Over the last decade, changes in the logistics and transportation industry relate to technology. In many ways, technological advances have changed operations, data storage, tracking, customer service, and many other sectors of shipping. With more logistics start-ups emerging, the market becomes more saturated. New software and technology solutions are emerging for full truckload and less-than-truckload shipping. Shipping apps represent one of the most convenient and useful tools for business owners. Shipping applications provide many benefits to anyone involved in the freight shipping process, making it faster, simpler, and easier to monitor. Mobile solutions are the best way to track and oversee processes in real time and get notified about shipment updates.
How do shipping apps work?
Modern shipping apps allow you to be in charge of facilitating your logistics process. Once you set up your profile and fill out the necessary information, you can get an instant quote. The app will compare the actual shipping rates instantly. Using shipping apps gives you a quick insight into supply chain pricing. It also provides access to many carriers ready to pick up your load.
While using mobile shipping apps, you can enter the pickup and delivery locations and desirable dates and select a suitable shipping mode based on your load type. If you are planning to move a shipment of moderate size, it is recommended to choose a less than truckload option and, vice versa, full truckload for large shipments. Then, it will take you a few clicks to book a shipment tailored to your criteria and start your transit operations immediately.
During shipment, you’ll be getting updated on the load location and status, so there is no possibility of losing your cargo out of sight. Eventually, you will receive a notification when your shipment has arrived at the destination point and delivery has been completed.
Why should you use mobile shipping apps?
Save time
The core advantage of getting a shipping app is its speed and ability to manage everything when needed. With the entire shipping software’s functionality, you can book, modify, monitor, and update all the processes within a few clicks. You don’t need to rely on talking to a freight broker. Apps also give you access to real-time data, which lets you immediately see a delay or any other disruption that may arise. Some shipping apps also provide data you can save or store for analytics purposes. With the automation and convenience that mobile shipping apps provide, you save tons of time usually needed for unnecessary operations.
Transparent pricing
When using an online freight shipping company’s app, you can compare freight quotes from different carriers in real-time instead of talking to several freight brokers and waiting for updates. All you need to do is enter accurate information about your shipment. Next, add the destination to see available carriers to move your items. Once you find the price you like, just book or clarify some additional shipping details directly with the carrier.
Load management and optimization
Thanks to data storage, you can easily use all the historical information to analyze and enhance operational performance. You can identify supply chain gaps or inconsistencies and make adjustments to optimize the process. Shipping apps let you review load management and planning and forecast potential mistakes. Also, you can get advanced reports and updates on your shipments, which reduces the number of manual operations even more.