Transparency and reliability are two of the most important qualities freight forwarding operations need to have in order for forwarders to meet the rising expectations of today’s marketplace and effectively manage a post-pandemic shipping environment. When the only thing that’s certain about the new supply chain norm is how uncertain we are about what lies ahead, it’s crucial to be able to differentiate your services and keep your customers satisfied.
This is why more and more forwarders are adopting online self-service freight management portals that offer customers and other users direct visibility and access to rates, shipment information, and important documentation. Given how many variations of these software platforms there are currently on the market, here are some of the top functions logistics professionals need to look out for to ensure they’ll get the most value out of these tech investments:
• Instant access to competitive contract rates
International shipping rates are always complex. Managing rates and keeping on top of surcharges and fees that are constantly changing is impossible without the right system to oversee it all. Search for an ocean freight management system that will deliver the competitive contract rate transparency you need, as well as the ability to create accurate quotes in real time.
• State-of-the-art customer relationship management services
You don’t want to waste your time on customer information that’s not current or accurate. This specific feature can help forwarders prioritize the right people by ensuring their data is up-to-date and automating most of their basic administrative processes. Since data entry no longer has to be so time-consuming, you can help your business avoid having to devote valuable company resources to more simple tasks, like sending follow-up emails or scheduling calls.
• Seamless API/EDI-enabled integration process
Some freight forwarding software may need additional support from third-party systems, which is why you should verify whether or not the technology can be easily integrated with other software. It’s critical that forwarders trust the reliability of their freight management systems because no one wants to be stuck with something that’s a nightmare to implement.
• Real-time tracking capabilities
It’s essential to know where your freight is and when it will arrive. Keep in mind that all freight management systems don’t have the same level of real-time tracking capabilities. For example, software with basic tracking functions may still require you to manually add and check freight information. More sophisticated software, however, can notify you and your customers of important updates without any effort on your part.
Investing a little into the right software for your freight forwarding company can go a long way. Don’t take too much time to debate over this decision, however, because you’ll only get left behind by the competition. Once you integrate a solution that’s capable of managing all of your forwarding needs, the ROI will follow soon after.
Click here to learn more about how leading software solutions like GAMA’s can help you enhance the customer experience by reducing errors, cutting costs, and increasing productivity.
