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The digital age and the birth of online businesses present immense new opportunities to entrepreneurs and business owners all over the world. The use of information technology has changed how we do business. Once upon a time, customers had to go to a physical store see what was available to make a purchase, and, in turn, the retailer had to order supplies from the manufacturer and maintain an inventory. With the help of the Internet, the consumer can research, find exactly what they’re looking for, and order items online directly from the producer, even from halfway across the world. The producer can dispatch the order for delivery directly from its factory or one of its warehouses. This new business model has opened up new opportunities for the transport industry with regards to haulage contracts. By removing the middle-men and redundant steps in the business cycle, companies can both cut costs and concentrate on producing the best product possible. Thus, more and more businesses have come to depend on outsourced haulage contracts to deliver their products to the customer, whether this be a large enterprise or a single end user. Information technology has done more than just change how business is conducted; it has also changed the transportation industry itself. From how haulage contracts are won and assigned to the everyday experiences of couriers, the digital age has become infused into every facet of the industry. Listed below are just some of the ways information technology has improved and streamlined the process of transporting goods. Real-time Tracking Anyone who has ever expected a delivery knows that there’s nothing as frustrating as not knowing where your goods are. With satellites and GPS technology, we can now track the shipment every step of the way, from the moment of pick up to delivery. Computer Navigation Again with GPS technology, navigating long and unfamiliar routes is now a breeze, giving them the confidence to pursue more opportunities. This technology maps down the best routes to take and provides an estimated travel time, allowing the driver to plan his trip accordingly. Some GPS services allow provide traffic and weather reports, which also help the driver avoid bad roads and traffic jams. Multimedia Communication One of the major drawbacks of being a courier or hauler used to be the long periods they spent away from their families. With multimedia communication technology such as email, SMS, and Skype, drivers can keep in constant contact with their loved ones. In turn, family members have peace of mind that the driver is safe and will soon be back home with them. Paperless Paperwork Paperwork is the bane of many jobs,haulage contracts included. Owner-drivers had to deal with job orders and delivery receipts, as well as keep track of mileage, fuel use and cost, toll fees, meal costs, and many others. This can be difficult under the best circumstances, but can be especially nightmarish in the road. Fortunately, with a tablet and the right software, you can keep all your information, including delivery schedules and orders, in one place and producing reports is a breeze. Many touchscreen tablets can also accept electronic signatures, completely doing away with the need for paper receipts. Norman Dulwich is a correspondent for Haulage Exchange, the world's largest neutral trading hub for haulage contracts in the express freight exchange industry. Over 2,500 transport exchange businesses are networked together through their website, trading jobs and capacity in a safe 'wholesale' environment.
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