August 28, 2024

Building Bridges: How TMS Enhances Shipper-Carrier Collaboration

Insights

Advanced technology has enabled effective collaboration in a highly dynamic supply chain. A robust transportation management system (TMS) fosters even stronger collaboration between shippers and carriers, ultimately leading to more efficient supply chain operations.

In a Dynamic Supply Chain, Collaboration is Key

Collaboration is vital in modern supply chains, with challenges such as increasing complexity, rising customer expectations, and requirements for real-time responsiveness.

“From socioeconomic volatility and rapid demand swings to seasonal supply chain disruptions and rising fuel costs, organizations are navigating more complexity than ever during day-to-day operations — making effective collaboration between shippers and carriers increasingly critical to success,” DAT Freight & Analytics said.

Poor communication and coordination can result in:

  • Delays
  • Increased costs.
  • Customer dissatisfaction — and potentially the loss of business.

The use of technology, specifically a TMS, can effectively bridge the gap between shippers and carriers and enhance collaboration.

“Logistics management software makes everything smoother and tackles big logistics challenges in this field. The need for quick, accurate, and efficient work in a tough market drives this change,” a report titled “9 Key Modern Logistics Challenges Demystified” said. “One big change is less delay in operations. This means they can plan the best routes, reduce travel time, and quickly fix supply chain issues. A survey by MHI and Deloitte found that 74% of supply chain experts plan to invest in tools to better manage inventory and networks, showing how important technology is in logistics.

“Tech also helps a lot with managing and understanding data. Logistics software with AI (artificial intelligence) and machine learning can look at lots of data to predict what customers need, keep the right amount of stock, and find problems before they happen. This smart approach improves efficiency and lowers costs.”

Owlery: Your Ally for Collaborative Shipping

Owlery’s mantra is that no one ships alone, and that’s why it is laser focused on collaboration. Those not using a TMS like Owlery’s may not yet realize the importance of effective collaboration.

Owlery’s flexible TMS platform was designed for users’ unique needs, providing exactly what they require for a faster, more reliable, and more cost-effective supply chain.

Owlery’s TMS software enables users to:

  • Monitor real-time market rates on lanes.
  • Set up contract rates and routing guides.
  • Benchmark pricing analyses for contract and spot freight.
  • Audit freight bills for duplicate charges.
  • Run expert RFPs.
  • Ensure accurate accessorial calculations.

Owlery’s mission is to improve collaboration in the logistics industry with its superior TMS, designed to foster better communication, transparency, and coordination between shippers and carriers.

Owlery is tailored for midmarket companies with complex, messy supply chains, helping them achieve visibility, control, and efficiency — and slash their logistics costs.

Utilizing Owlery’s TMS for collaboration:

  • Reduces errors.
  • Improves efficiency.
  • Builds stronger partnerships.
  • Results in better customer experiences.

Three Ways Owlery Enables Shipper-Carrier Collaboration

DAT said that “advanced technology is a critical component to the evolution of shipper-carrier relationships. By fusing AI-enabled connectivity between shippers and carriers, automation serves as a steady source of equilibrium within a highly volatile environment — offering a higher level of data-driven transparency to rate negotiations that helps improve trust and decision-making. From … TMS and real-time tracking/tracing to AI prescriptive analytics tools, a myriad of innovative solutions are empowering both shippers and carriers alike with the insights they need to not only establish strategic partnerships but maintain long-term value-based relationships.”

There are countless ways Owlery’s supply chain TMS is a must-have tool that enables better collaboration between shippers and carriers. Three crucial collaboration-building tools provided by Owlery enable real-time communication and visibility, automated processes and shared data, and customized reporting and analytics.

Real-Time Communication and Visibility

Real-time communication and visibility are particularly crucial in times of supply chain disruption. U.S. importers and exporters could face such a disruption this fall if the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) goes on strike at ports on the East and Gulf coasts. Fresh Plaza said supply chain recovery from just a one-week work stoppage could take a month or more.

Owlery’s TMS enables real-time communication and visibility throughout the entire shipment process – even during supply chain volatility.

Benefits from real-time communication and visibility include:

  • Improved coordination.
  • Fewer misunderstandings.
  • Quick response to make rapid adjustments to unexpected changes.

Automated Processes and Shared Data

Owlery’s TMS automates routine processes and facilitates the sharing of critical data between shippers and carriers.

Benefits from automated processes and shared data include:

  • Reduction in errors.
  • Assurance both parties have access to the same information.
  • Faster decision-making.

Customized Reporting and Analytics

Owlery’s TMS gives users the ability to create customized reports and analytics that are accessible to both shippers and carriers.

Benefits from customized reporting and analytics include:

  • Aligned strategies.
  • Optimized operations.
  • Improved performance.

Owlery’s TMS Boosts Shipper-Carrier Collaboration

Owlery is an end-to-end supply chain platform designed to handle every aspect of the shipper-carrier relationship from order to payment. Owlery’s TMS software seamlessly integrates with other systems to provide a comprehensive solution to automate and streamline logistics processes, ensuring accurate, timely, and cost-effective operations.

Owlery’s TMS features include:

  • Integrated quoting and tendering for any carrier and mode.
  • Centralized tracking data.
  • Configurable, real-time exceptions.
  • In-depth reporting and analyses.
  • Prebuilt shareable scorecards.
  • Centralized bills of lading and receipts.

Get started with Owlery.

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