Shipping can be a nightmare for businesses. Keeping track of rates with freight rate management software, booking shipments, managing deliveries with easy freight software, and ensuring visibility throughout the supply chain can be a time-consuming and frustrating process. That's where forwarding software comes in. It can help you manage everything in one place, saving you time and money.
But with so many best freight forwarding software options on the market, how do you choose the right one? Here's a simple guide to help you select the perfect freight forwarding software or Freight Rate Management System (FRMS) for your business needs.
1. Know Your Needs:
If you still don't know what are your needs from a FRMS then you should at least consider the following important factors:
i-Shipping Volume:
How many packages do you typically ship per day, week, or month? This will help you determine the size and scale of the FRMS you need. If you're a small business that ships a few packages a week, you may not need a feature-rich enterprise-level system. On the other hand, if you're a high-volume shipper, you'll need a robust system that can handle a large number of shipments efficiently.
ii-Shipping Destinations:
Where do you typically ship to? Do you primarily ship domestically, or do you frequently ship internationally? If you ship internationally, you'll need a FRMS that can handle the complexities of customs clearance and international shipping regulations.
iii-Goods Shipped:
The type of goods you ship can also impact your FRMS needs. For example, if you ship perishable goods, you'll need a system that can track temperature and ensure timely delivery. Or, if you ship fragile items, you may need a system that provides packaging recommendations and carrier options that specialize in handling fragile goods.
2. Must-Have Features:
The following are the some must have features of a perfect Freight Rate Management System:
i-Get Quotes & Book Fast:
Quickly compare prices from different carriers and book shipments with ease. No more spending hours calling around for quotes or manually entering shipment information. With a few clicks, you can compare rates from top carriers, select the best option for your needs, and book your shipment in minutes.
ii-Track Your Stuff:
Never wonder where your shipments are again. With real-time shipment tracking, you can see the exact location of your packages at all times, along with estimated arrival dates and alerts for any delays. This allows you to keep your customers informed about their deliveries and proactively address any potential issues.
iii-Save Money:
Don't overpay for shipping! A good FRMS can help you save money in a number of ways. First, by comparing rates from multiple carriers, you can ensure you're getting the best possible price for your shipment. Second, the software can help you identify and take advantage of shipping discounts and promotions offered by carriers. Finally, by automating tasks such as shipping label generation and paperwork processing, the software can help you save time and reduce labor costs.
iv-Paperless Work:
Ditch the paperwork! With a FRMS, you can create and submit all of your shipping documents electronically. This eliminates the need for manual data entry, reduces the risk of errors, and saves you time and money. Additionally, electronic documents are more secure and easier to track than paper documents.
3. The Bonus Features:
The following are the some bonus features which some good Freight Rate Management Systems offer:
i-Inventory Sync:
Streamline your workflow by connecting your shipping software to your inventory system. This allows you to automatically create shipments for new orders, eliminating the need for manual data entry. This can save you time and reduce errors.
ii-Customs Made Easy:
If you frequently ship internationally, look for software that can help you navigate the complexities of customs clearance. This could include features such as automated customs documentation, duty and tax calculation, and carrier compliance tools.
iii-Data Like a Boss:
Gain valuable insights into your shipping operations by tracking key performance indicators (KPIs). These metrics can help you identify areas for improvement, such as reducing shipping costs, optimizing delivery times, and improving customer satisfaction. Some common KPIs to track include shipping cost per package, on-time delivery rate, and average transit time.
iv-Growing Pains? No Problem:
As your business grows, your shipping needs will likely change. Choose a Freight Rate Management System (FRMS) or forwarding software that can scale with your business. Look for software that offers features such as multi-warehouse support, high-volume shipping capabilities, and integrations with other business systems. This will ensure that you have the tools you need to streamline your shipping operations as your business expands.
4. Always Keep it Simple:
Even for people who aren't tech experts, using the software should be a breeze. A user-friendly interface with clear menus and intuitive navigation is essential. Look for software that offers helpful features like:
i-Wizards and Templates:
Step-by-step wizards can guide users through complex tasks, such as booking international shipments or creating custom shipping profiles. Templates can save time by allowing users to pre-populate frequently used information, such as shipping addresses and product descriptions.
ii-Drag-and-Drop Functionality:
Drag-and-drop functionality can make it easy to add items to shipments, upload shipping documents, and rearrange information.
iii-Customizable Dashboards:
Users should be able to customize their dashboards to display the information that's most important to them. This could include things like upcoming shipments, tracking information, and key shipping metrics.
iv-Context-Sensitive Help:
Context-sensitive help can provide users with immediate assistance when they need it. For example, if a user is hovering over a particular button, a tooltip might appear that explains what the button does.
