Transportation Management Archives - 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.

9 Tips for Continuous Transportation Optimization

mzugovic — Tue, 16 May 2023 05:00:00 +0000

The goals of transportation optimization should include the reduction of costs and creation of greater operational efficiencies, all while increasing customer satisfaction. Not a small task, and one that requires constant analysis and monitoring. But luckily, you're not alone. Trusted third-party logistics (3PL) providers like GlobalTranz offer managed transportation services, along with expert support and guidance, to assist you in optimizing your transportation strategy.

9 Tips for Logistics and Transportation Optimization

Businesses can maximize value by identifying opportunities across all aspects of their shipping operations - read on to discover nine tactics to help you achieve logistics and transportation optimization.

1. Routinely evaluate your shipping strategy and use KPIs to measure logistics performance.

How do you know if your logistics and transportation optimization efforts are working if you don't track them? Analyze your shipping strategy regularly — keeping in mind any recent changes — and utilize key performance indicators (KPIs) to identify the shifts that are working and which parts of your operation require additional attention.

2. Consider alternative modes, like rail instead of air, to save on costs when possible.

It may even benefit you to consider different services within the same mode, like booking a cargo plane rather than a charter plane. This may require some additional planning, since more affordable modes often have longer transit times. Make sure to keep your shipping schedule up-to-date and work with a 3PL to ensure your shipments will all make it to their destinations on time and on budget while also managing freight costs.

3. Use a TMS to compare rates, coordinate shipments, automate processes and gather data all in one convenient location.

When looking to optimize your transportation services, you'll undoubtedly want to execute all of your daily tasks on one platform. Luckily, that ability is exactly what a reputable TMS can provide! Talk to your managed transportation provider or 3PL about whether their TMS will allow you to search for carriers, track shipments, provide one comprehensive billing statement and more, all with a single login.

4. Regularly assess carriers for dependability, preferred services and comparable rates.

It's no secret that rates constantly change. With inflation on the rise and shipping conditions that shift daily, it's important that you continuously monitor your preferred carrier's rates and reviews. Mind you, constantly monitoring carrier's performance and rates is a big job. Partner with a 3PL that offers managed transportation services, as GlobalTranz does, and let them do the heavy lifting!

5. Use alternative solutions like freight pooling and aggregate shipping to save on costs.

One tried-and-true way to save on shipping costs that many managed transportation providers suggest is to consolidate shipments wherever possible. Shipment consolidation solutions, like freight pooling and aggregate shipping, are options where multiple LTL orders are combined so that the truck's capacity is maximized. Some alternative solutions like these may require extra time, so plan ahead.

6. Alternate between FTL and LTL freight.

Did you know that you can save money by customizing the shipping services you use? It's true — you can use less-than-truckload (LTL) for greater cost savings on smaller loads, and full truckload (FTL) for specialized equipment, extra attention for shipments and to meet urgent delivery needs.

7. Track shipments and optimize routes in real time to avoid traffic, weather disruptions and construction.

Weather and road conditions are unpredictable, so staying informed will help you make the best choices for your shipments in a timely manner. Work with a 3PL that offers solutions with real-time tracking to help you avoid potential hazards.

8. Find backhaul opportunities to save on costs.

Backhaul trucking occurs when, after a driver delivers goods from point A to point B, they then return to point A with a new load of goods. This helps both shippers and carriers save as it eliminates a good portion of the driver's empty truck miles and capitalizes on the number of miles driven.

9. Consider a multi-warehouse approach to reduce supply chain transit time and save on shipping costs.

A multi-warehouse approach helps you spread your goods out over a broader geographical area, which subsequently helps cut shipping costs. For example, a shipment stored in Colorado will cost less to ship to Utah than if it was stored in Florida. Don't have the budget to open multiple warehouses? Many 3PLs, like GlobalTranz, offer customized transportation services that include warehousing solutions, making it easier for you to save.

Industry-Leading Managed Transportation Solutions from GlobalTranz

If your transportation operations need some TLC, you're not alone. Partner with a trusted 3PL like GlobalTranz to gain access to top freight solutions, expert support, and innovative technologies that will help you optimize your shipping and logistics. Reach out today to learn more about how we can help maximize your efforts.

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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.

Simplify Your Logistics With Our Shipping Technology

James Greenlaw — Fri, 16 Dec 2022 19:28:26 +0000

In the shipping industry, a truck, airplane or train might be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about the movement of products. Those modes of transport are essential, but they accomplish little today without the use and implementation of shipping technology.

Platforms like a transportation management system (TMS), warehouse management system and e-commerce shipping software allow you to make informed decisions and seamlessly make transactions for greater profitability. 3pl technology solutions can also keep your customers happy and turn them into return customers.

But not all technology platforms are equal. Some are based upon antiquated logic and processes, leaving you to do a lot of guesswork that ends up negatively impacting your bottom line.

At GlobalTranz, we provide logistics technology solutions and follow technology trends that make your job easier. We have decades of shipping expertise and keep an eye on the future to help you remain competitive in an increasingly technology-driven world.

Transportation Management System

GlobalTranz has its own proprietary transportation management system (TMS). Our platforms provide end-to-end transportation management that enables a greater supply chain transparency than our competitors. Our transportation management system offers:

Immediate access to carriers — Select the appropriate carrier for your shipments at a cost that fits your budget. With more than 85,000 full truckload (FTL) carriers and 75+ less-than-truckload (LTL) carriers , we can help you find trucks with capacity, no matter what you're shipping.
Connection to multiple modes — From LTL and FTL to rail and air, GlobalTranz gives you maximum opportunities to choose the best method to ship your products at the speed and price you need — all through our TMS. You can choose a single transportation mode for your shipment or mix them for the best value.
Track-and-trace capabilities and notifications — Get real-time insight into your shipments and resolve any issues as soon as they happen. This allows you to communicate with your customer and plan for potential disruptions. Communication of this kind can help you develop trust with your customers.
Documentation management — Keep all of your online paperwork in one place — from freight quotes to bills of lading, invoices, claim information and shipping labels.
Claims management — Make filing and settling claims with carriers easy with our TMS software. All shipping data is in one place. Plus, you're given step-by-step filing instructions on claims and have access to our support staff to help with the process.
Analytics and business intelligence — Use data from your selections and transform them into a high-level dashboard you can use to discover insights and opportunities for greater efficiencies and cost-savings.

