High Tech, High Touch

Having the right technology and technology partner increases business intelligence that can help shippers navigate uncertain times.

One way to control supply chain costs is to regularly audit your logistics operations, but doing so, and doing so correctly, are two different things.

At one point, if companies wanted goods to move, they had to either invest in an expensive transportation management system, or turn over their operation to an outside provider. Thanks to managed transportation providers, that is no longer a necessary choice.

One of the more popular ways to improve efficiencies and reduce costs is through outsourcing some or all of the supply chain operations to a managed transportation provider.

As the logistics industry continues to plow millions of dollars into digital freight matching
(DFM) technology that pairs shippers and carriers, there is a clear difference of
approach between third-party logistics providers (3PLs) that seek to minimize the “human element” and those that embrace the combination of automation technology and teams of skilled logistics professionals.

E-commerce has changed consumer buying habits, but it has also changed the supply chain for less-than-truckload carriers, who have had to adapt in various ways to keep pace.

Big data is opening up opportunities for shippers of all sizes, and used properly, it can help reduce shipping rates and improve customer service.

Modern transportation management systems (TMS) have lowered the cost while increasing the power of the solutions, opening doors for shippers of all sizes to benefit.

Shippers responded to tight capacity and high rates in 2018 by turning to managed transportation providers, and if the predictions for 2019 come true, they will likely continue down this path.

With the growing complexity of supply chains, the technology advantage that managed transportation providers can provide becomes a key value-add for many shippers.