Best Practices to Improve Truckload Service and Price

If there is one thing these recent years have shown us, many people take digital freight and truckload services for granted daily. The truth remains that the national economy depends on trucks and drivers and the global supply chain even to function. However, all of these shipments require time, money, person-hours, management, and services. Everything has to fall into perfect alignment for sustained growth and expansion, and here are some ways logistics service providers and freight brokers can improve their services and prices. 

1. Provide a Way for Carriers to View and Accept Loads Instantly

 One of the most significant advancements that have improved truckload services today is the continued acceptance of Digital Freight Matching (DFM) systems. DFM lets shippers directly and almost instantaneously find drivers with the capacity they need to fill orders. In addition, these digital platforms and dashboards allow for accessible communication with carriers who are available to transport freight. Real-time bids and proposals, up-to-date rate estimates, instantaneous freight matching, and accessible data make it easier to get and respond to bids and decide whether to accept or reject any proposal they receive.  

2. Automate Tendering Based on Preferred Carrier Networks and Clear Rulesets

Digital freight and automated truckload services make it easier for transportation companies to match shipper demand with carrier availability. Allowing for the establishment of optimized carrier networks remains instrumental to continued tendering efficiency. This transpires through the use of mobile and cloud-based technology apps and innovative data-driven databases. Those innovative tools allow managers to make the carrier-shipper match occur more efficiently and more rapidly. Such trends remain especially true in the spot freight market, but longer-term contractual tendering agreements can also benefit. 

3. Reduce Confusion by Enabling Push Notifications for Shipment Bidding, Booking, and Execution

With the ever-expanding reach of the global market and continued demand for fast and reliable shipping services, one of the most significant challenges facing carriers and shippers today is poor communication. Truckload services are essential, yet poor communication can lead to confusion and disruptions that have a tremendous ripple effect within the global supply chain. A staggering 70% of all freight transported in the U.S. annually is moved at least partly through the global trucking supply network, according to TruckingInfo.net. On top of that, these shipments have an estimated $671 billion value. Faster and easier communications, push notification, automatic tracking updates, and on-demand access make it easier to ensure customers get the services they want and need.

4. Integrate Systems to Streamline Data Sharing and Communications

The ability to view capacity options coupled with the freedom to say yes or no to loads as desired helps carriers manage capacity levels to keep trucks and drivers going at total capacity. According to Supply Chain 24/7, nearly 97% of carriers have 20 or fewer trucks in operation at any given time. And almost all of those have six or fewer trucks in total. Operating with an integrated system that takes advantage of advanced data sharing and streaming and innovation and automation can significantly impact even a small fleet and logistics team. At the heart of successful truckload services is the ability to share data, communicate, and collaborate anytime and anywhere.

5. Collect and Analyze Data to Tender Shipments at Competitive Rates

Finding preferred carrier networks and knowing right from the start the terms associated with a load makes automated tendering a valuable tool for truckload service providers today. Maintaining the competitive edge regarding shipping services and rates relies heavily on data collaboration and application. With real-time data on hand and robust analytics providing a guideline for market trends, it becomes easier to offer competitive rates. Collecting, analyzing, and applying data, tendering shipments, securing freight contracts, and maximizing rates become much easier and more streamlined. 

Connect Your Full Network with the Right Software and Systems for Truckload Services

Experts in the transportation and shipping industry expect the momentum around digital freight matching and improved truckload shipping services to continue for the foreseeable future. As more shippers and freight brokers integrate digital technology into their supply chains, the move toward innovation and automation will also continue to grow. As a result, the entire transportation network will improve its efficiency and productivity. Connect with the right software platform, and implement these best practices to reap the full benefits of modern trucking. Request a newtrul demo to find out what to do next.