As we all know, supply chain management is a complex process that requires utmost transparency in every operation. In freight transport, visibility implies tracking of orders to give the exact location of the vehicle carrying goods. For this, carriers require real-time data to keep customers informed about the precise position of the goods in transit. Often, many reasons such as lack of a proper system, inconsistent data flow, technology constraints, and the absence of automation and reliance on manual support add to poor visibility.

However, today freight transport visibility in real-time with accuracy assumes significance for suppliers, carriers and customers. A supplier can plan and schedule production, manage inventory and ensure control and a high level of customer service. For freight transport companies, real-time visibility and communication provide information about status updates regarding delivery confirmation. For customers, it allows them to access the order delivery status, time of arrival and so forth. Hence, real-time visibility forms an integral part of the freight transport and delivery process.

Increased visibility in freight assists companies access relevant data and using this information for strategic decision-making to promote customer satisfaction. With the added information and real-time visibility, companies can make informed decisions instead of sudden decisions. Knowing and analysing the current and past situations help slow down disruptions in the supply chain while also keeping the communication between transport carriers and end-users intact. Gathering a lot of historical and present data helps freight transport companies keep track of their performance regarding transit time, on-time deliveries, flaws in deliveries, the factors causing delay, and take corrective solutions. Besides, it enables freight transport companies and customer service as they get updated about the required information in real-time. We shall go through four key benefits of real-time transport visibility tools.

1. Quality, Security and Maintenance of Stock Safety level

As aforementioned, real-time tracking in freight transport provides the precise location of goods in transit and ensures quality control and security. Smart sensors monitor the temperatures inside trailers at any time. Besides, the added visibility guarantees additional shipment security. Also, eliminate the chances of theft during transit; real-time tracking is instrumental in using truck stops in safe locations, which further helps drivers to protect themselves from cargo thieves. Real-time visibility facilitates businesses to reduce the level of safety stock also. Through advanced tracking tools, they get accurate real-time data and lead time, which ultimately aims at offering high levels of transparency. Besides giving insights into cargo quality, safety and protection, businesses can again reduce storage costs related to maintaining safe material levels, eliminating waste and adding flexibility to the supply chain. Also, they can estimate customer demand in future based on the data collected.

2. Evaluating Delivery Performance

To keep delivery performance intact, companies need to evaluate it continuously. When companies entrust the task of moving freight to carriers, they may not be able to monitor it properly; in the absence of these proper software tools. Further, it makes it even harder to obtain real-time information about the deliveries made or measure the performance of carriers. Relying on traditional means such as calls, emails and chats for updates on delivery information is rather time-consuming. When freight transport companies create their tracking portals, they manually enter the details after every delivery and; it consumes a pretty good amount of time, for instance, four to five hours a week. Above all, it lacks accuracy as the information gets collected many hours after the actual delivery. As a result, the information generated becomes unreliable. Instead of manually securing data, the software tools for real-time visibility guarantee accurate delivery performance measurement through data collection related to picking up and delivery, dwell times, transit times and all relevant data required to measure on-time delivery.

3. Updates on Location to End Users

With the surge in eCommerce buying, the needs of end consumers became endless, particularly after the advent of two hours delivery, same-day delivery, two-day delivery and so on. While using traditional means of securing information, delivery delays are reported only after several hours. Under such instances, nine times out of ten, the end-user is the only person who notifies the freight transport company regarding the shipping delays. For freight transport, the issue gets double folded; because it is a waste of time and money. The lack of real-time visibility increases the costs of loading and unloading freight. Besides, such instances derail the scope of maintaining long-term relationships between carriers and their customers and increase the incidence of complaints and grievances. However, when a transport carrier uses real-time visibility software tools, it can avert the delay in getting the information on shipping delays downright while helping themselves win the satisfaction of end-users, particularly regarding the freight/item delivery experience.

4. Reduced Transportation Costs and Carbon Footprint

Freight transport forms approximately two-thirds of total logistics costs. The distance travelled, for example, from warehouse/storage/efulfilment centres and driver hours influence the fuel costs. Real-time visibility in goods transportation gathers information about the routes chosen, truck dwell times, and speed of vehicles for precise analysis. For instance, dwell time analysis facilitates the implementation of a gain share pricing model. In addition to this, the data is used for route optimisation to provide reasonable quotes and thus reduce transportation costs. The accurate estimated time of arrival ensures on-time delivery. In the other context, the data gathered regarding distance travelled and the time taken allows for calculating carbon emissions in each kilometre. Also, check its impact on our surroundings and supports sustainable freight transport solutions. From the gathered data, carrier companies can measure carbon emissions and ensure monitoring and control to reduce them.

Freight Transport and Real-time Tracking at Ianis Cargo Express

Move your loads safely through Ianis Cargo Express, where you can avail of ground freight transport service, air shipping and eCommerce delivery solutions. Freight movement through road supports express transport, full truckload and less than truckload service at affordable rates. With the help of a live shipping calculator that considers real-time market situations, every customer gets ensured that he receives the lowest price quotes after courier rate comparisons. We have partnered with several well-established couriers to keep the shipping rates down. Thanks to technology, we use advanced tools and complex algorithms that allow courier rate comparisons so that our customers can access the lowest price rates. Time-critical deliveries? Send your freight through air shipping services from Ianis Cargo and get guaranteed delivery within the time frame, without any delay! Also, make order deliveries for your eCommerce store. We offer same-day delivery for your customers, regardless of the product orders placed. Get real-time tracking and updates during transit, estimated arrival time, and proof of delivery when you move freight/order delivery through Ianis Cargo Express, one of the leading freight forwarding solutions in Europe!