Intermodal Shipping Explained: Moving Long-Haul Freight
Managing a modern supply chain means utilizing or at the very least, interacting with, a variety of software platforms. The most popular pieces of software that logistics professionals deploy on a regular basis are Freight Management Systems (FMS).
The tasks that freight management systems are generally used for improving include:
- Finding new carrier partners
- Real-time tracking of freight
- Finding the best quotes for any given haul
These platforms help carriers, distributors, and warehouses alike. More specifically, these tools are of most use when being implemented under the direction of an experienced 3PL.
In this blog post, we are going to explain the inner workings of the modern FMS and how it helps shippers of all sizes supercharge their supply chain!
How does Freight Management Software Work?
Most logistics software solutions mainly focus on consumer-centric platforms. They are generally easy to customize for a specific business type, size, and shipping volume. An FMS is one of these custom-configured logistics programs.
In fact, it is one of the more prominent platforms that most shippers have used a time or two. You'll find this software suitable and particularly valuable for its ability to schedule carriers for various shipping modes. You can:
- Schedule daily ground or overnight express shipments
- Create dedicated weekly freight pickups
- Estimate potential shipping charges
Furthermore, modern FMS solutions live in the cloud. This added level of flexibility allows for an easy to access dashboard and an added layer of security from things like system crashes and power outages.
From any device, you can rate, schedule, and track all shipments from a single, customized dashboard. Today's FMS gives you access to multiple, easy-to-configure applications that simplify and streamline your process of moving freight across the globe.
Cost Comparison
The first step involved in any freight shipment is collecting relevant data. The customer's address, delivery window, and type of freight are important elements of every shipment. These pieces of data help you locate and match the perfect carrier for each haul.
However, the most important set of data to consider is the cost of actually shipping the freight.
Luckily, freight management systems offer you the flexibility to rate and estimate all shipping charges based on specific shipment criteria. Customized profiles for individual customers, carriers, or freight shipment classifications further improves the overall process.
Scheduling Freight Movement
After you have all the shipping details planned out, an updated FMS makes the hiring process a breeze.
You can:
- Organize carriers that meet your requirements
- Compare service level commitments
- View shipping rates
- Review the carrier's performance
All from a single screen!
Once you determine the perfect carrier, one simple click of the mouse books the shipment. The pickup and delivery information can be distributed to multiple parties including the customer, carrier, or 3PL.
Shipping Notifications and Tracking
The ability to send up to the minute notifications via email, desktop alert, or text messages provides the experience that your customers expect. Most freight management systems feature automated tracking and notification tools.
After all, providing your customers peace of mind is always your top priority.
One thing that is quickly becoming the standard is push notification tools.
Final Thoughts
A good resource for you to learn more about modern freight management systems is a knowledgeable 3PL.
Redwood Logistics is at the forefront of logistics and supply chain software solutions that power many of today's largest shipping companies. However, we understand that businesses of all sizes can benefit from the right freight management system. Whether you're shipping a few pallets a week or managing a complex, multi-modal supply chain, our team can help you identify the tools and strategies that will streamline your operations, reduce costs, and improve visibility. If you're ready to take your freight management to the next level, contact Redwood Logistics today to learn how our expertise and technology can transform your shipping process.
FAQs
What is a freight management system?
A freight management system is logistics software that helps shippers rate, schedule, track, and manage freight shipments from one dashboard. Modern freight management systems are often delivered as cloud-based SaaS platforms, which makes them easier to access and more flexible to use across devices. They are commonly used to find carrier partners, compare quotes, and support real-time shipment visibility.
How does freight management software work?
Freight management software works by collecting shipment details such as the customer address, delivery window, and freight type, then using that data to match carriers, estimate charges, and manage the shipment. Users can rate, schedule, and track freight from a customized dashboard. Because many systems live in the cloud, they can be accessed from any device.
What can you do with a freight management system?
A freight management system can help you schedule daily ground or overnight express shipments, set up weekly freight pickups, estimate shipping charges, and compare carriers. It also supports booking shipments once you choose a carrier and distributing pickup and delivery details to customers, carriers, or a 3PL. That makes it a practical tool for day-to-day freight execution.
How do freight management systems help with shipping costs?
Freight management systems help with shipping costs by letting you rate and estimate charges based on specific shipment criteria. The most important inputs are shipment data such as address, delivery window, freight type, and custom profiles for customers, carriers, or shipment classifications. That makes it easier to compare cost options before booking a load.
How do freight management systems improve carrier selection?
Freight management systems improve carrier selection by letting you organize carriers that meet your requirements, compare service commitments, view shipping rates, and review carrier performance from one screen. Once you identify the best fit, the shipment can be booked with a single click. This shortens the time it takes to evaluate options and move freight.
Why are cloud-based freight management systems important?
Cloud-based freight management systems are important because they provide easy access from any device and add resilience if a local system crashes or loses power. They also support a single dashboard for rating, scheduling, and tracking shipments. For shippers managing multiple moves, that combination of access and continuity can simplify daily operations.
What role does a 3PL play in using freight management systems?
A knowledgeable 3PL can help implement and direct freight management systems so they are used effectively. The article notes that these tools are of most use when implemented under the direction of an experienced 3PL, because the 3PL can help align carrier selection, scheduling, tracking, and shipment workflows with broader supply chain needs.
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