April 15th, 2021
Logistically TMS makes document sharing as easy as 1, 2, 3
Shipment documentation is critical to the success of the shipment itself. Without it, carrier invoices don’t get paid, brokers don’t get paid by their shippers, and customers don’t receive their freight. This documentation is so crucial, that there are entire technology solutions dedicated solely to electronic transmission, and many of those solutions have become a huge part of daily carrier and customer interactions. When COVID struck in early 2020, the trucking industry was changed forever; pushing document sharing solutions from an option to a necessity.
Although the preference has changed for many, that doesn’t mean document image sharing solutions are always easily accessible. In fact, for many smaller businesses, the cost for some of these solutions can be prohibitive. Another problem is that many of these solutions are standalone, meaning significant effort is required to integrate them with your existing TMS. On the carrier side, this can mean another app needs to be installed on a driver’s phone so that images can be captured and shared (hopefully they don’t have any issues learning how to run another app).
Despite the challenges with some of these solutions, the acceptance of these new trends has grown significantly as the world continues to evolve the way it operates. With less resistance comes opportunities to enhance key processes – and when these tools are in place, everyone becomes more efficient. In the old days, Brokers, 3PLs, and Shippers had to wait for drivers to make their way back to a terminal or fax a document from their cab – now though, document sharing is much more streamlined. For many Brokers and 3PLs, the struggle comes down to risk. How does one increase collaboration between carriers and drivers without blowing their budget?
That’s where Logistically TMS comes in – Logistically includes a QR Code on key shipment documents so that drivers can easily upload images directly to the Broker or 3PL’s TMS right from the loading dock. Once that upload is complete, Logistically TMS users can easily access and review any images associated with that load in the system. This greatly reduces the time that Brokers, 3PLs, and Shippers spend waiting for documents, and increases visibility across the entire supply chain. Even better, there is no app required, so you don’t have to worry about asking your carriers to install anything. All they need is a smartphone with a connection to the internet.
Choosing a TMS with integrated carrier document uploads can simplify operations by putting more critical tools in one place. Why pay more for a separate service when it’s included in the system you’re already using? Not to mention, how easy it is to use. QR codes are everywhere now, and smartphone users have the ability to interact with them by simply pointing their camera at the code – this is a process that is simple, easy, and efficient. In addition, Brokers and 3PLs can fast-track the customer invoice process by setting Logistically TMS to automatically invoice a customer when a POD is uploaded – imagine not having to manually send an invoice to each of your customers.