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With customers expecting a speedy, efficient and transparent delivery service, there is an increasing amount of pressure on freight forwarders to ensure that deliveries arrive on time. There is no need to worry, though! If organising the documentation and shipment for your company’s transport contract starts to feel a little overwhelming, there’s an easy solution: technology. Why Use Technology? Although many Operation Managers prefer to supplement their transport contracts with friendly and personal customer service, technology can also go a long way in improving your relationship with your customers. In case you’re wondering how, here’s a quick rundown of all of its perks. Improving the Client’s Experience Over the past decade, an increasing number of freight forwarders have been securing transport contracts through online platforms. Technology has allowed them to work more efficiently with their customers and offer them a fast, high-quality service that is reasonable in price. Saving Time A web platform would allow you to develop online tools that make a client’s experience ever better. Rather than wasting time by emailing or phoning you, they can obtain a quote for a given shipment, order goods online or track a delivery via your freight forwarding platform. Easy and hassle-free. Simplifying Documentation Technology can even save you and your clients from having to fill in endless amounts of paperwork (just picture it: no more administrational headaches!). If clients submit their transport contracts and any other related document online, either through a portal or a cloud, it can save both of you a lot of time, money and hassle. You’ll be able to work collaboratively on these documents and edit them together without having to waste time printing and posting altered shipping orders. Transparency During Shipments It is no secret that deliveries can often fall behind schedule. While contributing factors such as bad weather and road congestion can’t be helped, you agree to deliver goods on time when you sign a transport contract. If a delay should occur, the client should be informed and receive a clear explanation as to why the shipment is late. By supplying them with this information, you can build a relationship that’s based on trust and confidence, which may lead to more transport contracts in the future. A Win-Win Situation While this technology may not ease your own workflow, you’re bound to improve your clients’ overall experience by improving the quality of the service that you offer... and everyone knows that a happy client is a returning client. Make the Most of Technology: Use an Online Exchange Using a freight exchange platform like Haulage Exchange could also help improve the way in which you manage your operations. Their real-time online hub allows all members to see when shipments arrive at port. Should a shipment arrive at an unscheduled time, the platform will then allocate the goods to a driver in the area. As soon as they are unloaded, the shipment will be collected and immediately forwarded to its final destination, avoiding any further delays. Author Plate Norman Dulwich is a Correspondent for Haulage Exchange, the leading online trade network for the road transport industry. Connecting logistics professionals across the UK and Europe through their website, Haulage Exchange provides services for matching drivers with transport contracts. Over 4,500 transport exchange businesses are networked together through their website, trading jobs and capacity in a safe 'wholesale' environment.
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