Warehouse Management System

The GlobalTranz warehouse management system (WMS) allows you to organize, control and optimize operations in your warehouses. A WMS helps reduce human error from manual data entry. They can also improve productivity, enable flexibility and reduce operating costs. Some functions of a WMS include:

Warehouse design — Organize products into a workable space with WMS data. This allows you to optimize inventory management and enable an efficient picking process.
Inventory tracking — A WMS provides insight that can help you make better decisions on the supply and demand of goods and allows you to forecast better inventory control — whether you work with a lean or agile system.
Picking and shipping — A WMS indicates where products are stored and updates the inventory count in real-time as activity occurs for greater productivity and accuracy.
Labor management — Get intelligence on inventory levels and order demands by using a sophisticated WMS. You can also plan for needed labor force, assign tasks and improve productivity.
Analytics — Utilize WMS data to make better decisions when balancing inventory levels and storage costs.

E-commerce Shipping Software

Using an application programming interface (API) with a TMS, WMS and order management system provides businesses with a single source of truth. This e-commerce shipping integration software helps companies ensure their online customers get the product they need when they need it. For you (the shipper), the logistics API integration gives you assurance that your shipping operations are running at an optimal level. Our transportation management software and warehouse management system integrates with leading e-commerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce and Magento, providing you with:

Seamless online shopping experience — Shipping costs are generated in your e-commerce cart so customers can see charges up front and complete their purchase.
Customers get several shipping methods — Customers get the option to choose freight rates and transit times based upon budget and deadlines.
Create administrative rules for greater control — Customize your customer experience by offering free shipping or the lowest priced carriers.

GlobalTranz Is a Leader In Providing Shipping & Logistics Technology Solutions

As a shipper, you have access to an enormous number of shipping and logistics solutions to help you face today's challenges. But not all solutions are created equal. That's why it's important to team up with a shipper partner, like GlobalTranz that you can trust for a full suite of proven transportation management services. That includes a TMS, a warehouse management system and e-commerce integration solution that can increase profitability and efficiency while keeping your customer happy. Get a quote to learn how we can help you stay competitive and profitable in the face of an ever-changing supply chain.

The post Simplify Your Logistics With Our Shipping Technology appeared first on GlobalTranz.

How to Avoid LTL Reclassification and Reweighs

Fri, 14 Oct 2022 14:08:57 +0000

How to Avoid LTL Reclassification and Reweighs

Freight class is one of the most complex concepts in shipping, but they're also one of the most important things to understand when it comes to saving on unexpected costs.

A shipments freight class, or shipping class, determines how much you'll pay for your less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments. Selecting the wrong one could have costly circumstances, so we've broken down five tips to help you select the right freight class code for your shipment and avoid costly freight reclassification.

Download Our Guide to Learn More

Avoiding Freight Reclassification

When calculating freight's shipping class, it's easy to miss a small detail or miscalculate a shipment's density, leading to expensive freight reclassification. That's why we have created our 5 Tips to Avoid LTL Reclassification and Reweighs guide.

Here, we include several pro tips to help you:

Take stock of what goods and packing materials are being shipped
Record accurate measurements to avoid choosing the wrong LTL freight class

Accurately weigh your freight shipment to avoid reweighs
Understand how pallet size impacts shipping class

Avoid LTL reclassification and reweighs with GlobalTranz, your freight shipping partner of choice!

Ready to start saving valuable time and money? Download our freight reclassification guide and learn how to avoid some of the most common mistakes made by shippers. If you are ready speak to an expert, reach out to a GlobalTranz expert today and let us help you avoid costly mistakes when determining freight's shipping class.

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Why Trust GlobalTranz With Your Transportation Management Services?

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 15:55:39 +0000

Why trust GlobalTranz with your transportation management services?

Transportation Management requires more than lining up carriers and tracking freight — it’s the process of building a lasting relationship, analyzing shipping data and continuously improving your company’s supply chain with custom solutions. That's why you need a shipping partner who is equipped to guide you through the entire process.

In our guide, 3 Reasons To Partner With GlobalTranz for Transportation Management, we discuss the many ways that GlobalTranz provides innovative solutions and support to help you ship smarter. With industry-leading expertise from our team of seasoned logistics professionals and an impressive array of data-driven technology and resources, we have an ideal managed transportation solution for all your needs.

Download Our Guide to Learn More

Your Logistics Management Partner

Learn how our logistics management services help businesses:

Gain visibility into all aspects of their supply chain and shipping processes to help them make an effective game plan for the future of their company.
Reduce freight costs by searching, quoting and booking LTL and FTL shipments with our network of more than 85,000 FTL and 75+ LTL carriers nationwide.

Increase efficiency by automating processes, discovering new opportunities and streamlining the way they manage logistics.
Control risk and rest easy knowing that GlobalTranz completes a comprehensive carrier qualification process, ensuring your freight is in good hands from point A to point B.

Maximize your business with transportation management solutions from GlobalTranz!

Find out how our customized transportation management services can boost your business.

The post Why Trust GlobalTranz With Your Transportation Management Services? appeared first on GlobalTranz.