Nothing is more important in the trucking business than real-time shipment visibility. What does this mean? It means dispatch can be more proactive and address any problems that might be brewing. It also means customers know when to expect their freight. This allows them to plan around any expected delays.
Think about the last time you ordered a product online for Christmas or another event. You needed it to arrive on time because you had big plans. Every day you clicked on the tracking link. It provided information about the progress of your package as it moved across the miles. By knowing the arrival time, you could make other plans if necessary.
The same scenario applies to the trucking industry, but on a larger scale. Scores of trucking companies have millions of dollars in freight out on the highway each day. Their dispatchers may be using outdated or manual methods. Therefore, they struggle to track all those loads. The resulting chaos causes delayed shipments that have a significant economic impact.
Why You Need a Transportation Management System
Whether you are an owner-operator or a fleet manager, accurate and current data is a necessity. For that reason, trucking management systems (TMS) are more popular today. Thousands of trucking companies use TMS technology for real-time freight and shipment tracking. As a result, they save time, reduce costs, and consistently meet customer expectations.
With a TMS, load planning and dispatching are more efficient. The system provides all the information you need, all in one place. This makes it easier to follow-up on loads and plan which loads to assign to which trucks.
Visibility is about more than tracking vehicles. It’s about letting the customer’s dock managers and store managers know when to prepare for a shipment. In this way, they avoid paying people to stand around waiting for who knows how long to unload a shipment.
Real-time shipment visibility translates to a higher level of control over your business. You’ll be in a better position to examine your operation and find areas where you can improve.
Other Shipment Challenges Truckers Face
Knowing where a shipment is in real-time can benefit trucking operations in many ways. For instance, with our TMS for trucking, the data can be used by dispatchers, customers, and drivers. However, freight visibility is only one of the shipment challenges truckers face today.
Here are some of the most common problems the trucking industry must deal with daily:
- Fuel cost increases and surcharges.
- Changes in HOS regulations.
- Problems such as bad weather, traffic, highway conditions.
- Demanding customers who expect on-time deliveries without damages.
- Economic issues that result in stricter compliance laws, increased regulations, and decreased demand for products.
Of course, other challenges will arise that aren’t listed here. Being a trucker involves more than safe driving and a willingness to work long hours. Each day can bring unexpected obstacles that can completely derail their careful planning.
At TruckingOffice, we recognize those challenges. So, we designed a TMS system to help drivers and fleet managers solve or prevent as many problems as possible. If you’re not using a TMS or are ready to upgrade, click on the free trial link below to learn how TruckingOffice can streamline your entire operation. If you’re organized and in control of your business, unexpected challenges won’t seem quite so formidable.
Finding the Best Solution for Your Trucking Management Needs
Today’s truckers face unique challenges due to increased customer expectations, shifting market conditions, and stricter regulations. They need a reliable solution.
Our comprehensive TMS package provides the solution truckers need. It helps motor carriers run an efficient and successful business. Here’s what our TMS can do:
- Calculates driver pay.
- Shows all shipping information at a glance.
- Helps you find, edit, or add customer data.
- Tracks fuel expenditures by state.
- Calculates mileage using PC*Miler.
- Creates detailed, accurate invoices.
- Maintains records for IFTA reporting.
- Sorts and tracks expenses by category.
- Ensures DOT-compliant records.
- Tracks vehicle maintenance and sends preventative maintenance alerts.
Also, real-time data is available with only a few clicks and presented in an easy to understand format. Another benefit of our system is that all your information is secure. Plus, you can access it anytime and may allow as many users as you need to have access as well.
A Visibility Solution Designed by Truckers for Truckers
Imagine being completely organized, knowing where your shipments are at any given time. Wouldn’t you enjoy having more time for other tasks? You’ll enjoy these benefits and more with our system.
We realize it’s hard to believe everything you read. That’s why we want you to try TruckingOffice firsthand. Sign up for this no-obligation free trial. Explore the many features of our TMS. It was created by truckers who know what you need to run a profitable business. You’ll discover that you’ve been doing things the hard way for far too long.
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