TMS Archives - GlobalTranz

Elevate Your Freight Shipping With TMS Shipping Technology

James Greenlaw — Fri, 12 Apr 2024 05:06:26 +0000

If your company leverages freight shipping as a key part of your logistics strategy, you know that it can be challenging to manage on a day-to-day basis. From trying to track down the best rates to tracking shipments and filing freight claims, it can sometimes be more than most businesses can handle.

Some companies manage to get by with spreadsheets, manual recordkeeping and a patchwork of platforms, but it can end up costing them in time, money and increased errors. If your freight shipping is becoming unwieldy and stressful, it may be time to consider a transportation management system (TMS).

A TMS shipping platform is a comprehensive software solution for managing freight shipments and is particularly helpful in reducing the complexity of less than truckload (LTL) and full truckload (FTL) shipping. A well-designed TMS can add significant value to your business operations in several ways. Here are just four of the reasons to leverage one:

TMS Shipping Benefit 1: Boost Efficiency

By reducing manual input and time spent tracking down information, you can optimize your shipping operations, freeing up your staff's time and energy for other parts of the business. With a freight TMS in place, you can:

Automate paperwork, including bills of lading and shipping labels.
Easily store your address book of frequent senders and receivers to quickly create freight shipments.
Save freight quotes so they're easy to access when you're ready to ship.
Quote and load tender across all modes of freight shipping.
Control tower planning and visibility for increased efficiency.
Real-time tracking and notifications for pickups and deliveries.

TMS Shipping Benefit 2: Get a 360-Degree View

Rather than having your logistics information scattered across databases, a freight TMS brings together many aspects of shipping, so you have increased visibility of your freight operations. With a TMS, you can:

Customize your tracking from a single portal so you get the information you need the way you need it.
Access shipment history with multiple carriers in one place and sort data by delivery status, shipping provider and more.
Explore origin and destination terminal information alongside carrier rates so you get a clear understanding of your freight's journey.

TMS Shipping Benefit 3: Boost Your Bottom Line

Freight shipping rates — along with availability — change frequently, and extra fees (aka accessorial charges) are a norm in the industry. That can make shipping costs hard to manage. Having a centralized source for exploring options can help identify savings opportunities and mitigate the extra charges you incur. A freight TMS enables you to:

Compare rates and transit times from multiple carriers more conveniently.
View rates that include insurance costs as well as carriers' general limits of liability for uninsured shipments, so you don't pay for more insurance than you need.
Review past invoices in detail so you can evaluate expenses and identify ways to lower freight shipping costs in the future.

TMS Shipping Benefit 4: Add Expertise With a 3PL

You have the option of using a standalone freight TMS or working with a third-party logistics (3PL) provider and using their system. While any high-quality TMS will add immense value to your operations, using one provided by a 3PL can yield even more benefits, including:

Built-in relationships. Developing a relationship with a carrier can help streamline operations and make sure you get priority treatment as a customer — something a standalone TMS can't do for you.
Expertise. 3PLs can provide valuable training, best practices and industry-specific knowledge, helping to ensure you're using a TMS efficiently and effectively from day one.
Additional cost savings. A 3PL's established relationships with carriers and transportation providers means they can help you negotiate pricing and often enjoy volume discounts typically reserved for large volume shippers. This translates into favorable rates for your shipping.
Simplified management and support. Implementing and managing a freight TMS requires technical expertise and resources. By using a TMS provided by a 3PL, you can reduce the burden on your IT department and upkeep for your internal team, allowing you to focus on your core business operations.

Ready to streamline your freight shipping with a leading freight TMS? Reach out to GlobalTranz!

GlobalTranz has more than 30 years of success in the logistics industry and helps thousands of shippers of all sizes move products with great efficiency. We are also part of WWEX Group, alongside GlobalTranz and Unishippers. Combined, these three companies make up one of the largest and most diverse 3PLs in the industry, providing shippers with top solutions and shipping technology that help them succeed. That includes a TMS shipping solution that makes shipping easier.

See how GlobalTranz can help you transform your freight shipping. If you are ready to talk, reach out for a free consultation today!

The post Elevate Your Freight Shipping With TMS Shipping Technology appeared first on GlobalTranz.

TMS Technology FAQ: What To Look for in a Transportation Management System

James Greenlaw — Tue, 26 Sep 2023 17:58:47 +0000

In the shipping world, transportation management systems (TMS) are ubiquitous. In fact, over the past decade, they have become an essential tool for companies looking for fast and efficient ways to manage their shipping and cut costs. Many shippers who utilize a TMS in shipping may wonder, however, if they're getting the most out of their technology and if there are new options on the market that can provide even greater shipping capabilities.