5. Integration is Key:
No software exists in a silo. Your Freight Rate Management System (FRMS) or forwarding software needs to integrate smoothly with your existing business systems to ensure a smooth and efficient workflow. This includes:
i-Accounting Software:
When you book a shipment, the software should automatically create entries in your accounting system for shipping costs. This eliminates the need for manual data entry, saving you time and reducing errors.
ii-Warehouse Management Systems (WMS):
If you use a warehouse management system to track inventory levels and fulfillment processes, your FRMS should integrate with it to streamline order fulfillment. For example, the software could automatically generate shipping labels once an order is picked and packed in the warehouse.
iii-Ecommerce Platforms:
If you sell products online, your FRMS should integrate with your ecommerce platform (like Shopify or Magento) to automatically pull order data and generate shipping labels. This eliminates the need to manually enter order information into the FRMS, saving you time and reducing errors.
iv-Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Systems:
Some FRMS integrate with CRM systems, allowing you to track customer shipment history and provide them with real-time delivery updates. This can improve customer satisfaction and loyalty.
6. Help When You Need It:
Reliable customer support is essential when choosing any software, and Freight Rate Management Systems (FRMS) and forwarding software are no exception. Here's why:
i-Training and Onboarding:
Even the most user-friendly software can have a learning curve. Good customer support should offer training materials, tutorials, or even live training sessions to help you get up and running quickly.
ii-Ongoing Updates:
The shipping industry is constantly evolving, with new regulations, carrier options, and technologies emerging all the time. A reputable vendor will provide regular software updates to ensure you have access to the latest features and functionality.
iii-Technical Issues:
No software is perfect, and even the most robust systems can encounter technical glitches from time to time. When problems arise, you need to know you can get help quickly and efficiently. Look for a vendor that offers multiple support channels, such as phone, email, live chat, and a knowledge base.
iv-Finding the Right Fit:
Customer support can also be a valuable resource for helping you determine if a particular FRMS or forwarding software program is the right fit for your business. A good customer support team will take the time to understand your specific needs and recommend features or functionalities that can help you achieve your shipping goals.
7. Try Before You Buy:
Investing in new software can be daunting. How do you know if a particular Freight Rate Management System (FRMS) or forwarding software is the right fit for your business? That's where free trials and demos come in. These allow you to test-drive the software and see how it works in your day-to-day operations.
i-Free Trials:
Many vendors offer free trials, typically lasting for a week or a month. This gives you a chance to explore the software's features, see if it's user-friendly, and get a feel for its functionalities. You can try out generating quotes, booking shipments, tracking deliveries, and using any other features that are important to you.
ii-Demos:
Demos are another great way to get to know the software. A vendor representative can walk you through the software's features and answer any questions you have. This is a good opportunity to see how the software integrates with your existing systems and discuss your specific shipping needs with the vendor by booking a demo.
By taking advantage of free trials and demos, you can make an informed decision about which Best Freight Forwarding Software is the best investment for your business. Don't be afraid to try out a few different options before making your final choice. After all, you want to find software that streamlines your shipping processes, saves you money, and helps your business run smoothly.
Conclusion:
So, choosing the perfect Freight Rate Management System (FRMS) or forwarding software doesn't have to be a daunting task. By understanding your business needs, prioritizing must-have features like easy freight software capabilities and maher terminal tracking, and considering bonus features that can further optimize your workflow, you can find a solution that streamlines your shipping processes.
Remember, user-friendly interfaces, seamless integrations with your existing business systems (like accounting software and ecommerce platforms), and reliable customer support are all crucial factors for a successful implementation. Don't hesitate to take advantage of free trials and demos to find the best freight forwarding software that delivers the functionalities you need to elevate your shipping game and propel your business forward.
The right shipping software can save you time, money, and headaches. By considering your needs and these simple tips, you can find the perfect tool to streamline your shipping operations and keep your business running smoothly.
