Smarter Capacity

Keeping up with the pace of digital freight change

The logistics industry has been undergoing a major technological revolution since the ELD mandate became official in 2018, and the pace of change has accelerated in response to the coronavirus pandemic. This explosion of high-tech offerings can be overwhelming for brokers, and many 3PLs have had a hard time staying ahead of the curve. 

“A lot of brokers can’t keep up with all the technology. There are a lot of opportunities. Vendors are coming at you all the time,” Tom Curee, Kingsgate...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/keeping-up-with-the-pace-of-digital-freight-change

Real-time visibility helps brokers stay ahead in strained market

Tractor-trailer with dark storm cloud across the sky.

Finding capacity has been a challenge for shippers throughout the year. As peak season drags on, those challenges are only becoming more intense. Relying on traditional capacity-sourcing techniques during this time is likely to leave shippers and brokers frustrated, dealing with everything from sky high rates to completely nonexistent capacity. 

On the other hand, brokers with access to real-time visibility insights into both in-transit shipments and available trucks can know precisely when and...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/real-time-visibility-helps-brokers-stay-ahead-in-strained-market

Carrier scorecards represent next generation of visibility

Transportation industry suffers from too much of a good thing

Visibility is becoming more and more important in the logistics industry. Shippers naturally want to keep a close eye on their freight, and this instinct has only grown stronger in the face of pandemic-related uncertainty.

“Everybody wants to know where their freight is because there are such short lead times. Product availability is scarce due to the lasting effects of the coronavirus pandemic, making every load a hot load,” said Mike Riccio, Leonard’s Express chief marketing officer. “If a...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/carrier-scorecards-represent-next-generation-of-visibility

Visibility solutions amplify carrier earning potential

Truck capacity will be difficult to find for a while longer

Visibility is a hot topic across the logistics industry. Most of the conversation around visibility solutions focuses on how these tools benefit shippers and end consumers. Carriers are often overlooked — or considered only in terms of lagging compliance — during these discussions. This has left some carriers wondering what, exactly, is in it for them. 

Carriers do benefit from providing accurate and timely tracking updates to their broker and shipper partners. Visibility software can all but...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/visibility-solutions-amplify-carrier-earning-potential

Beyond the buzzword: Culture fit promotes successful tech partnerships

truck going down highway

“Culture” has become a buzzword synonymous with impassioned mission statements and quirky office perks. In reality, culture goes far beyond ping pong tables and casual Fridays. When a company defines their culture, they are defining their values. That is why cultural fit is so important when partnerships are formed – companies with polar opposite value systems do not often play well together or share common goals. 

“I think it is important to define culture because I see culture as being...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/beyond-the-buzzword-culture-fit-promotes-successful-tech-partnerships

Collaboration among tech providers more important than ever

Tractor-trailer heading down a highway with dark storm cloud ahead.

Eliminating data silos has long been a primary focus of freight’s technological revolution. As players across the supply chain continue to adopt high-tech solutions — and more and more tools are introduced — that same principle is being applied to platforms. Historically, digital platforms and transportation management systems (TMS) have largely existed in their own, individual spaces. Now, platform integrations are taking center stage.

The sheer number of technological tools available has made...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/collaboration-among-tech-providers-more-important-than-ever

Relationships key to navigating capacity crunch

truck going down highway

Capacity has been tight for months, signaling consumers’ renewed willingness to spend money as vaccine efforts continue and COVID-era restrictions are loosened across the nation. At the same time, the trucking industry has not recovered from the pandemic’s effects on its already-dwindling driver pool, placing an even greater strain on capacity. How shippers, brokers and 3PLs choose to navigate this challenging landscape will affect both their own chances of success and their relationships with...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/relationships-key-to-navigating-capacity-crunch

No more secrets: Honesty is hallmark of connected future

As the pace of technological advancement within the transportation industry has quickened, it has become clear that most companies stand to benefit from bringing it third-party tech partners. While the perks of in-house development are undeniable, it would be time consuming, expensive and generally unrealistic for companies to develop their own solutions to every problem. Luckily, high-quality third-party solutions already exist to fill in the gap. 

When companies set out to solve a problem with...

https://s29755.pcdn.co/news/no-more-secrets-honesty-is-hallmark-of-connected-future

Keeping carriers loyal requires more than competitive rates

Trucks on snowy highway

For brokers hoping to retain carriers and cut down on so-called “one-load wonders,” creating an engaging carrier experience is vital. Competitive rates will convince a carrier to pick up a load, but the right combination of relationship and convenience will keep them coming back to the same broker over and over. 

Creating an environment that makes carriers want to stick around involves top-notch communication, ethical decision-making and making the process as easy as possible, according to Tom...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/keeping-carriers-loyal-requires-more-than-competitive-rates

Consumer goods group lobbies for federal ‘air traffic control’ for trucks

The consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry wants the federal government to get involved in initiatives that measure freight demand — currently deployed solely by the private sector — to get a more accurate picture of available trucking capacity.

The proposal was included in a study released Tuesday sponsored by the Consumer Brands Association (CBA), the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals and Iowa State University. The purpose: Identify, through industry comments and suggestions,...

https://s29755.pcdn.co/news/consumer-goods-group-lobbies-for-federal-air-traffic-control-for-trucks

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