Secret to Successful Shipping: One-Stop Shop Technology

When supply chain disruptions occur, many logistics professionals scramble to adjust. Some turn to a multitude of technology providers to deliver services they think they need to adapt. However, many are learning what experienced Shippers and 3PLs already know – the best solution is planning ahead with a one-stop shop technology from a seasoned provider.

In episode 11 of Banyan Technology’s Tire Tracks™ podcast, 3PL Freight Partners Group Founder and CEO Tom Burke discusses where the future of logistics technology is headed and how one-stop-shop technology will make a big impact.

Future of Final Mile: Using Technology to Standardize B2B Same-Day Delivery

With 90% of the 26-foot box trucks registered in the U.S. independently owned and operated, it is often difficult for Shippers and 3PLs to find carriers that can compete with companies like Amazon or Walmart that offer cost-effective, sometimes even free, 2-day or 24-hour final mile delivery.

However, with the help of advances in technology, one provider is looking to improve final-mile efficiency by embracing the industry’s evolution to same-day delivery in the B2B space.

In episode 10 of Banyan Technology’s Tire Tracks podcast, Aaron Peck, Founder and CEO of Mothership, discusses how his company is using technology to standardize same-day delivery services.

“If you look at the supply chain today, you've noticed that a lot of things have sped up considerably. And I think we owe some gratitude to Amazon for forcing people who want to compete in this world to understand that overnight’s the thing now,” he said. “And not only is going to be 10 times faster, but it's also free.”

4 Simple Ways to Utilize Data to Improve Shipping Operations

Data visibility and transparency are a hot topic in the transportation industry these days and for good reason. From rating and booking, to dispatching, tracking, and invoicing, there are thousands of data points in the lifecycle of a shipment. While most Shippers and 3PLs know the data is out there and want to use it, many lack the resources or knowledge to put it to good use.

That’s why having a Transportation Management System (TMS) with seamless connections to your carriers, load boards, and other solutions in your tech stack is critical. A TMS creates a single source of truth for your shipping operations and enables you to harness the power of your shipment and carrier data.

So, while that all sounds great, some might wonder, what can you do with all that data?

To answer that question, here are 4 simple ways real-life Shippers and 3PLs are using data in their operations.

Opportunities for Freight Technology in Any Economy: Embracing AI

If the first five months of 2023 showed the freight industry anything, it was that freight technology companies without a strong foothold in their niche will be facing some tough decisions for the second half of 2023. Some industry tech companies have turned to a reduction of their workforce, while others have sunset their tech solutions altogether. According to FreightWaves, falling truckload costs and decreased demand for goods are some of the reasons behind these companies having to make some tough decisions as 2023 turns the corner towards the end of the year.

How to Adjust to Significant Changes in Parcel Shipping

Industry experts are saying that although space has freed up within the Big 3’s (FedEx, UPS and USPS) networks, shippers continue to diversify their parcel carrier mix. Increased capacity and more robust services from regional carriers are driving this trend.

According to Supply Chain Dive, FedEx and UPS enacted rate increases for 2023, and because alternatives in the parcel delivery sector have grown, there’s plenty of cost-effective capacity for Shippers and 3PLs to utilize.

The Reality of Customer Loyalty and Communication in Shipping

For Chris Jolly, consistent communication with shippers and carriers goes hand-in-hand with customer loyalty for brokers in the shipping industry. “You'll never get punished for doing the right thing,” he said.

In Episode 7 of Banyan’s Tire Tracks™ podcast, Jolly, broker and podcast host also known as The Freight Coach, discusses his blue-collar beginnings, being real about shipping in his podcast, and customer loyalty and communication.

Cutting Through the Noise: What to Look for in a Digital Shipping Solution

The unpredictability of the supply chain over the past few years has made technology a critical component in shipping operations. Some Shippers and 3PLs were quick to employ multiple solutions to adapt to changes and manage their freight. However, some of those solutions didn’t integrate with each other or failed to deliver the functionality needed to maintain efficient shipping operations.

As the economy tightens, these companies are looking to scale their technology to ensure they’re operating more efficiently. With so many options creating noise in the market, Shippers and 3PLs need the following features and functionality from their digital transportation management solution.

Technology Changes Carriers Must Leverage to Create a Better Customer Experience

Research-consulting firm Mastio & Company gathers feedback from Shippers to ensure that they get the best experience with their over-the-road shipping carriers. The data collected helps carriers improve their services to provide a better end-customer experience and a more loyal customer base.

In Episode 6 of Banyan Technology’s Tire Tracks™ podcast, Kevin Huntsman, President of Mastio, explains how Shippers can create a better carrier experience using data and technology.

“The shift for carriers is the migration to technology,” he said. “If you think about carriers 15-18 years ago, it's all by the gut. There was no technology. So, what they've done is they have leveraged this technology and utilized it in their business. And that's where companies like Banyan have been very successful in offering an incredible service to the industry.”

The Predicted Power Shift to Shippers and 3PLs

Recently, the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) released the 2023 Freight Outlook a Delicate Balancing Act for Shippers, 3PLs, Carriers outlining the path ahead. The annual report addresses expectations for the freight market in 2023 with technology being the biggest trend for moving the industry forward despite a weakened economy and lingering effects of an unstable supply chain.