The trucking and logistics industry has been slow to change and adapt to new technologies. In a business where time is money, every second counts. That’s why many freight management companies are beginning to adopt new technologies to streamline their operations and make work easier for everyone involved.
Some of the most popular technologies being used in freight management include GPS tracking, electronic logging devices, and automated dispatch software.
GPS Tracking
GPS tracking is one of the most important tools for any freight management company. This allows managers to know exactly where their trucks are at all times and plan accordingly. It also helps with things like load balancing and route optimization. In the event of an accident or breakdown, GPS tracking can be used to locate the nearest repair facility or send help to the stranded driver.
Other than helping businesses and companies track down their trucks, it also helps them keep consumers informed. Consumers can track the progress of their shipments in real time, giving them a better idea of when to expect delivery. This will give greater ease and convenience to customers and make the freight management process smoother.
Electronic Logging Devices
Another technology that is becoming increasingly popular in freight management is electronic logging devices (ELDs). ELDs are devices that automatically track a truck’s hours of service (HOS). This data is then transmitted to a central repository where it can be accessed by dispatchers and other managers. This helps ensure drivers are not exceeding their HOS limits and keeps everyone up-to-date on their location.
There are several advantages to using such electronic logging devices, however, there are some cons too. The most important is cost, as the initial setup and ongoing maintenance, can be expensive for smaller companies. Additionally, drivers may not be comfortable with the added oversight of their hours behind the wheel and could feel too monitored.
Automated Dispatch Software
Last but not least is automated dispatch software. This type of software takes care of a lot of the tedious tasks that dispatcher’s traditionally handling manually. This includes things like creating load boards, matching loads with trucks, and sending out notifications when a load has been accepted or rejected. Automated dispatch software makes it easy for dispatchers to keep track of everything that’s going on without getting overwhelmed.
The Bottom Line
As technology continues to evolve, freight management companies need to embrace the changes if they want to remain competitive. Adopting new technologies can help make work easier for everyone involved, from drivers and dispatchers to customers and managers. By utilizing GPS tracking, electronic logging devices, and automated dispatch software, freight management companies can save time and money while providing a better customer experience. In the end, everyone benefits . So, don’t be afraid to take the plunge and start using new technologies in your freight management operations. It could make all the difference.