In this FAQ, we answer questions about the newest developments in TMS technology and explain how these features and capabilities can benefit shippers. We also analyze how to find a 3PL with the right level of technology so you can make informed decisions on how to protect your bottom line.

Why does my business need a transport management system that includes all the latest technology?

Innovative TMS technology uses historical data, artificial intelligence, machine learning and current trends to forecast shipping needs and accurately predict shipment time of arrival. It can also:

Collect and share data from thousands of carriers
Automate freight shipping processes
Manage inbound and outbound freight
Provide real-time shipment tracking and monitoring
Identify optimal routes to keep shipments on time

Not every TMS in shipping provides this level of data — which simply means you need to determine how important this information is to your business model. Just remember, an intuitive TMS — along with a leading 3PL — is a shipper's best friend and can help you utilize all this data in meaningful way to drive a competitive advantage for your business.

What technological changes have been made to TMS technology that will improve our supply chain and help us make better decisions?

A TMS is a shipper's hub of transportation activity and source of vital information that helps streamline operations. In fact, over the past couple of years, companies have begun to use advanced levels of shipping data to help them work smarter. Here are three functions you should be utilizing:

Data, artificial intelligence and machine learning — Makes supply chains more efficient and cost effective while enabling business intelligence for improved decision-making. This will also help with digitization and automation which make your operations more organized, accurate and efficient.
Predictive analytics —Uses historical data and current trends to learn the type of mode to use; whether using multiple modes would have better outcomes; how fast shipments can be delivered before it's no longer cost-effective; what route to take to avoid risks for time- or temperature-sensitive shipments and more.
Real-time tracking and tracing — Lets you plan inbound and outbound activities and enhance customer relationships by reassuring on-time pickup and delivery. These technologies also help you bypass carrier capacity issues by granting easier access to more carriers so you can compare prices and services.

What should I look for in an effective transportation management system?

A sophisticated TMS in shipping will help drive supply chain capabilities and improve operational efficiencies. Look for a TMS with the following:

Carrier contact management and performance visibility
Digital documentation and storage
Web portal dashboard capabilities
Data analytics and customized reporting
Invoice and audit management
Automated processes for billing, invoicing and booking shipments
Real-time tracking and tracing
Platform integration
Inbound and outbound transportation management
Artificial intelligence and machine-learning capabilities
Blockchain applications

How can artificial intelligence and machine-learning help my business?

Artificial intelligence and machine learning use historic and real-time data in the TMS to develop algorithms, predict events and identify issues in the supply chain. Shippers gain deep insights and use the information for smarter decision-making.

What's the advantage of cloud-based TMS technology?

Being connected to external systems through the cloud gives you access to freight shipping carriers, logistics solutions and tracking capabilities from any device with internet access. It activates transparency throughout your supply chain so you can streamline the flow of products and anticipate the arrival of inbound freight. It also enables real-time communication and collaboration among shippers, carriers, brokers and customers.

How can a TMS in shipping help drive down costs and bring value to my business?

TMS technology allows you to:

Compare costs among carriers who handle your type of freight shipping
See what other carriers charge shippers for the same freight lane
Find carriers with openings due to a cancellation when capacity is scarce or when you need an immediate turnaround for an unexpected shipment
Leverage route optimization to learn the best routes based on weather, road closures and traffic and to save on time and travel costs
Utilize real-time tracking for visibility into inbound and outbound movements so you can better manage dock activities and schedule employees with better precision

Want more information? Learn about 13 KPIs to Track With a Transportation Management System.

GlobalTranz Can Help You Leverage TMS Technology for Better Shipping Outcomes

For more than 30 years, GlobalTranz has been a leading full-service, technology-driven, third-party logistics solutions provider that helps businesses transform the way they manage their shipping. Our TMS empowers shippers to maximize productivity and streamline operations in one easy-to-use shipping platform. Our cloud-based interface allows shippers to rate and shop carriers across multiple modes, optimize routing, create shipping documents, track and tender, and manage the shipment lifecycle from creation through delivery.

We also provide companies of all sizes with transportation solutions including less-than-truckload and full truckload shipping, plus warehousing, management transportation, and supply chain optimization services.

Are you ready to learn more about GlobalTranz and our sophisticated transport management system and shipping industry expertise? Reach out for a free consultation today!

The post TMS Technology FAQ: What To Look for in a Transportation Management System appeared first on GlobalTranz.

