-referenced coordinates are periodically fed into the geo-information system and analyzed. As a result, any deviations from the route, transitions between geo-zones, signal loss or delays are instantly monitored. The functions of the geoinformation system for this project were developed by the company to minimize the impact of external factors.
