In today’s highly-competitive supply chain, moving freight isn’t just about the routes or trucks today. It’s more about information, flexibility, and having the best systems in place take care of the unexpected. If you’re a distributor attempting to handle several shipments in one day, or a manufacturing company trying to meet deadlines, the logistics provider must provide more than basic solutions. They should be able to provide security, control and transparency.
Modern freight brokerage services, and 3PL providers that are technologically driven, can change this.
The modern Freight Broker – More than an Middleman
Traditionally when a freight broker first came into the picture, they were seen as someone who simply was a person who connected shippers and carriers. Today, however, freight brokers have become strategic partners that manage the complexity of transportation behalf of their customers. They assist clients negotiate lower rates, identify reliable carriers, solve disruptions and avoid costly delays.
Image credit: translogisticsinc.com
A reliable freight broker can make you money however, but also from logistical problems that can harm your bottom line.
Translogistics, Inc. (TLI) Companies are reinventing what this relationship looks like. By offering multimodal freight brokerage services, they allow businesses to shift between parcel, LTL (less-than-truckload), and volume LTL shipments depending on urgency, budget, or customer needs. This flexibility is more crucial than ever before.
The 3PL Provider: A New Layer of Strategic Planning You Didn’t Really Need
It’s time to look into the possibility of a 3PL service provider if you have multiple carriers, have to manage costs, tracking shipments manually or managing claims with spreadsheets. Third-party logistical partners can help you make time savings by taking on the tedious work.
A quality 3PL provides more than outsourcing services. They bring structure as well as strategy and knowledge. They’ll analyze the shipping patterns of your company and suggest the most efficient options. They also incorporate technology-driven processes to your logistics department. With a 3PL, you’re no longer reacting to problems you’re stopping them before they begin. In an industry that demands transparency and effectiveness, the tools employed behind the scenes can make significant differences.
The role of a Transportation Management System
Think of a transportation system as the command center for your cargo. This is your digital brain that allows you to track, manage and optimize all of your freight on a single platform. TMSs provide you with visibility and control that you’ve not experienced before. From live prices of carriers to the creation of Bills of Lading, and auditing freight bills.
Translogistics ViewPoint TMS Translogistics ViewPoint TMS, for example, was designed with these goals in the front of the mind. It doesn’t just compare prices across different modes, but also allows drag-and-drop shipment data entry that is powered by AI which can eliminate the manually typing that can slow down teams. This is a great example of how technology in logistics is evolving to allow quicker, more efficient and accurate operations.
Why It All Comes Down to Partnership
It’s not only about technology and services, but as well about the people. It is essential to have a team of people who understand the stakes when you receive a package that is delayed or a carrier that isn’t reliable.
That’s why choosing a 3PL provider or freight broker isn’t just a transactional decision.
It’s also a strategic decision.
Find a supplier who listens, adapts, and invests in technology that will keep your supply chain moving forward. Someone who takes your shipments seriously and will treat your shipments with the same respect as you do. A well-designed support system can transform the chaos of freight into a productive operation, and help your business grow. Modern logistics involves more than just moving freight. It’s all about moving efficiently.