The Value of a TMS for Multimodal Shipping

Annie Graupner — Thu, 06 Apr 2023 14:00:05 +0000

Regardless of how big (or small) your company is, cutting costs, improving delivery times and maintaining high customer satisfaction are bound to be at the top of your list of priorities. Luckily, working with a trusted third-party logistics (3PL) provider like GlobalTranz can help you to reach all these goals and more and allow you to focus on growing your business. And not only will a 3PL partner connect you with top carriers and support you throughout all your supply chain processes, but they should also provide access to a transportation management system (TMS) to facilitate your multimodal freight shipping.

What is a TMS?

A TMS, or transportation management system, is an operating platform that helps shippers and agents plan and manage shipments. While a good TMS will help you streamline and organize your shipping processes, a great TMS will help you improve transportation efficiency, control costs and grow your business by providing end-to-end supply chain visibility, critical business insights and helpful process automation.

Partnering with a 3PL that offers efficient TMS managed shipping will help you:

Gain control of your shipping costs and logistics operations
Quote and load tender across all shipping modes
View real-time statistics about your supply chain
Access top rates from a proven network of carriers
Manage all your logistics in one convenient location
Store and organize records and invoices on one platform
Automate your work flow and additional management processes

Benefits of Transportation Management for Multimodal Shipping

A TMS can help you manage your multimodal freight shipping in a variety of ways - like comparing rates, accessing centralized billing and gaining real-time insights into your supply chain.

Compare rates across all modes

When shipping multimodal freight, you've most likely done your research on affordable and effective transportation modes. But did you know that a 3PL can use their combined buying power to grant you access to top rates you may not have been able to get on your own? A TMS will allow you to instantly compare rates across all modes and carriers so you can make sure that you're getting the most bang for your buck.

Access Consolidation Benefits

It's no secret that multimodal shipping is a great way to save money, but it's also an effective way to cut down on cargo damage and highway congestion and increase energy savings.

Access centralized invoicing

Multimodal shipping involves the use of multiple carriers across two or more modes, all detailed in one bill of lading (BOL). Not only will a TMS help you accurately craft and safely store your BOL, but it also provides you access to one centralized document management page. This means that you can pay invoices and manage your books for all your carrier partners from one convenient TMS platform.

Get real-time reports and analytics

Perhaps one of the most helpful tools offered by a trusty TMS is the real-time reporting it can provide. Access to a business intelligence dashboard for actionable business efficiencies and insights will help you identify efficiencies and hurdles as they arise, and maximize your productivity. Add in scalable integration solutions and you've got the perfect recipe for taking your business to new heights.

Intermodal vs. Multimodal vs. Single Mode Shipping

Of course, full-featured TMS software can help with more than just your multimodal shipments. To determine which shipping methods are right for you, here's how a TMS can help you manage additional shipping modes:

Intermodal and Multimodal Shipping

Where multimodal shipping requires a single BOL that includes multiple carriers and modes, intermodal shipping requires a separate BOL for each mode utilized to transport a shipment. A TMS can help you keep these BOLs organized and provide you with one comprehensive invoice to help simplify your freight shipping experience.

Single Mode Shipping

Single mode shipping, on the other hand, involves only one shipping mode. These shipments are typically transported via trucks, as trucks are most often used for package pickup and delivery. A TMS can help you obtain quotes and book shipments for all your single-mode freight transportation needs.

Industry-leading 3PL Transportation Management from GlobalTranz

At GlobalTranz, we know that logistics strategy starts long before a package is picked up from your facility. That's why we offer best-in-class shipper support from a team of dedicated logistics professionals and a full suite of tools and resources, like GlobalTranz TMS. Whether simple or complex, supply chains should be transparent and easy to manage. With GlobalTranz, we take the guess work out of multimodal freight shipping and more, allowing you to focus on what really matters. Connect with an expert today to see how GlobalTranz can transform your company's logistics.

The post The Value of a TMS for Multimodal Shipping appeared first on GlobalTranz.

Why Accuracy Matters in Your Bill of Lading

mzugovic — Thu, 16 Mar 2023 05:00:00 +0000

When it comes to freight shipping, the Bill of Lading is one of the most important documents shippers use. However, making sure that it is both complete and accurate can get confusing. That's why we've addressed many common BOL-related questions below to help you feel comfortable and confident when booking your freight shipments. And, as always, GlobalTranz is here to help make sense of even the most complex shipments and help you focus on growing your business.

What is a Bill of Lading?

