Do you remember the days when freight forwarding was making you tired? What about digital freight marketplaces? Before then, we had endless phone calls, for rates and everything in management. We also did not have shipment visibility. But good news, those dark ages are over. Nowadays, we can enjoy revolution of digital freight marketplaces. This new central marketplace makes shipment and carriage process a lot simpler.
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Because both parties of a shipment process are in the same network and it is as simple as finding a service for your home remedies for example. And this online process applies from the initial bid for shipment to the final delivery.
Instead of all emails and phone calls you may handle by yourself, the platforms put the shippers and carriers in direct contact with each other. Convenience is a good part of this system but benefits of digital freight marketplaces are more complex than giving convenience.
NO more ındıvıdual network but new central Hubs
Previously, freight forwarders managed transportation arrangements through a network of partners. It was basically a web of human coordination. And of course, emails and phone conversations. This approach was tiring and people made manual mistakes in documents. But it worked well by bringing all participants together on a single and easily navigable platform. Now, digital freight markets serve as a central hub and they are definitely simplifying this freight forwarders network.
What is online freight marketplace?
Online freight marketplace is a pretty cool concept! Basically, it’s a digital platform that connects shippers with carriers. Carriers are such as the trucking companies and freight forwarders. Shippers here are companies or individuals who need to move goods from one place to another.
It works kind of like an online marketplace or “Uber for freight”. Here the shippers can post their shipping needs and the carriers can bid on those jobs. The platform handles all the logistics and paperwork. So it makes the whole process of booking freight a lot more streamlined and efficient.
The main benefits are accessing to a wider pool of carriers to choose from. And this system allows carriers to optimize their truck loads and routes. Everyone can see real-time pricing and availability at any time. So we can surely say that digital freight marketplace cuts down a lot of negotiations that used to happen.
what is a freight marketplace ?
Online marketplaces we mention allow have cool features like tracking shipments. Managing payments and even things like insurance and financing options. It’s really modernizing an industry that was historically old.
The top online freight marketplaces out there right now are companies with big network. They are essentially acting as the middleman. And basically they are helping to connect the dots between shippers and carriers. It’s a pretty neat concept if you think about it. Because we are using technology to make the whole freight and logistics space more smooth and transparent.
Supercharge Your Efficiency with digital freight marketplaces
One of the most exciting aspects of digital freight marketplaces is the dramatic boost in efficiency. The days of making non stop calls and waiting for quotations are long gone.. With only a few clicks, shippers can book shipments in advance. These online freight platforms are super handy because they let you easily compare prices and rates from all different kinds of transportation companies. And you can even track your shipments in real-time. And this option takes a ton of work off the plate of both the shippers and the carriers.
Slashing Costs Through Transparency
Cost savings are a huge advantage too. The online marketplaces create this really transparent environment where the carriers are basically competing for the shippers’ business. That competition drives down the shipping rates. Because the shippers can easily compare prices and find the best deal.
See It All, Every Step of the Way
These days you can track your shipments in real-time without problem. The shippers can easily keep an eye on where their goods are. It’s just a way smoother and less stressful experience for everyone.
Carriers Rejoice: Optimized Fleets and More Revenue
Digital freight marketplaces are revolutionary for carriers if we compare the old days. We are giving them access to a larger shipper pool. And these platforms enable carries in different ways. They also enhance fleet utilization by filling vacant backhauls. This option indeed lowers fuel consumption and emissions. And luckily it saves deadhead miles, boosts income of each party and improves the sustainability of the logistical environment.
Simplify the Paper Chase
So, keeping track of paperwork and regulations may be a logistical headache. But automation creates digital possibilities for necessary papers like bills of lading, customs paperwork and invoicing. Digital freight marketplaces save the day. This reduces mistakes and guarantees regulatory compliance and saves time.
Flexible Work Environment
Basically, these digital freight platforms are super useful for both sides. Like looking for a gig or handy man in a portal, you can look for ideal carriers and also companies. Companies can sell their products in this network while they can also find shipment companies.
The Future of Logistics is Digital
Digital freight markets are here to stay. Because they provide unmatched visibility, savings and efficacy. These systems represent the way forward for a more seamless and effective shipping experience for all users. So, we offer you to give up on old techniques. It’s time to digitalize logistics operations and obtain advantage. A good supply chain is ultimately results in happy shippers and happy carriers!
Adhar Dhaval is experienced portfolio, program and project leader with demonstrated leadership in all phases of sales and service delivery of diverse technology solutions. He is a speaker sharing advice and industry perspective on emerging best practices in project leadership, program management, leadership and strategy. He is working for the Chair Leadership Co.