A Bill of Lading (BOL) is a legally binding document that details the value, measurements, quantities, and special considerations for a freight shipment. It is the most important document for freight shipments and provides the framework for all services, considerations and records for a shipment's delivery and beyond. It is vital that a BOL be both complete and accurate to ensure you have evidence of a contract of carriage, a receipt of goods, and a document of title for each of your freight shipments. A complete BOL should include:

Names and addresses for both the shipper and the receiver (consignee)
Purchase order or account numbers used between businesses
Special instructions or requirements required for delivery (e.g. expedited delivery)
Shipment pickup date
Number of units being shipped
Description of commodities including material type and common name, size of pallets and any additional identifiers
Description of freight packaging (e.g. pallets, skids, boxes, etc.)
Any important specifications for in-transit care (e.g. for refrigerated or hazardous commodities)
NMFC freight classification
Shipment weight and measured dimensions
Declared value of shipment

Are there different types of BOLs?

Yes! Depending on which shipping mode you're using and what details you and your consignee have agreed upon, you may need to use a specific type of BOL. Here are the most common:

Straight Bill of Lading

A Straight BOL is a non-negotiable document that identifies the consignee as the designated owner of the goods. This is the typical BOL form you will see when shipping freight.

To Order Bill of Lading

A To Order BOL is a negotiable document that shows that the shipment has not been paid for in advance, meaning the end-used has not been specified.

Blind Bill of Lading

A Blind BOL is needed when the shipper and/or consignee are kept confidential and are not included on the Bill of Lading. The driver is given a separate and complete BOL with full delivery instructions.

Ocean Bill of Lading (OBL)

OBLs are used for international shipping via ocean.

Airway Bill of Lading (AWB)

AWBs are used for air transport service, and may be used for domestic or international shipments.

ProBill

ProBills are used for ground transport service, also known as GTS.

What happens if my BOL is incorrect or incomplete?

A BOL with missing or incorrect information may cause inconvenient and costly issues, and may even cause your business harm. Make sure to double-check all your details to avoid negative outcomes, such as:

Delivery to the wrong address, or failed delivery attempts due to inaccurate drop off detail
Spoiled perishable goods from inadequate temperature control
Damaged goods from mishandling or improper care in transit
Loss of insurance coverage or limited liability
Criminal prosecution for improper management of dangerous or hazardous goods
Loss of customers due to dissatisfaction from damaged or incorrect goods

How are BOLs used in claims litigation?

A BOL is a legally binding agreement between a shipper and a consignee, so it can help in claims litigation as long as it has been completed properly. For example, when shipping commodities require special handling — think valuable and fragile items, perishables, dangerous and hazardous goods, etc. — the shipper should note the condition of the shipment at pickup on the BOL and have the driver sign as confirmation. This alleviates any question of whether the damage incurred was the fault of the shipper and places the burden of proof wholly on the carrier should a claim be submitted for damage or loss.

How can a 3PL help avoid mistakes on BOLs?

A reliable third-party logistics (3PL) provider can help you properly fill and file your BOLs in a variety of ways. At GlobalTranz, we offer a robust transportation management system (TMS) with autofill capabilities to help eliminate errors, and built-in file storage allows for easy safekeeping of all your important documents. Our innovative TMS technology can:

Use the data entered to create an electronic BOL
Autofill a BOL with frequently used data to minimize data entry errors
Calculate and include the correct classification and NMFC codes, decreasing the chance for reweigh or remeasure costs
Store BOLs for safe recordkeeping and claims documentation
Retrieve stored BOLs for easy printing or sharing

3PLs can also guide shippers on the proper way to complete a BOL that will help reduce surcharges and can answer shippers' questions on packaging requirements and best practices.

Save Time and Money on BOL Shipping with GlobalTranz

At GlobalTranz, we pride ourselves on our ability to provide best-in-class support and award-winning solutions for our network of shippers across the nation. From helping rate and book shipments to ensuring your BOLs are complete and accurate, we're here to help kick your business shipping up a notch. Request a quote today to learn how partnering with GlobalTranz can save you both time and money on all your shipping needs.

The post Why Accuracy Matters in Your Bill of Lading appeared first on GlobalTranz.

13 KPIs to Track With a Transportation Management System

mzugovic — Mon, 13 Mar 2023 13:00:16 +0000

Key performance indicators (KPIs) are assigned benchmarks for evaluating progress toward your company goals. For shippers, using your transportation management system (TMS) to establish and track KPIs is crucial to understanding the strengths and weaknesses of your shipping operations and optimizing for the future.

Deciding which KPIs to track can be difficult. That's why GlobalTranz, a leading third-party logistics (3PL) provider that offers a full suite of shipping solutions, has created a list of the most important TMS platform metrics you should be monitoring and detail why they are important to your company.

Freight Shipping KPIs To Analyze in Your TMS

Any effective transportation management system provides shippers with the information necessary to make informed decisions and determine the viability of current operations. Transportation management KPIs identify areas of system efficiency and uncover those that need improvement. Understanding KPIs can help shippers know exactly what changes need to be made to improve operations and decrease costs. The core KPIs to track include:

Freight cost for each unit shipped

This KPI is calculated by dividing the total costs for freight shipping by the number of units shipped during a defined time period. This metric is critical to understanding the average per-unit freight spend for your organization.

Outbound freight shipping costs compared to total sales

To determine this metric, shippers must divide outbound freight costs by net sales. This allows your company to differentiate between inbound and outbound freight costs.

Inbound freight shipping costs compared to purchases

Calculating this metric is nearly identical to the outbound freight costs mentioned above. However, in this case, you would divide inbound freight costs by net sales.

Transportation time

Transit time tracking can help you compare the expected shipping time and the actual delivery time for your shipments. This will allow you to make adjustments to your shipping strategies to ensure packages are delivered on time.

Claims versus freight costs

Dividing total loss due to freight shipping claims by overall freight costs helps measure safe delivery for each shipper and carrier. Higher numbers allude to opportunities for improvement, and lower numbers may validate current tactics.

Freight shipping billing accuracy

This KPI is computed by dividing accurate freight bills by the number of freight bills in the period. The goal of this metric is to help you understand whether and how often you are being charged too much for freight services.

Accessorial fees compared to total freight costs

Failure to track accessorial charges inhibits freight shipping management capability. Keep accessorial fees as close to zero as possible and create processes that offset these charges in the first place.

Percent trucking capacity use

Understanding how much capacity you utilize compared to available space on trucks can be determined by dividing the shipment weight by available shipping capacity. This gets tricky with more extensive, volume-based shipping, but it is possible. Bottom line, shippers should understand if utilizing more truck space would save them money.

Mode selection compared to optimal use

Mode selection is another tricky KPI. Focus on the shipments sent via optimal mode by total shipments sent. Obviously, shippers must know what the optimal shipping method is for each item, so it is best to evaluate the lowest-cost shipping mode over a set period of time.

Dwell time per shipment

This KPI measures wait and load times. This is important since you can be assessed dwell time fees by carriers. Extensive dwell time can also cause your shipments to be delayed. There are many ways to measure this, but shippers can simply create a benchmark and make note of the number of shipments above that number. This will give you a concrete data point indicating how often your shipments surpass acceptable dwell times.

Number of redeliveries

Carriers can assess a fee if they must attempt a delivery more than once. Measure the number of times your shipments were assessed a redelivery fee compared to the overall number of shipments to get a health check on the accuracy of your bill of lading (BOL) and other processes.

Damage in transport

Products that are damaged during transport may need to be replaced and redelivered — a compounding effect that will increase expenses. Determine how many products are damaged compared to overall shipments to identify the need for better packing procedures, new carriers or other solutions.

On-time deliveries

Determine what percentage of shipments are delivered on time compared to the overall number of shipments. This is an imperative metric. It will force you to analyze your entire freight shipping operation and your carrier and freight service selections.

Enhance Shipping Efficiency With Transportation Management System Data

Shipping efficiency relies on making the best decisions possible. A transportation management system enables that function. When done properly, KPIs established for your TMS shipping technology can help you make data-driven decisions, eliminate uncertainty by auditing system performance and determine further if operational efficiency is resulting in expected gains.

A Third-Party Logistics Provider Like GlobalTranz Can Help You Track Impactful KPIs

GlobalTranz is an industry-leading 3PL services company, providing best-in-class supply chain optimization, managed transportation (including LTL and FTL freight shipping) and shipping technology solutions to businesses of all sizes across the nation.

The GlobalTranz TMS software empowers shippers to maximize productivity and streamline operations in one easy-to-use shipping platform. Our cloud-based interface allows shippers to rate and shop carriers across multiple modes, optimize routing, create shipping documents, track and tender, and manage the shipment lifecycle from creation through delivery.

Our team of logistics experts will help you set up and analyze KPIs to work towards transportation optimization, save money, increase efficiency and stay ahead of logistics trends.

Are you ready to work with an industry-leading third-party logistics partner? Reach out for a consultation today!

The post 13 KPIs to Track With a Transportation Management System appeared first on GlobalTranz.